Top 20 Gorges in Erzgebirgskreis

There are two ways - the small road to the right and a path to the left of the stream.

The valley is easy to cycle through and very romantic.

A circular hike with many attractive viewpoints through the idyllic, rocky Steinbach Valley in Johanngeorgenstadt, the town of the Schwibbogen (a candle arch). The Steinbach Valley lies north of the Johanngeorgenstadt districts of Steinbach and Neustadt. In terms of natural habitat, they lie in the eastern part of the Western Ore Mountains, whose eastern border is formed by the Schwarzwasser River. The Devil's Stones are located within the "Steinbach Valley Nature Trail." They can be reached via the "Steinbachweg" and "Schimmelgut" trails from Steinbach, the "Kanzelstein Circular Trail," or the "Graupnerweg" trail from Erlabrunn.

One of the most beautiful sections of the Stoneman Miriquidi Road: a quiet, flat stretch, hardly any traffic, and warm autumnal air. The alternating light and shade make the ride a pleasure—a section that simply stays with you.

what a beautiful landscape

The Devil's Wall is one of the most striking and impressive rock formations in the Upper Schwarzwasser Valley of the Ore Mountains, located in the Schwarzwassertal Nature Reserve south of Pobershau in Saxony. It is a popular destination for hikers and nature photographers. Geology and Formation The Devil's Wall is an excellent example of the geological composition of the Ore Mountains. It consists primarily of gneiss and migmatitic gneiss, formed millions of years ago by tectonic processes and metamorphism. The distinctive shape of the Devil's Wall is the result of erosion by the Schwarze Pockau River, which cut deep into the rock over long periods of time, thus exposing this steep, wall-like rock face. The varying weathering resistance of the rock layers also contributes to the rugged structure. Characteristics and Appearance The Devil's Wall presents itself as a long, steeply rising rock face that stretches along the river. Its name probably derives from its imposing, sometimes almost threatening appearance, reminiscent of a wall erected by supernatural forces. It is covered in mosses and lichens, giving it a mysterious atmosphere, especially in damp or foggy weather. Significance and Accessibility The Devil's Wall is not only a geological highlight, but also an important element of the natural beauty of the Schwarzwassertal Valley. It is a frequent subject in landscape photography in the region. Hikers can reach the Devil's Wall via various well-marked hiking trails in the Schwarzwassertal Nature Reserve. It is often visited as part of a longer tour through the valley, which also includes other rock formations such as the Nonnenfelsen (Nunn's Rock), the Vogeltoffelfelsen (Vogeltoffel Rock), and the Grüner Graben (Green Ditch). The path along the river continually offers new perspectives on this imposing rock face. Access to the rock formations themselves may be restricted for nature conservation and safety reasons, but the view from the hiking trail is always impressive. The Devil's Wall is a must-see for anyone who wants to experience the wild and pristine nature of the Ore Mountains.

The Schwarzwasser Valley is a particularly charming and unspoiled section of the Ore Mountains, stretching along the Schwarzwasser River. It is known for its idyllic landscape, deep forests, bizarre rock formations, and a tranquility that immediately captivates visitors. Nature and Landscape The valley is a paradise for nature lovers and hikers. The Schwarzwasser River has carved deep into the rock here, creating impressive cliffs and gorges. Particularly striking are the so-called Nun's Rocks near Cranzahl, a group of quartz porphyry rocks up to 30 meters high, protected as a natural monument and offering fantastic views. The forests in the valley are dense and pristine, characterized by spruce, beech, and fir trees, which shine in vibrant colors in autumn. Hiking and Leisure Numerous well-marked hiking trails crisscross the Schwarzwasser Valley and invite you to explore the region on foot. A popular trail is the Schwarzwasser Valley Trail, which runs directly along the river and offers insights into the valley's flora and fauna. There are also suitable trails for cyclists. In winter, the valley transforms into a fairytale landscape and offers opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. History and Mining Like the entire Ore Mountains, the Schwarzwasser Valley is steeped in a long mining history. Although mining was less dominant here than in other parts of the mountains, traces of it can still be found. The water power of the Schwarzwasser River was also used to power mills and hammer mills. Villages in the Valley Along the Schwarzwasser River lie smaller villages that have retained their original charm, such as Markersbach with its impressive dam or the aforementioned Cranzahl. These villages often offer cozy guesthouses and inns where you can enjoy regional cuisine. The Schwarzwasser Valley is an ideal destination for anyone looking to escape everyday life and experience the untouched nature of the Ore Mountains.

The rock massif between Wolkenstein and Floßplatz, the "Wolkenstein Switzerland", is a great place for hiking with small scrambles and wonderful views, but there are also many opportunities for climbing here 🙃.