Bertsdorf-Hörnitz: Hotels and Accommodation

In Bertsdorf-Hörnitz, the 7.6-kilometre nature and cultural trail leads from Hörnitz to Bertsdorf. It connects 13 natural, historical and cultural sites, including Althörnitz Castle, the two parish churches, the Koitsche, Weikelt Farm, the Upper Mill, the Ressel Forge, traditional Upper Lusatian houses and the landscape around Breiteberg.

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Nature

Breiteberg is of volcanic origin; its summit forms a varied phonolite hill landscape. It includes the rock formations Querxloch and Zscherschelsteen. On the mountain stands the 13-metre-high stone Dr Curt Heinke Tower, an observation tower built from the mountain’s phonolite. From Breiteberg, there are views across the Zittau Mountains.

Zittau Mountains Nature Park has 115 kilometres of cycle paths, which are connected to the Czech cycling network. It also includes a 500-kilometre network of marked trails signposted across the border. From Zittau, parking is available at the entrance to the nature and cultural trail in Hörnitz; bus route 1 also runs from Zittau Central Station.

Culture

Bertsdorf Baroque Church was built from 1672 to 1675 to a design by Andreas Klengel and served as a model for several Baroque village churches in southern Upper Lusatia. Structural elements dating from around 1700 have been preserved in the Bertsdorf rectory.

Hörnitz Church preserves its original mechanisms from the period before electrification, including the equipment for the bells, tower clock and organ. Visits are possible by prior arrangement; visitors are asked to call in advance to obtain the key.

Althörnitz Castle was built between 1651 and 1654 with a distinctive Renaissance gable. The castle park contains a large elm tree that is protected under nature conservation laws.

Railway and Crafts

The narrow-gauge railway reaches Bertsdorf station, where it branches towards Oybin or Jonsdorf in the Zittau Mountains. Shunting operations can be observed at the historic forest railway station, Bertsdorf station. The engine shed at the station contains railway rarities.

The Ressel Forge dates from 1866; it once produced wrought-iron tools for nearby farms and commercial gardens. The Upper Mill operated until 1900. An extension houses the Schubert Collection, featuring agricultural and household implements of cultural and historical significance.

Weikelt Farm is a residential and livestock building dating from 1754, with a projecting roof.

Further destinations: Olbersdorf, Hähnichen, Grossschönau, Leutersdorf, Zittau, Hainewalde

For the broader travel overview: Görlitz.