At 582 metres, Töpfer is one of the most rewarding summits in the Zittau Mountains — compact, full of character, and topped with a cosy mountain inn. It punches well above its weight with dramatic sandstone rock formations, sweeping cross-border views and a fascinating solar mystery hidden in its rocks.

The elongated summit plateau is scattered with strangely shaped sandstone figures — a 'Parrot', a 'Turtle', a 'Brooding Hen' and a striking rock gate that frames the sunrise from solstice to solstice like a natural calendar. Head to the 'Böhmische Aussicht' viewpoint at the eastern end of the plateau and you will be rewarded with a panorama stretching across the Czech-German border towards the Jizera Mountains, the Krkonoše (Giant Mountains) and Ještěd ridge. On a clear day you can spot the Polish town of Bogatynia and Czech Hrádek nad Nisou. In autumn the forest colours are spectacular; in winter the frost-covered rocks give the summit a magical feel.

• From Oybin railway station — forestry road heading uphill; seasonal rack railway available; easy, approx. 30–40 min.
• From Teufelsmühle in the Oybin valley — via the 'Krieche' path; moderate.
• From the east — via 'Kleine Eisgasse'; moderate.
• Via Gratzer Höhlen — Liebigweg trail; moderate.

• The Töpferbaude mountain hut on the summit serves food and drinks — no need to carry a packed lunch.
• The international nature trail 'Lausitzer und Zittauer Gebirge' passes over the summit.
• The sandstone karst around the peak hides an unusually high number of caves, all catalogued in the Saxon Cave Register.

The name 'Töpfer' most likely comes from the rock gate on the summit, which resembles two chalices or urns — and since 2008 archaeoastronomy researchers have confirmed that it functions as a precise solar calendar, with the summer solstice sunset aligning perfectly through its centre.