Jonsdorf: Millstone Quarries and Cultural History

Jonsdorf in the Zittau Mountains combines experiences in nature with a tangible cultural history. The millstone quarries tell the story of centuries of sandstone extraction; a trail also passes volcanic features, the quarry forge and viewpoints. In addition, a wide range of activities makes Jonsdorf a year-round destination.

Hiking through the Millstone Quarries

The Millstone Quarries Monument and Nature Trail runs from Jonsdorf station to the Gondelfahrt car park. The hike is 4 kilometres long and takes about 2.5 hours. Along the way, you pass volcanic features, the quarry forge and the Black Hole; viewpoints such as Carolafelsen are also on the route. The length and approximate duration provide a clear guide for planning your day: allow for the tour as a dedicated hiking section, rather than just a brief stop. Trail conditions and dates for guided tours may vary. If you plan to join a guided tour, check the dates in advance.

From quarry to show mine

The millstone quarries preserve Jonsdorf’s history as a place where millstones were quarried. Sandstone for millstones was extracted here for more than 350 years. Jonsdorf millstones were exported as far as Russia and England—a sign of how far the products from the town once travelled. The Black Hole is also part of this historical context: the quarry contains a show mine, established in 2002. Together, the trail and these historic remnants make the quarry a cultural attraction as well as a hiking destination. Anyone interested in regional history will find a compelling reason here to take a closer look at the connection between landscape and craftsmanship.

Plan activities and accommodation

Jonsdorf lies in the Zittau Mountains and is a year-round destination offering opportunities for hiking, cycling, swimming, skiing and ice sports. The range spans everything from land-based activities to water and winter sports. The activities you want to make part of your trip may also influence your choice of where to stay: if the hike through the millstone quarries is your main focus, Jonsdorf is the right place to search when planning your accommodation. If you have specific activities in mind, check the seasonal availability of services and facilities before your trip. This lets you tailor your daily plans to your interests without assuming a particular season or operating schedule.

Görlitz in the wider destination

Within the wider destination of Görlitz, the city offers its own cultural focus alongside Jonsdorf’s quarrying history. The historic old town contains around 4,000 architectural monuments and is one of the best-preserved historic ensembles in Central Europe. Untermarkt is considered the historic heart of the city and is surrounded by townhouses dating from the Renaissance and Baroque periods. Schönhof also brings together urban history and architecture: after a city fire, it was rebuilt in the Renaissance style from 1526 onwards. Today, it is the main building of the Silesian Museum in Görlitz and is one of the oldest Renaissance buildings north of the Alps.

The churches of Görlitz offer further architectural and musical highlights. St. Peter’s Church is Saxony’s largest hall church and a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Its Sun Organ was built by Eugenio Casparini towards the end of the 17th century and can imitate birdsong. The Holy Sepulchre offers another historical perspective: the complex was built between 1481 and 1504 and comprises the Sepulchral Chapel, the Chapel of the Anointing and the Adam’s Chapel. It is a replica of the holy sites of Jerusalem and the oldest surviving structure of its kind north of the Alps. These cultural highlights of Görlitz are a distinct part of the wider destination and are not features of Jonsdorf.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Vierkirchen, Neißeaue, Schönau-Berzdorf Auf Dem Eigen, Schleife, Lawalde, Horka, Königshain, Ebersbach-Neugersdorf

Back to the wider travel overview: Görlitz.