This section of the legendary E3 trail crosses the eastern Ore Mountains (Erzgebirge) in Saxony, a region of gentle forested ridges, historic mining towns, and quiet border landscapes. It's a rewarding stretch for hikers wanting to experience a lesser-known corner of Germany's long-distance trail network.

Marked in colour #3182ce, the route runs through Rechenberg-Bienenmühle, Rehefeld, Kahleberg, Altenberg, Lauenstein, and Bad Gottleuba, finishing at Bahratal. Along the way, it follows the same corridor as the historic International Mountain Friendship Trail Eisenach-Budapest, which continues onward through the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary. Expect wooded hillsides, open ridgelines with views toward the Czech side of the mountains, and small towns offering a chance to rest and resupply.

• Moderate difficulty - steady walking over several days, without extreme climbs
• Forest tracks, country lanes, and rolling low-mountain terrain typical of the Erzgebirge

• The route passes through towns like Altenberg and Bad Gottleuba, useful for accommodation and supplies
• Well connected by nearby villages along the way, making access straightforward

This stretch is just one piece of the E3's nearly 7,000 km journey from Santiago de Compostela to Cape Emine in Bulgaria - walking here means tracing part of one of Europe's longest hiking trails.