Nestled in the Ore Mountains along Germany’s border with the Czech Republic, Altenberg is a sprawling Saxon town and winter sports hub. It was once an important centre for the mining of tin, with an immense depression from a mine collapse scarring its landscape today. Altenberg serves as a gateway to the Geisingberg nature reserve and the botanical garden at Schellerhau.
Things to do in Altenberg
Green thumbs shouldn’t miss a visit to the Botanischer Garten Schellerhau, which was established in 1906 by Gustav Adolf Poscharsky. It is planted with tree and shrub species from mountainous regions across Asia, North America and the Caucasus and boasts an impressive collection of lichens and mosses. Stroll through the Bärwurz meadow and relax beside the ponds while enjoying the seasonal floral displays.
On the outskirts of Altenberg is the Great Pinge, a huge hole that resulted from a collapsed mineshaft in 1620. With the continuation of tin ore mining, it grew to 450 metres in diameter and 150 metres in depth, making it one of the most important geological landmarks in Germany. Today, the Great Pinge of Altenberg forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Ore Mountains Mining Region.
If you’re a fan of snow sports, coincide your visit with a meet at the DKB Eiskanal Altenberg, a bobsleigh, luge and skeleton track that was constructed in the 1980s to help East Germany’s efforts at the Winter Olympics. With its thrilling turns and challenging curves, it has hosted several international competitions, including the 2012 World Luge Championships.
Getting around Altenberg
Altenberg is 45 minutes' drive from Dresden and an hour from Dresden Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe. Trains connect from Heidenau to the Kurort Altenberg railway station and buses travel through the town.