Over the Hahnberg to the Pfaffenstein

3:35 h
5.74 km
194 m
195 m
384 m
533 m
149 m
Start: Dolní Sedlo (a district of Hrádek nad Nisou)
Destination: Dolní Sedlo (a district of Hrádek nad Nisou)

In the forests of the Lusatian Mountains, a number of rocks are hidden. Some of them, however, rise above the treetops and offer unique views of the surroundings. One such dominant feature of the Lusatian Mountains above Hrádek nad Nisou (Grottau) is undoubtedly the Pfaffenstein, which from a distance looks like a mysterious castle ruin. It offers a view across three countries simultaneously.

The Pfaffenstein and the hikers

The mighty sandstone rock block is located at an altitude of 565 m. It consists of several huge blocks arranged so that they not only form a viewpoint but also a small rock gate and several caves. Several potholes are hollowed out in the surface of the rocks. The summit of the rock was made accessible to hikers in 1907. In the first half of the 20th century, when the hiking movement flourished, there was even a small hut called Hugo's Hut at the foot of the rock.

Anyone who looks around not only at the landscape from the lower rock but also at the viewpoint itself will notice the base of the highest rock block. This dates back to 1934 when the block had loosened. Hikers from Hrádek and Dolní Sedlo (Spittelgrund) saved the viewpoint in this way back then.

View from the Pfaffenstein

From the highest point of the viewpoint, hikers can enjoy a panoramic view over the Neisse valley, the Lusatian and Zittau Mountains, the Bohemian Central Highlands, and the Bohemian Uplands, as well as look across to the neighbors in Germany, where the Lusatian Basin spreads out, and also over to Poland. In good weather, the peaks of the Jizera Mountains and the Giant Mountains can also be seen. From one spot, the visitor to the Pfaffenstein can also see the distinctive mountains of the Lusatian Mountains, including the highest peak Lausche, the Kegel of Kleis, the Hochwald, and the sandstone rocks in the nearby area. In the other direction, the region's landmark of Liberec, the Ještěd (Jeschken), can be seen. Looking northward, the open-cast mines in neighboring Poland are also visible.

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suitable

Depends on weather

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Directions

The route leads from Dolní Sedlo over the Kohoutí vrch (Hahnberg) mountain, the Popova skála (Pfaffenstein) rock, and through the Krásný důl valley. From Dolní Sedlo (a district of Hrádek nad Nisou), you start on the green-marked hiking trail, after 700 m continue on an unmarked path (do not turn left along the green marking), and then you reach the blue-marked trail heading towards Kohoutí vrch. From this mountain, there is a beautiful view of the towns Hrádek nad Nisou, Zittau, and the Zittauer Mountains. From there, continue to the summit of Sedlecký Špičák and then downhill to the fork to the Popova skála rock. From the viewpoint on the Popova skála rock, there is a wonderful panoramic view across three countries – the Czech Republic, Poland, and Germany. From the saddle below the Popova skála rock, continue on the blue and green marked hiking trail, then along the green and finally the red marked trail through the Krásný důl valley. From the fork below the Vraní skály rocks, take the blue-marked trail back to Dolní Sedlo.

Tour information