The Zittau Mountains is the smallest low mountain range in Germany, but by its bizarre sandstone and granite rocks, it also has to offer a lot of attractions and nice views for resident and tourists. The highest peaks of the Zittau Mountains are the „Lausche“ (793 m) and „ Hochwald (High Forest)“ (750 m). Both mountains are, like the majority of the mountain, volcanic. The area is accessible by a good trails for hikers and mountain bikers, it´s famous for its clean air (several locations have the status of an air spa). In the cold season it is a well-known winter sports area, especially the Lausche with cozy inns, ski-lifts and ski-runs.
Along the valley from Olbersdorf to Oybin, on the wooded valley slopes you can find sandstone cliffs and numerous vantage points. The highest tops there are the „Töpfer ( Potter)“(582 m), with a restaurant (built around 1903), a „stone bridge“ (viewing platform) , various natural stone figurines, and the mount Oybin (512 m).
On the mount Oybin, which has the shape of a beehive, a monastery and later a castle was built in the 13th century. During centuries, several fires and lightning strikes the castly and monastery remained partly in ruins and house a small museum now. A cemetery, a camera obscura and a nice restaurant are placed on the Oybin as well.
In addition to romantic walks and the main road, the valley is used by the narrow-gauge railway, which takes the passengers from Zittau directly to the mountains (end of the line at Oybin or Jonsdorf) since 1890.
At the small villages Jonsdorf, Oybin, Lückendorf and Waltersdorf many of the typical Upper Lusatian house or "Umgebindehäuser" may be found.
The „Kelchstein“ (cup stone) is one of the most famous sandstone rock formations at Oybin. During time, erosion formed his cup-like shape by remove sandstone formations of different hardness.In addition to its unusual shape, the „Kelchstein“ is the most difficult to climb rock (5 trails, difficulties VIIc and VIIIc) at Zittau mountains.
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