Fichtel Mountains

The Fichtel Mountains, whose largest part lies on Bavarian territory, belongs to the Thuringian-Franconian low mountain range, just like the Thuringian Forest, Thuringian Slate Mountains and Franconian Forest. The low mountain range is limited in the north by the Rehauer Forest and the Elster Mountains, in the northwest by the Franconian Forest and the Vogtland, in the southeast by the Upper Palatinate Forest and in the southwest by the Franconian Fracture Plain.

The nature is very versatile in the Fichtel Mountains: In the middle of the forests one meets bubbling springs and small lakes. Spectacular rock formations like the Luisenburg rock labyrinth are worth a visit. The high moors also tempt you to stay and in the wide valleys there are romantic castle ruins.

In the past, mining was an important source of income in the Fichtel Mountains. In the meantime, however, this is only of historical interest. What remains is the production of glass and porcelain, which can be admired in some places. In the meantime tourism is particularly important: In the summer mainly hikers come, in the winter the mountains offer a skiing area with several lifts and cross-country trails.