The Schalkstein is a striking, freestanding sandstone rock in the Zittau Mountains, a favourite among climbers and a stop steeped in local legend. Rising 30 metres with an almost rectangular outline, it's an impressive sight even for those who never touch the rock.

The rock stands in the Jonsdorfer Felsenstadt nature reserve, a landscape famous for its maze of sandstone towers and narrow gorges. Bands of iron ore run through the stone, giving it a distinctive streaked texture. Surrounded by forest, the area feels peaceful in summer, glows with colour in autumn, and turns almost magical when frost settles on the rock in winter. It's a quiet corner of the mountains, great for a relaxed walk while watching climbers tackle the routes.

• Jonsdorf — trail through the Jonsdorfer Felsenstadt nature reserve, approx. 30-40 minutes, easy route
• From the Nonnenfelsen (about 300 m to the north) — short approach via the reserve's path network

• A popular climbing rock — the German Alpine Club (DAV) lists 18 climbing routes here, graded II to VIIIb on the Saxon scale
• The site lies within a protected nature reserve, so please stick to marked paths

The rock's name comes from thieves once called 'Schälke' who reportedly hid out here. Local legend also tells of a hidden treasure inside the Schalkstein, guarded by a wondrous flower that blooms only on Midsummer Night — whoever spots it is said to claim the treasure.