Situated in the Ore Mountains near Germany’s border with Czechia, Oberwiesenthal is a popular ski resort. It holds the title of being the highest elevation town in Germany and is dominated by the peak of Fichtelberg, which is surrounded by ski runs and sweeping valley views.
Ride the Fichtelberg Suspension Railway to the 1,214-metre-high summit of Fichtelberg or jump aboard the cable car, which is the oldest in Germany. Enjoy the bird’s-eye views of Oberwiesenthal at the peak before hitting one of the skiing and snowboarding slopes that descend into the surrounding valley.
Admire the neo-Gothic architecture of the circa-1866 Martin Luther Church or get up close to marine life from across the globe at the Meeresaquarium. If you’re visiting outside of the snow season, you can still explore the area on the Gabriele-Kohlisch Trail, which leads through dense forests to the aptly-named Black Pond.
Getting there
Oberwiesenthal is around one hour’s drive or bus ride from Chemnitz and is accessible along the steam heritage railway from Cranzahl. Dresden and the Dresden Airport are just under two hours’ drive away.