Hundsmarter is a modest but fascinating peak in the Ore Mountains that hides a genuine surprise at its summit — the massive upper reservoir of the Markersbach pumped-storage power plant. It's a rare place where nature and engineering meet head-on.

The mountain marks the end of a long ridge running from the Fichtelberg, between the valleys of Große Mittweida and Pöhlwasser. The original summit was flattened during the reservoir's construction between 1970 and 1978, and today the highest point is the crest of the reservoir's ring dam, standing at 848.4 m above sea level. From here, the panoramic view stretches across the Western Ore Mountains, especially rewarding on clear days. In winter, the area becomes a cross-country skiing hub — the well-known Hundsmartertrasse trail starts right here, winding through the extensive forests toward the Fichtelberg.

How to reach the summit

• Start from the lower reservoir of the Markersbach power plant, at the foot of the mountain — moderate difficulty, following the mountain ridge
• Alternatively, join the ridge trail from the Fichtelberg side and follow it all the way to Hundsmarter

Practical information

• The summit hosts an active upper reservoir of a pumped-storage power plant — this is industrial infrastructure, so stay alert and respect posted signage
• In winter, groomed cross-country ski trails (Hundsmartertrasse) lead deep into the Fichtelberg region's forests
• Once a year, the Erzgebirgsradrennen mountain cycling race takes place here, covering up to 47 km and 1,250 m of elevation gain, starting and finishing near the lower reservoir

The name Hundsmarter is said to derive from an old salt-trading route to Bohemia, once operated mainly with dog-drawn carts — giving this unusual peak its memorable name.