The Ore Mountains

The Ore Mountains also offer a wealth of sporting activities in summer. The mountains along the German-Czech border are a true hiker's paradise, featuring a network of 5,000 kilometers of trails for ambitious hikers. On the Erzgebirge-Vogtland ridge trail or the 250-kilometer section of the European long-distance hiking trail E3, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

Cyclists will find plenty to enjoy in the Ore Mountains. A multitude of trails invite exploration of romantic river valleys and gentle hilly landscapes. Steep climbs challenge cyclists with good stamina, offering the opportunity to push their limits on the 162-kilometer "Stoneman-Miriquidi" circular route, which features a total elevation gain of 4,400 meters. Leisure cyclists, on the other hand, can rent an e-bike from one of the many rental stations in the region and explore the landscape at a relaxed pace.

The history of mining and railroads in the Ore Mountains is deeply intertwined and continues to shape the region to this day. From the 12th century onward, silver mining brought prosperity, and by the 16th century, the Ore Mountains had become the center of silver production in Europe. Later, tin and cobalt ores were also extracted, and mining continued to thrive. In the 19th century, railroads revolutionized the region: in 1852, the first line was opened between Chemnitz and Adorf, enabling the rapid transport of valuable ores.

This development spurred the growth of towns and fostered economic progress. The railroads also opened up the region to tourists eager to explore the picturesque landscapes of the Erzgebirge. Today, museums and visitor mines preserve this history, while historic railroad lines such as the Preßnitztalbahn and Fichtelbergbahn offer nostalgic rides. These journeys not only evoke the industrial past but also maintain a tangible connection to the region’s rich history.

Visitors to the Ore Mountains in winter will find ideal conditions for a variety of winter sports. The region features snow-sure ridges and extensive forests, offering numerous opportunities for both beginners and experienced athletes. Particularly noteworthy is the Fichtelberg slope, a certified FIS slalom slope that provides challenging runs for alpine skiers. Other attractive winter sports resorts, such as Holzhau, Rechenberg-Bienenmühle, Carlsfeld, Johanngeorgenstadt, and Eibenstock, boast well-groomed trails and pistes for cross-country skiers, snowboarders, and alpine skiers.