45 🇩🇪 | From the viewpoint between Annaberg-Buchholz and Schlettau

This varied hike begins at the historic Frohnauer Hammer. It is one of the most famous landmarks in Annaberg-Buchholz and an integral part of the Ore Mountains mining region, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Before heading uphill along the road opposite, it’s worth stopping by for a visit. We’ll follow the European long-distance hiking trail E3.

The initial climb along the road is challenging, but well worth the effort: Just past the last houses, breathtaking views open up of Annaberg-Buchholz, with its imposing St. Anne’s Church and the Pöhlberg mountain. A truly breathtaking panorama.

After the climb, the trail turns left and leads past picturesque huts reminiscent of “witches’ cottages.” The route continues across fields and hills along the ridge to the “Dörfler Höhe” (Village Heights), which offer ever-changing and captivating views. Be sure to allow plenty of time for breaks here. After a short stretch through the forest, the descent into the valley begins. The path is accompanied by impressive panoramic views until you reach the small village of Dörfel.

After a short stretch along the road, the path turns back into the countryside. The route now branches off to the left onto the Zschopau Valley Hiking Trail (Zschopautal-wanderweg). It winds through a diverse natural landscape, past moss-covered forests, and offers ever-changing views. Soon you’ll come to the charming Schlettau natural swimming area, and shortly after that you’ll reach Schlettau Castle. This is another highlight of the route, inviting visitors to explore the exhibition and the castle grounds.

From Schlettau, the EB trail leads back to Annaberg. The hike begins with an uphill climb along Buchholz Street, a beautiful tree-lined avenue. The climb is well worth the effort, as it once again opens up to panoramic views of the landscape: from the Scheibenberg mountain, past small villages, meadows, forests, and tree-lined avenues, all the way to the Fichtelberg mountain.

Just before the finish line, another unforgettable view awaits: the Devil’s Pulpit. High above the valley, Annaberg-Buchholz comes into view once more. The famous St. Anne’s Church towers so majestically over the town’s rooftops that the other buildings look like a scene from a dollhouse. Even on the final stretch back to Frohnauer Hammer, it remains visible: sometimes as a dominant landmark, sometimes with just the tip of its tower peeking above the horizon. Finally, hikers return to the starting point, where breathtaking panoramic views bid them farewell.