Steam Engine & Sandstone Peaks: Kurort Oybin Adventure 🚂⛰️
Details
Hey everyone! 🙌
Ready for a journey back in time?
This Saturday, we’re heading to the far southeastern corner of Saxony to explore the Zittauer Gebirge (Zittau Mountains). This trip is a double-feature: a ride on a historic steam locomotive followed by a hike through the dramatic sandstone ruins of Kurort Oybin.
📍 Meeting Point: Berlin Hbf
📆 Date: Saturday, 2nd of May
🕣 Time: 07:10 AM (sharp! We have a long journey ahead)
🗺️ Tour Link: Komoot (approx. 7km, difficulty: hard)
The Experience
We’ll start our adventure by hopping onto the Zittauer Schmalspurbahn, a narrow-gauge railway that has been puffing through these mountains since 1890. Expect soot in the air, the iconic "choo-choo" whistle, and open-air wagons that offer the best views of the forest.
Once we reach Kurort Oybin, our adventure begins! We’ll be trekking through the heart of the Zittauer Gebirge on a loop that hits all the heavy hitters. We’ll marvel at the gravity-defying Kelchstein (Chalice Rock), pass through the iconic Felsentor (Rock Gate), and climb up to the Töpfer plateau.
We’ll wander through narrow rock crevices and enjoy panoramic views over to the Czech Republic before heading back.
🚆 Transportation
Outbound Journey
Berlin Hbf to Cottbus Hbf: (RE2 to Cottbus Hbf / 07:26 - 08:56)
⤵️ 7 mins transfer
Cottbus Hbf to Zittau: (RB65 to Zittau / 09:03 - 10:55)
⤵️ 10 mins transfer
Take the Zittauer Schmalspurbahn at 11:05 to Kurort Oybin
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Take the Zittauer Schmalspurbahn at 17:24 to Zittau
Zittau to Cottbus Hbf: (RB65 to Cottbus Hbf / 19:04 - 20:56)
⤵️ 7 mins transfer
Cottbus Hbf to Berlin Hbf (RE2 to Henningsdorf / 21:03 - 22:35)
Ticket: Deutschland Ticket (covers the regional trains).
Note: The Steam Train (Schmalspurbahn) requires a small additional "Historik-Beitrag" (historical supplement) of around €10 one way (about €20 in total, could vary), which we can pay on the train. Cash might be needed.
🌤️ Weather & Gear Forecast
Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots are highly recommended. The paths around the Oybin can be uneven and rocky.
Layers: It’s often a few degrees cooler in the mountains than in Berlin. Bring a windbreaker or a light fleece.
Provisions: Pack a hearty lunch and at least 1.5L of water. We’ll have a picnic and beers at the top of the ruins with a view!
See y'all at the station! 🚂✨
Disclaimer:
Please note that all participants are responsible for their own health and safety during the hike. If you have any medical conditions or allergies, make sure to bring any necessary medications with you. The organizers are not liable for any injuries, health issues, or personal losses that may occur during the event. By joining the event, you acknowledge that you are participating at your own risk.