Top 20 Huts and Cabins in Erzgebirgskreis

In 1903, a mountain hut belonging to the Erzgebirge Association on the summit of Bärenstein formed the nucleus of today's guesthouse and hotel with an observation tower. Ten years later, the hut was expanded into a lodging house. After reunification, the mountain house, now run again as a family business, was reconstructed and reopened in 1992, and renovated again in 2021. The mountain hotel, located at an altitude of 898 meters, offers 22 rustic rooms and, as a special attraction, a 27-meter-high observation tower. On September 11, 1944, the tower was damaged during the air battle over the Ore Mountains ("Black Monday"). Bullet holes can still be seen in the spiral staircase.

The large peace bell on the Fichtelberg had to remain silent for six months in 2024. Stone throwing in May 2022 had so badly damaged the bell that its sound suffered. It was decided to stop ringing it and replace it with a new one. The old bell rang for the last time on Easter Monday 2024. Just in time for the mountain service on German Unity Day on October 3, the new bell was officially rung for the first time in the fall of 2024. The idea of using a peace bell to commemorate the peaceful revolution of 1989 in the GDR and German reunification in 1990 came from watchman Gerd Schlesinger and night watchman Jörg Eller from the Ore Mountains town of Schwarzenberg. The bell was also intended to be heard in neighboring Czechia and thus ring for a united Europe. The cast steel bell, already ninety years old at the time, was rung for the first time in 2010. The new bell was cast in Innsbruck by the Grassmayr company. At 2,700 kilograms, it is about 1,100 kilograms heavier than the old bell.

Worthwhile hike to the two dams Neunzehnhain 1 and 2

The Neunzehnhain Dam was built between 1911 and 1914 in the Bornwald near Pockau-Lengefeld in the Ore Mountains. It was put into operation shortly before the outbreak of the First World War. Due to the rapid industrialization of the Chemnitz area at the end of the 19th century and the enormous population growth of that time, water consumption rose rapidly. The Neunzehnhain Dam, which was only inaugurated in 1908, could no longer meet the water demand just three years later - and was therefore given a larger sister to accompany it.

At the foot of this path, which winds along the steep mountainside over uneven basalt steps, there is a memorial plaque commemorating the builder of this path and also showing him and his daughter in a photo.

Schlettau circular hiking trail »On the steps of Ottomar Zahm« The circular hiking trail leads from Schlettau to the nearby Scheibenberg. The ascent takes place via several steps made of basalt stones that Ottomahr Zahm created over 100 years ago. The hike leads centrally from Schlettau with good parking options towards Waltherdorf via the so-called Kirchsteig. From Walthersdorf it initially goes gradually uphill to the foot of the Scheibenberg. On the circular trail you can decide whether you want to tackle the summit or whether you want to take a leisurely hike around the Scheibenberg. The ascent via the so-called Ottomahr-Zahm-Steig is definitely recommended. A wonderful view and a shelter halfway invite you to do so. Once you have reached the top, you go back down the opposite side and over beautiful field paths and through the Schlettau city forest back to the starting point.

There is also a new, great hut to rest up here 👌.

☆ The oldest stone observation tower in the Ore Mountains. More information can be found at the tower.