Schönbrunner Berg is a modest but botanically remarkable hill in the Eastern Upper Lusatia region of Saxony, rising to 428.7 m above sea level south of the village of Schönbrunn. It's a rewarding destination for anyone who prefers a quiet forest rich in rare plants over crowded trails.

The mountain is covered by a species-rich mixed deciduous forest dominated by European beech, joined by sycamore maple, wych elm, common ash and Norway maple. In spring the forest floor turns into a colourful carpet of yellow archangel, sweet woodruff, wood anemone and lungwort. The summit itself is crowned by a basalt dome with a block field, covered by ash-maple forest hosting typical mosses and lichens. The character of the mountain shifts with the seasons – from a spring flower explosion to lush summer greenery and vivid autumn foliage.

• From the village of Schönbrunn in Upper Lusatia – forest trail, easy to moderate difficulty
• Also accessible via the neighbouring forests from Rennersdorf or Berthelsdorf

• The area has been a protected nature reserve (Naturschutzgebiet) since 1961 – stay on marked paths and do not pick plants
• Part of the Natura 2000 site 'Basalt and Phonolite Domes of Eastern Upper Lusatia'
• Since 2015, 129 hectares have been protected as part of Germany's National Natural Heritage (Nationales Naturerbe)

A curious fact: this is the only known location of wild garlic (ramsons) in the whole of Upper Lusatia. The rare violet helleborine orchid also grows here – a real treat for plant lovers.