Nature & Outdoor Activities
Saxon-Bohemian Silver Mines Route
Visitors are invited to unearth hidden treasures and experience surviving customs and traditions along the 275-kilometre Saxon-Bohemian Silver Mines Route, which runs from Zwickau to Dresden, before passing through Annaberg-Buchholz and finishing up in Ostrov in Bohemia.
The Saxon-Bohemian Silver Mines Route is described as Europe's largest open-air museum. More than 30 visitor mines, museums, sites showcasing current customs and traditions, splendid hall churches and historical mountain towns can be admired along the way. 800 years of mining heritage is alive in the Ore Mountains, where traditions and customs have continued into the present day. There are lots of events along the route offering insights into the miners' parades, Christmas traditions and folklore in the local area.
When it comes to arts and crafts, carving, lace making and pewter casting are highly impressive as is the production of the world-famous Christmas pyramids, nativity scenes, nutcrackers, incense burners, candle holders, miners, illuminated angels, toys and other wooden delights from the Ore Mountains. Visitors can even watch the masters at work at over 1,600 workshops. During the summer months, the Silver Mines Route is a picturesque image of beauty, which transforms into a festive winter wonderland that fairytales are made of later in the year.