You can easily reach Sohland an der Spree by train or car – nestled in the rolling hills of Upper Lusatia with its traditional half-timbered houses.
Overnight stay in Sohland
A short ride on the Trilex (regional train) takes you to Neukirch (train fare to be paid individually on-site). The tour begins with the ascent to the Valtenberg – standing at 587 meters as the highest mountain in the Lusatian Highlands. For most of the day, you will be hiking along the German-Czech border. Many beautifully designed rest areas and hiking huts invite you to take a break. The tour ends either above Sohland at the Prinz-Friedrich-August-Baude or a few kilometers further into the village.
Overnight stay in Sohland
Passing the Sohland reservoir, the trail leads you to the Kälbersteine (487m). These striking granite rocks are a popular hiking destination and can also be climbed. They offer a beautiful view towards Bautzen. Continuing over the Pickaer Berg and past the Erntekranzbaude, the mountain trail leads you up the Bieleboh. This is either your stop for the night or at least a great place for a hearty break at the mountain inn. You will stay overnight directly on the Bieleboh or, alternatively, in the small village of Schönbach located further down.
Overnight stay in Bieleboh/Schönbach
The day begins with lush forests as you first hike to Neusalza-Spremberg, famous for its historic "Reiterhaus". Continuing over the Kuhberg and Fuchslöcherberg, the trail leads to the Kottmar, where you can visit a ski jump as well as one of the three sources of the River Spree. Finally, you descend into the village of Eibau, well-known for its traditional Eibauer dark beer. A visit to the Faktorenhof, which features a local history museum and a restaurant, is highly recommended.
Overnight stay in Eibau
Today, you transition from the Upper Lusatian Highlands into the Zittau Mountains. Along the way, the Großer Stein – a basalt cone of volcanic origin – offers one of the most beautiful viewpoints of the day. You can take a break in Spitzkunnersdorf, another village filled with typical Upper Lusatian "Umgebindehäuser" (traditional half-timbered houses). The Großschönauer Hutberg provides a great view of the former center of damask and linen weaving. You will continue a bit further along the mountain trail before branching off at Waltersdorf to reach your overnight hotel.
Overnight stay in Waltersdorf
The two highest mountains in the Zittau Mountains await your visit today: The day begins with the ascent to the Lausche. The observation tower opens up a magnificent view across the Zittau Mountains all the way to the Bohemian Basin and, on a clear day, even as far as the Giant Mountains (Riesengebirge). The trail continues to the impressive Nonnenfelsen and runs above the spa town of Jonsdorf towards Hain and the Hochwald. This mountain inn is the perfect place to stop for a well-deserved break. The descent is steep in some sections. Before long, the striking table mountain of Oybin rises ahead. If you wish, you can explore the grounds of the Oybin Castle and Monastery (entrance fee applies) – a magical place rich in history, surrounded by vertical rock faces and a mystical forest.
Overnight stay in Oybin
To conclude your mountain trail journey, you will walk to the Oybin Teufelsmühle train stop and from there up to the 582-meter-high Töpfer mountain – an ideal spot for a break with a view. Continuing through Hartau and along the River Neisse, you will finally reach Zittau's old town. Wind down your beautiful hiking trip with a stroll through the historic town center, a visit to one of the rustic taverns, or a performance at the famous Gerhart-Hauptmann-Theater.
Overnight stay in Zittau