"Magical Erzgebirge (Ore Mountains)" Erzgebirge by german_eagle

Erzgebirge Travel Guide: 41 reviews and 114 photos

General Information

The Erzgebirge mountains are located in the south of Saxony, the main crest building the borderline to the Czech Republic. With a length of 130 km and a width of 40 km it is one of Germany's largest mid-range mountains.

The Erzgebirge is also called "mountains without peaks". A true statement. Since it is older than the Alps, environmental influences are the reason that peaks eroded and plains with deeps valleys remained. The plains rise from 350 m on the northern foot to 800 - 900 m near the main crest. The remains of the highest peaks reach more than 1000 m elevation: Klinovec 1244 m on the Czech side, Fichtelberg 1214 m on the German side.

Before the wall came down the Erzgebirge hardly suffered from toxic immissions from (mostly) the Czech coal power plants. Large parts of the main crest looked awfully with dead trees, almost like "ghost forests". The situation improved dramatically in 1990s. Immissions are surveyed now and you will rarely find dead forests.

Winter (Christmas in particular) wonderland!

Magic of winter

In spite of former problems with pollution the Erzgebirge is one of Germany's most beautiful mid-range moutains. Vast forests, deep and romantic valleys, cosy small towns and villages, plenty of sights and high snow reliability make it an excellent place for visits, especially in winter.

Christmas time is my favourite season for a visit. Erzgebirge is *THE* German Christmas County! Nowhere else you will find such a rich and long tradition of local Christmas customs. The Erzgebirge is famous for wood carved pieces like pyramids, nutcrackers, "Schwibbögen" and stuff. Countless "events" take place in December: Parades with Miners, evenings with singing and chatting (Hutzenabende) - and Christmas Markets. Although folks want for sure sell their products these Christmas Markets are by far less touristy and commercial than elsewhere.

The Erzgebirge is also an excellent place for sports activities, especially in winter. Hundreds of km of cross-country tracks are groomed, alpine skiing is possible in numerous places, but it is also great for hiking and biking in summer.

Castle Weesenstein

Saxony's richness in past century based in large parts on the ore mines in the Erzgebirge. The Zwinger in Dresden was built with money from Silver mines in Freiberg! Don't miss to see a mining museum when visiting the area.

Some of the money stayed in the Erzgebirge, of course. Castles and beautiful churches as well as town houses were built. You will have many choices!

Intro Updated Mar 14, 2004
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Reviews (25)

Schlettau with castle Off The Beaten Path (7)

Schlettau is a tiny town located only a few miles from Annaberg-Buchholz in the Upper Erzgebirge mountains. Founded in... more travel advice

Erzgebirgsbahn (railway station Flöha) - Erzgebirge

Erzgebirgsbahn Transportation (4)

The towns in the Erzgebirge mountains are linked by railways with cities at the foot of the mountains (Dresden,... more travel advice

salad (with winter vegetables!) - Erzgebirge

"Zum Schlossberg" Wolkenstein Restaurants (2)

This restaurant is to find in Wolkenstein, central Erzgebirge (see my off-the-beaten-path-tip). The dining room is quite... more travel advice

castle Scharfenstein Off The Beaten Path (7)

The Erzgebirge is home of many castles - and one of the most beautiful and interesting ones is castle Scharfenstein in... more travel advice

Things to Do (5)
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Favorites (1)
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Travelogues (5)

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Comments (22)

HORSCHECK Aug 29, 2009 at 4:18 AM Report Abuse

Ingo, excellent updates since my last visit of your page back in 2005. The lovely Erzgebirge is still on my must-visit list. Greetings from the rainy and sunny Sauerland.
Trekki Dec 17, 2008 at 12:02 PM Report Abuse

Oh wonderful :-)) Winter wonderland :-)) Skiing :-)) Hiking, snow angels :-) Sigh... I miss the snow here in my lousy area. And oh wow, Schwarzenberg's St. Georg is magnificent!!! evening smiles to the east :-))
bugulma Dec 15, 2008 at 12:38 AM Report Abuse

beautiful pics in the travelogues. I still hope to visit Dresden one day and to see these places around
Kathrin_E Dec 14, 2008 at 9:23 AM Report Abuse

Wow, I'm impressed!!! - Mail folgt später, muss jetzt erstmal Glühwein trinken gehen...
yumyum Apr 11, 2008 at 9:43 AM Report Abuse

Your page makes this far away area so appealing! Especially these winter pictures with sunshine.
hunterV Feb 2, 2008 at 11:59 AM Report Abuse

Ingo, that's very helpful, thanks! Interesting destination!
nepalgoods Oct 7, 2007 at 7:09 AM Report Abuse

What a lovely part of this world! Ideal to go there for Christmas.
nickandchris Sep 27, 2006 at 1:46 AM Report Abuse

What a great looking area. Interesting architecture as well as lovely scenery. Great photos.
cmthomas Sep 8, 2006 at 9:45 AM Report Abuse

Nice photos and informative tip. Thanks!
Mariajoy Dec 20, 2005 at 8:17 AM Report Abuse

Just came for a look at your Oberwiesenthal pics Ingo. I have been invited here and I am sooo tempted... your photos are fabulous!!