This is one of the largest surviving Lenten veils in the world - a massive hand-painted linen cloth from 1472 that survived wars, decades of obscurity and even a stint sealing a makeshift sauna in the woods, before finding its home in a museum in Zittau. It is not a mountain summit, but a compelling stop for anyone exploring the Zittau Mountains, especially on a rainy day or as a break from hiking.

Zittau sits right at the foot of the Zittau Mountains, so it is easy to combine a visit to the veil with a hike toward Hochwald or Oybin. The town itself has a calm, historic feel, and the Church of the Holy Cross, where the veil is displayed, sits right in the town centre. In summer it makes a pleasant rest stop after a walk, while in winter it is a warm refuge and a great way to soak up some regional history.

• Zittau town centre — short walk from the main square, a few minutes, easy
• For hikers: combine with trails leading to Oybin and Hochwald as part of a longer day in the Zittau Mountains

• Displayed in the Museum Kirche zum Heiligen Kreuz in Zittau
• Size: 8.20 m × 6.80 m, about 56 m²
• Housed in the largest museum display case in the world
• Created in 1472, commissioned by merchant Jacob Gürtler

The veil's history is as dramatic as its imagery - during World War II Soviet soldiers cut it into four pieces to seal a makeshift sauna in the forest, and it was only rediscovered decades later.