Border crossings - basalt fan, steam locomotive and dam magic
- 6:40 h
- 24.90 km
- 594 m
- 587 m
- 596 m
- 896 m
- 300 m
- Start: Hirtstein, Articles of Association
- Destination: Hirtstein, Articles of Association
The starting point of this varied circular tour could hardly be more impressive: The Hirtstein is not only a vantage point with sweeping views over the Ore Mountains, but also a unique natural monument. The fan-shaped basalt outcrop is a unique relic of long-gone volcanic forces.
From the summit, the trail follows the Erzgebirge-Vogtland ridge trail downhill through the forest to Schmalzgrube station, a tranquil stop on the historic Preßnitz Valley Railway. From here, the route continues along the ridge trail, directly alongside the tracks. With a bit of luck, a steam locomotive will puff through the narrow valley: a truly nostalgic experience.
The shady stream valley and lovingly designed rest areas make the route to Jöhstadt a real pleasure. Hikers pass the Preßnitz Valley Railway shed and continue along natural paths at the edge of the forest - always accompanied by views of the idyllic little town. At Dürrenberg, the tour leaves the ridge path and turns left into the forest.
Now it's time: Welcome to the Czech Republic. The trail leads through a quiet forest landscape to the Preßnitz dam. Below the calm water level lies the former village of Preßnitz, which had to make way for the construction of the drinking water dam. A piece of lost history.
After crossing the dam wall, the trail leads straight into an ascending forest path that leads through quiet and endless forests and finally crosses the border again. Shortly afterwards, the forest opens up and provides a view of the barren, wide plateau around Satzung. This area exudes a beauty all of its own.
The tour leads through the quiet village center back to the starting point on the Hirtstein - full of expansive views, fascinating history and the feeling of having hiked through two countries in one day.
The tour is not consistently marked throughout. Please use the digital route.
Good to know
Pavements
Best to visit
Directions
In Jöhstadt, you pass the Preßnitz Valley Railway depot before the path turns left uphill into the forest. At the edge of the forest, keep right and continue to follow the ridge trail markings. Turn right again to stay at the edge of the forest, then left to the border with the Czech Republic. Do not cross it at first, but turn right, pass a few houses and continue along a path. Before the first refuge, turn left into the forest to enter the Czech Republic.
The path leads past numerous birch trees to the next crossroads, where you turn left. At the next crossroads, keep right, then left again and at the next junction, continue half right. Continue straight ahead until you reach a road that leads to the dam wall of the reservoir after a short distance on the left.
Continue over the wall and then straight on uphill through the forest, following the main path. After just under three kilometers, you will reach a fork in the path where you keep left and cross the border into Germany. From here, continue straight ahead without any forks until you reach Satzung. In the village, turn left at the church into Kirchstraße. At the end of the road, turn right into Obere Dorfstraße, which you leave after just a few meters to the right onto a dirt road. This leads uphill back to the starting point on the Hirtstein.
Tour information
Cultural Interesting
Loop Road
Stop at an Inn
Summit
Equipment
Directions & Parking facilities
Access via the S271 to Jöhstadt, then on to Satzung or via the B174 to Reitzenhain, from there on to Satzung.
Satzung: Parking lot on the Hirtstein, parking lot at the sports field Satzung
Schmalzgrube: Schmalzgrube parking lot, parking lot at the Forellenhof stop
Jöhstadt: at the vehicle hall (Schlösselstraße 65), parking lot ski area (Gründelweg), parking lot Preßnitztalbahn (Schlösselstraße), parking lot museum (Am bhf 78), parking lot at the train station (Äußere Bahnhofstraße 133B)
by bus 430 from Annaberg
Stops on/near the route:
Jöhstadt, Schlössel
Jöhstadt, shopping market
Statute, church
Schmalzgrube, swimming pool
Schmalzgrube, railroad station
Additional information
Author
Anni Borrmann, TVE
Organization
Erlebnisheimat Erzgebirge
License (master data)
Anni Borrmann, TVE
Author´s Tip / Recommendation of the author
Safety guidelines
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