Discover Hain: Johannisstein and Hochwald
Accommodation in Hain
Hain lies at an altitude of 550 metres and is considered the highest-altitude settlement in Upper Lusatia. The trails offer different focuses: a short nature trail, circular routes, or a longer hike with a viewpoint as its destination. If you are travelling together, it is worth considering in advance whether you would prefer a manageable route, nature topics along the way, or the view from Hochwald. The routes can be compared by length, approximate time required, circular format, and destination.
Hiking trails by length and focus
The Johannisstein Nature Trail is an easy, cross-border circular route covering 1.5 km; the walking time is about one hour. The start and finish are at the Kammbaude in Oybin/Hain. From there, the route crosses the border into the Czech Republic towards Krompach and then returns to Oybin/Hain. Eleven stations provide information about the Zittau and Lusatian Mountains, plant life, forest animals, reptiles, birdlife, and the history and geology of Johannisstein. The trail thus combines a short route with nature topics and a glimpse into the history of the landscape. Local trail conditions may change.
The Hain–Oybin loop is 5.9 km long and takes about 110 minutes. At 4.6 km, the Jonsberg loop is shorter; it is a circular route that starts at the Hain car park, also known as the Stern hiking car park. Snow conditions on the Jonsberg loop vary by season; take this into account when planning a winter trip. The tours therefore offer different features to consider: the length and approximate duration of the Hain–Oybin loop, and the circular route and named starting point of the Jonsberg loop.
Hochwald as a viewpoint destination
Hochwald is 749 metres high and the second-highest panoramic mountain in the Zittau Mountains. One hiking route starts in Oybin, passes through the district of Hain to Hochwald and its observation tower, and offers a three-country panoramic view. It is about 7.5 km long and takes around three hours. Compared with the shorter routes, it is the longest of the tours mentioned here; it also leads to a specifically named observation tower. This makes it possible to distinguish a day spent on a circular trail or nature trail from a longer hike with a viewpoint as its destination.
Orienteering and cultural landscape
Orienteering is also part of the regional experience. It is considered a family sport that combines sport, nature, and culture. The Saxon-Bohemian Orienteering Days (SAXBO) take place every year and attract up to 1,000 people interested in the sandstone formations and half-timbered houses of the Zittau Mountains. If you would like to combine your trip with SAXBO, check the dates for the relevant edition.
Accommodation to suit your travel plans
When looking for accommodation in Hain, you can first decide what you would like to focus on during your trip: nature topics at Johannisstein, a circular route starting from the Hain car park, or the longer hike from Oybin through Hain to Hochwald. This lets you tailor your search to the experiences you would like to include in your trip. The Hochwaldbaude is a traditional mountain inn with a restaurant and overnight accommodation. Business details may change; if you are considering staying at the inn, check the latest information.
Discover more destinations: LĂĽckendorf.
Go to the main travel overview: Oybin.
