Discover Hain: Trails to Hochwald and Johannisstein

Hain lies at an altitude of 550 m and is considered the highest settlement in Upper Lusatia. The village is an exciting starting point for hikes of varying lengths and themes: short circular routes, cross-border nature experiences and a longer tour to Hochwald combine here with distinctive landscape features. Hochwald itself is 749 m high and the second-highest vantage mountain in the Zittau Mountains.

Hiking trails for different day plans

Those looking for a manageable route can plan the Hain–Oybin circuit. It is 5.9 km long and takes about 110 minutes. Another option is the Jonsberg circuit, a 4.6 km circular route. Its starting point is the Hain car park, also known as the car park for hikers at Stern.

The Johannisstein nature trail is an easy, 1.5 km-long cross-border circular route that takes about an hour. The start and finish are at the Kammbaude in Oybin/Hain. The trail leads from Oybin/Hain via the Kammbaude and the border crossing into the Czech Republic towards Krompach and then back to Oybin/Hain. For travellers who want to combine nature with a short trip across the border, this route is a special option.

The “Johannisstein” circular hiking trail also has a thematic focus. At 11 stations, it provides information about the Zittau and Lusatian Mountains, plant life, forest animals, reptiles, birdlife, as well as the history and geology of Johannisstein. This allows a hike to be combined with observations and regional topics, rather than focusing solely on the route length.

Hochwald, views and regional events

A longer route starts in Oybin, leads through the district of Hain to Hochwald and its observation tower, and offers panoramic views across three countries. The route is approximately 7.5 km long and takes around three hours. Those who want to combine a longer hike with a viewpoint when planning their trip will find a clear contrast here to the shorter circular routes.

The Hochwaldbaude is also part of getting your bearings locally. It is a traditional mountain lodge with a restaurant and overnight accommodation. Events such as the Saxon-Bohemian Orienteering Days, known as SAXBO for short, also shape the character of the area. Orienteering is considered a family sport that combines sport, nature and culture. SAXBO takes place every year and attracts up to 1,000 interested participants to the sandstone formations and half-timbered houses of the Zittau Mountains. In one edition, the district of Hain was the venue; the event centre was located in the Kammbaude area.

Finding the right accommodation in Hain

When looking for a holiday apartment in Hain, you can first consider what type of daily programme should be the main focus. Short routes such as the Hain circuit or the Johannisstein nature trail require different planning than the approximately 7.5 km Hochwald route. If your travel group has different interests, these clearly defined route formats can help you choose the right location and put together your holiday days.

In addition to Hain, you can also access Lückendorf in the wider local-area listings. This allows you to compare additional destinations before deciding on a holiday apartment and the right starting point for your trip.

To the higher-level travel overview: Oybin.