Right on the Czech border near Zinnwald and Fürstenau lies a nature reserve that will delight anyone who loves quiet, open mountain landscapes. This is a place where border meadows blend seamlessly with the forests of the Ore Mountains, creating a mosaic of habitats rarely found in this part of Saxony.

The reserve consists of three separate sections, stretching east of Zinnwald and around Fürstenau on all sides. The landscape features typical Ore Mountain high-altitude meadows and heathland interspersed with patches of forest, alive with wildflowers and insects in spring and summer, and offering calm, misty views over the borderland in autumn. In winter the area turns into quiet, snow-covered terrain, popular with cross-country skiers from nearby Zinnwald.

How to get there

• Zinnwald-Georgenfeld (parking near the village) — local trail, approx. 1-1.5 hours, easy route
• Fürstenau — access from the village side, easy to moderate trail, several entry points into the reserve

Practical information

• Protected since 2006, covering 507 hectares
• The area consists of three separate sections — worth checking a map before setting out
• The reserve lies directly along the state border with the Czech Republic

This is one of those places where silence and open space matter more than dramatic views — perfect for a peaceful walk away from the crowds.