Hochstein is the highest peak of the Western Lusatian Foothills in the Western Sudetes, a dome-shaped hill crowned by a striking rock formation and wrapped in legends of devils, oracles and hidden treasure. It's a place where landscape and folklore blend into one unforgettable hike.

The hill rises with regular, fairly steep slopes descending toward the valleys of the Pulsnitz and Schwarze Elster rivers, and its dome-like shape makes it easily recognizable from afar. At the summit, rocks jut several meters above a small plateau, forming natural viewing platforms — though today the views are partly obscured by trees. The whole massif is covered in mixed forest, glowing with color in autumn and often frosted over in winter, giving the summit rocks an even more mystical feel. The lower eastern slope opens into meadows and fields, adding a pleasant contrast to the route.

• Green trail — moderately difficult approach through the forest toward the summit rocks
• Red trail — alternative route to the top

• The view from the summit rock viewing platform is partly limited by trees
• Hochstein is included in the Crown of the German Sudetes hiking challenge

According to local legend, the summit rock platform known as the Devil's Pulpit and the nearby Devil's Table, with its mysterious hollow, once served as a sacrificial altar where signal fires were lit — and spirits were said to dance here on moonless nights.