Schwarzwassertal is one of the most striking landscapes in the Ore Mountains (Erzgebirge) - a narrow, deep gorge carved by the Schwarze Pockau river, historically known as the Schwarzwasser. Up to 80 metres deep, this ravine is geomorphologically unique in all of Saxony and has been protected as a nature reserve since 1967.

Walking along the river, you're flanked by steep slopes of red gneiss rock that give the valley a raw, wild character. Along the western edge of the reserve runs the historic Grüne Graben, a water channel built around 1680 to supply mining operations near Pobershau. In summer the valley fills with the sound of rushing water and birdsong, in autumn the spruce forests contrast with mist rising off the river, and in winter the landscape takes on an almost alpine, austere beauty. This is a place for those who value silence, wild nature and unusual rock formations.

• Starting point: Pobershau or Ansprung (both part of Marienberg) - trail along the valley, duration depends on the chosen section, moderate difficulty due to steep and narrow sections
• Alternative approach from Olbernhau, through the reserve towards the settlement of Hintergrund

• The area is a protected nature reserve - staying on marked trails is required
• The trail was destroyed by flooding in 2002 and only reopened in 2005 after repairs
• The area forms part of the Natura 2000 site Tal der Schwarzen Pockau

Fun fact: over 70 bird species breed in the valley, including the rare dipper and peregrine falcon, and among the butterflies you might spot the scarce large copper - a true paradise for nature watchers.