Picture a 25-meter rock tower shooting straight up from the ridge of the Zittau Mountains — that's Scharfenstein, proudly nicknamed the 'Lusatian Matterhorn'. This striking rock formation is one of the region's most famous viewpoints, and climbing to its summit via ladders and stairs feels like a genuine little adventure.

Scharfenstein stands out from its surroundings because of its harder, silicified sandstone, which resisted erosion while the softer rock around it gradually wore away. The result is a dramatic, freestanding rock tower visible from afar, flanked by smaller formations like the Felsengasse and Kleine Felsengasse. In summer the summit buzzes with hikers and climbers, while autumn and winter bring a quieter mood and crisp, far-reaching views over snow-dusted peaks. At the base you'll find an information board on the local geology and a shelter for a quick rest.

How to reach the summit

• From the resort town of Oybin — trail running along the ridge between Brandhöhe and Töpfer, moderate difficulty due to ladders and steep stairs
• Ascent is only possible via the southern side, where the climbing infrastructure has been installed

Practical information

• A summit register book and a weather vane await hikers at the top
• The western tip has an anchor point and book for climbers finishing routes from the valley
• The rock has been popular with climbers since the mid-1950s

From the top you'll enjoy an unobstructed panorama — Oybin, the Lausche, the Hochwald, the Czech Ještěd, and on clear days even the Krkonoše (Giant Mountains). Fun fact: steps carved into the northern side likely date back to the Middle Ages, when Scharfenstein served as a lookout point.