Oybin is one of the most extraordinary summits in the Zittau Mountains — a sandstone table mountain crowned with the ruins of a medieval castle and a Celestine monastery founded by Emperor Charles IV himself. This is not your typical mountain hike: history and dramatic scenery collide at the top in a way that is genuinely unforgettable.

The rock rises some 120 metres above the charming village of Oybin, its sheer cliff walls dropping away on nearly every side. The summit plateau splits into two sections — the larger northern plateau with the highest point at 515 m and a smaller southern plateau — separated by a shallow notch. The atmosphere changes beautifully with the seasons: spring brings fresh green creeping over ancient stones, summer sees open-air concerts held among the ruins, autumn wraps the cliffs in warm colours, and in winter the snow-dusted walls look exactly like a Caspar David Friedrich painting — which is fitting, since Friedrich himself painted Oybin repeatedly.

• Oybin village centre — path leading past the Bergkirche church and uphill, approx. 15 minutes, easy
• Alternative via 'Ritterschlucht' — a narrow rocky cleft adding a little adventure, similar walking time

• An entrance fee is charged for access to the castle and monastery ruins
• A castle restaurant and a camera obscura are located on the summit plateau
• A circular walking trail runs around the entire plateau
• The narrow-gauge railway from Zittau runs to Oybin station, from where the summit is a short walk
• A medieval castle and monastery festival takes place every two years (odd-numbered years); in even-numbered years the 'Klosternacht' event is held — both typically on the second July weekend

A local legend recorded by the Brothers Grimm tells of a 'maiden's leap' from the summit rocks. Up to 100,000 visitors a year make the short climb to experience this remarkable place for themselves.