Koitsche is a modest, forested hill right on the edge of Zittau, but don't let its size fool you — it offers one of the finest panoramic views in the whole region. At just 376 m above sea level, this easy summit rewards visitors with a sweeping outlook stretching all the way to Hirschfelde and the Turów open-pit mine.

The hill is cloaked in dense woodland, and its slopes hide an interesting geological story: Koitsche is built of phonolite, quarried here since the early 19th century on its eastern flank, though the quarry has long since fallen silent. The climb itself is gentle and family-friendly, and the reward at the top is not just the view but also the cozy atmosphere of a mountain inn perched right on the summit. In spring and summer the surrounding forest is lush and green, autumn paints the valley below in warm colors, and on clear winter days visibility can be remarkably far-reaching.

How to reach the summit

• Zittau — via Pethau and Hörnitz along the B96 road, then the S137 — accessible by car or an easy walk, about 7 km from the town center
• Hörnitz — the shortest approach from the southwestern edge of the village, an easy route

Practical information

• A mountain restaurant with a guesthouse sits right on the summit, offering rooms and apartments for an overnight stay
• The disused phonolite quarry on the eastern slope is a worthwhile geological curiosity
• The view from Koitsche is regarded as the finest panorama of Zittau from anywhere in the surrounding area

The name Koitsche comes from the Upper Sorbian word chójca, meaning pine — a quiet reminder of the centuries-old Sorbian heritage of this land.