The Fichtel Mountains are a compact range straddling the Bavaria-Czech border, known for granite boulder fields and quiet forested ridges. It's a destination for travelers who want genuine summits without the crowds of the Alps.

The terrain forms a horseshoe-shaped chain of rounded, forest-covered ridges cut through with rocky labyrinths and moorland. Dense spruce and beech woods give way to exposed granite outcrops, and many summits offer views stretching toward the Bohemian Forest and the Ore Mountains. The air feels crisp and clean, and trails wind through peaceful stream valleys and small traditional villages.

Highlights:

• Schneeberg (1051 m) — the range's highest peak, with an observation tower and rocky maze
• Ochsenkopf (1024 m) — a popular summit with a viewing platform and ski area
• Kösseine (939 m) — a striking tower atop a granite ridge
• Steinwald with Platte (946 m) — a wilder, less-visited corner of the mountains

Practical info:

• Best time: May-October for hiking, December-March for cross-country and downhill skiing
• Base towns: Wunsiedel, Bayreuth or Bad Berneck
• Trail difficulty: easy to moderate, well marked, only a few sections need fitness
• Getting there: by car via the A9 or A93 motorways, nearest train stations in Bayreuth and Marktredwitz

Despite the name, the mountains weren't named after spruce trees (Fichten) as long believed — they're named after an old mining site, Sankt Veit, on the Ochsenkopf, a quirky fact even locals often don't know.