Hiking in the Ore Mountains

The trail starts directly from the glamping and passes through Lesná, where you can make a detour to the Lesná mountain hotel. You can grab a bite to eat there, and the local museum and open-air museum — showcasing life on the Ore Mountains borderland — is well worth a look.

From Lesná the route heads into the valley of the Lužec stream towards Helenka's Waterfall (historically known as Aubachfall bei Neuhaus). The main fall drops four metres, with two smaller cascade steps hidden below. Access follows a well-worn path about 40 metres from the E3 cycle route. The valley can be tricky to navigate in places — sturdy footwear is essential.

After the waterfall the route continues along the road past New Pond on to Border Pond — a peaceful stretch of water with benches, ideal for a rest. The return path runs through Rudolice in the Mountains past the Church of the Holy Trinity and back to Malý Háj. The trail suits averagely fit hikers and families with children aged around 6 and up.

The trail starts directly from Popelka, with the nearby Eduard's Rock as a possible first stop — a short climb with views that gets the legs going nicely. From there you continue along a forest path across the Lesná plateau, or wander freely through the woods at your own pace until you pick up the red E3 hiking trail. Then follow the worn path all the way to Bear Rock.

Bear Rock offers panoramic views in every direction — on a clear day you can see the Ore Mountains and the Bohemian Central Highlands spread before you. The terrain is forested and pleasant, with no significant elevation changes, so the trail is manageable for anyone used to longer walks.

On the way back, stop at the Lesná mountain hotel: the restaurant is a welcome break before the final stretch — treat yourself to pancakes with ice cream and recharge. The local museum with its open-air section brings to life Ore Mountains folk architecture and border life. From Lesná, follow the road-parallel path — and before long you're back in Popelka, where a well-earned Finnish sauna awaits.

This trail takes you across the Czech-German border into the Saxon valley of the Schwarze Pockau river. The river runs through a picturesque canyon framed by rocks, and the entire riverside walk is quiet, calm and lovely. In our view one of the most beautiful spots in the whole Ore Mountains — definitely worth the trip.

On the way back, take the forest path along the Green Canal (Grüner Graben) — an 8 km artificial waterway built between 1678 and 1680 to supply the local tin mines with water power. A stretch of it is worth seeing. Today it's become a quiet forest path alongside the restored canal, where hikers rarely venture. The entire trail has no significant elevation changes — suitable for families with children and older walkers.

You reach the German side by car via the border crossing at Kalek or Brandov, about a 20-minute drive. Park for free at the Wanderparkplatz Schwarzwassertal. Note: Google Maps will probably route you along a forest track through Kalek where there's a barrier and no-entry sign — drive down to Boleboře and continue from there to Kalek. For those who want more, the trail can easily be extended. A little further down you'll find a popular climbing spot and the Katzenstein viewpoint. In winter a cross-country ski trail also runs along here.

Rudolitz Pond is a loop straight off a postcard. You'll get to know the surroundings of Popelka, Malý Háj and Rudolice in the Mountains. The pond is ringed by mixed woodland, with a calm water surface mirroring the surrounding trees, benches with views dotted along the way — and in good weather, clear views of the Ore Mountains ridge in the background.

The trail is suitable for almost anyone: the going is flat, the distance manageable, the terrain forested. The full loop takes about two hours. An ideal walk when time is short or a big hike isn't on the agenda.

In season the pond is a popular spot for birdwatching — ducks, grebes, and if you're lucky you might even spot a black stork, which unlike the white stork prefers deep, old forest close to streams and ponds.

Eduard's Rock is short but worthwhile — a walk literally around the corner that rewards you with a rock viewpoint overlooking the Ore Mountains landscape. The route is under half a kilometre one way, with no significant elevation gain or complications.

A great option for moments when there's no time or energy for a longer hike — a morning stroll before breakfast, an afternoon outing with a thermos of coffee, or simply the saving grace when the afternoon rain clears. The rock rises above the surrounding landscape, and on a clear day a large stretch of the Ore Mountains ridge is visible.

For the best experience: come early morning or at sunset. You'll have the place almost to yourself.