The "Outdoor Land" Zittau Mountains Nature Preserve
The project "Zittau Mountains Nature Preserve - the Outdoor Land" is a joint initiative of towns and communities along with tourist service providers and accommodation facilities within the nature preserve. The community of Olbersdorf has taken on the chief responsibility in this model project. Extensive jointly-performed activities have the aim to further the future-oriented nature of tourist services in the Zittau Mountains' Nature Preserve and thus to promote the tourism industry in a sustainable way. The continued development of active sports, outdoor activities and by various sporting events are intended to attract and inspire new target groups to enjoy this unique area, rich in tradition.
www.das-outdoor-land.de
Hiking
The Zittau Mountains Nature Preserve, along with the Lusatian Mountains on the Czech side of the border, is a paradise for those who love proper hikes and pleasant strolls. Five hundred kilometres of trail in an extraordinarily dense network of trails on both sides of the border, superbly marked and well-signposted, make it easy to find your way around. The most attractive hiking destinations are the "observation points" on the Lausche, Hochwald, Breiteberg, Töpfer mountains, as well as some inspiring rocks formations like the Scharfenstein, the Großer Stein (‘Big Stone') or the Fuchskanzel (‘Fox's Chancel'). If you possess the so-called "Bergpass," a hiking pass, when you visit the most beautiful hiking destinations of the whole Upper Lusatia you may receive hiking badges.
Famous long-distance hiking trails are the European trail E3 and the "Oberlausitzer Bergweg".
Internet: www.oberlausitzer-bergweg.de
E-Mail: info@oberlausitzer-bergweg.de
Rock Climbing
The Zittau Mountains are a climbing area with tradition; you will find 114 marked peaks and more than 200 trails, with levels of difficulty from I to X.
Horseback-riding
Horse enthusiasts will find something special at horse farms and rider's inns. Some guesthouses or inns have received the "equestrian-friendly" rating. In the forests of the nature park there are 85km of trails, marked for horseback-riding.
Cycling
Regardless of whether you prefer cycling on well-maintained paths and trails or with a mountain bike over "hedge and ditch" - cyclists have countless options to discover the nature preserve. 115km of cycling trails are marked on the German side and linked to the Czech route network as well. The "Umgebinde" cycling trail (33km) or the "Karasek" cycling trail (21km) are highly recommended. In certain tourist information centres you may ask for suggestions about cycling trips to the neighbouring Czech Republic. Zittau, the town on the three borders, is both starting point and final destination for the German long-distance routes D4 "Mittellandroute", D12 "Oder-Neisse" cycling trail and the "Spree" cycling trail.
GPS-Tours of all difficulty levels as well as a new leaflet with 5 great options are available for mountainbikers or others interested.
Internet:
Surfing and beyond
Water sports enthusiasts will find many opportunities to pursue their hobbys, especially around the Lake Olbersdorf. The possibilities range from scuba diving to surfing.
Swimming
People who like to swim will enjoy a pleasant refreshment and fun for the whole family for instance at Lake Olbersdorf or in other modern open-air swimming pools such as the public bath in Olbersdorf, the "Gebirgsbad" in the health resort of Jonsdorf, the forest lido in Großschönau or in the "Silberteich" outdoor pool in Seifhennersdorf.
Recommendable at any time of the year are the tropical pool (with fun areas for children, saunas etc.) in the Trixi-Park Großschönau and the historic indoor swimming pool in Zittau with various spa treats (e.g. sauna).
Skiing and ice skating
The recreation resort villages in the Zittau Mountains are popular destinations for winter sports enthusiasts. The activities available include, for example, 40km of ski trails with ski lifts at the Lausche Mountain in Waltersdorf, in Jonsdorf and in Oybin/Hain, sledging hills as well as the "Sparkassen ARENA" ice rink in the health resort of Jonsdorf.
Experiencing nature barrier-free
The Zittau Mountains' Nature Preserve wants to enable handicapped people to experience the beauties of nature and landscape as well. Thus in 2007 a working group for "Barrier-free tourism" was established. One of their tasks is to counsel restaurant proprietors, tourism service providers as well as cultural and recreational facilities. The current options are described in a leaflet including 9 routes of 3-4km length with descriptions, maps and informations about barrier-free restaurants and other facilities.