14 🇨🇿🇩🇪 | Sylke-Otto hike

This picturesque circuit is named after one of Germany's most successful winter athletes. Sylke Otto, born in Karl-Marx-Stadt (now Chemnitz), is one of the most famous lugers in the history of the sport. She won two Olympic gold medals (2002 and 2006) in the singles, numerous world championship titles and four overall World Cup titles – making her the most successful luger of all time. After her second Olympic victory, she was even made an honorary citizen of Oberwiesenthal.

The hike begins in Oberwiesenthal at the valley station of the cable car. From the town center, the trail initially descends and crosses the tracks of the historic Fichtelberg Railway. After crossing the border into the Czech Republic, the route climbs steadily uphill. First, there are wonderful views back to Oberwiesenthal and the vast hills of the Ore Mountains. Soon the trail disappears into dense forest before leading to the breathtaking Wirbelsteine (Whirlpool mountain). This spectacular viewpoint offers a panorama of the low mountain range near the border.

The trail continues to the even higher Keilberg (Klínovec), the highest mountain in the Czech part of the Ore Mountains. Your efforts are amply rewarded by panoramic views of the Ore Mountains and the Fichtelberg area from the summit your effort.

The route descends to Boží Dar, a town on a vast and distinctive plateau connected to numerous hiking trails. It passes through the birthplace of the famous singer and composer Anton Günther and finally leads back to Germany.

The final highlight of the route is Fichtelberg: at 1,215 meters, it is Saxony's highest mountain. The observation tower offers a fantastic panorama of the entire Ore Mountains and far beyond. Once you reach the summit, an easy downhill path leads back to the center of Oberwiesenthal.