Discover Crinitzberg

Crinitzberg lies in the southern part of the Kirchberger Granit landscape protection area. A raised bog, granite monuments, a village church and signposted trails offer a range of possible focuses for a stay. Bärenwalde and Obercrinitz are considered double-row villages laid out in the Waldhufen form on either side of the Rödelbach and Crinitzbach streams. When planning, you can choose between hikes with specific natural landmarks, village history and a regional cycling route.

Moosheide and the Granite Landscape

The Moosheide nature reserve covers around 62 hectares and includes Obercrinitz and Bärenwalde within Crinitzberg. Moosheide is a largely peat-cut raised bog at an elevation of 490 to 500 metres above sea level and is one of the lowest raised bogs in the Ore Mountains. Typical bog and marsh plants shape its flora. At the same time, Moosheide is protected as a woodland area and serves as a water reservoir and a habitat for protected plant communities. Here, landscape and conservation go hand in hand: the area is defined both by its bog flora and by its importance for water and plants.

Hiking Trails and Their Destinations

In Crinitzberg, well-maintained and signposted trails lead to scenic spots. The 11 km Bärenwalde circular hiking trail starts at the Gasthof Eisenbahn inn and passes the mineral spring on its way to Moosheide. The route passes the natural monument beech tree with its stone plaque and a panoramic summit viewpoint. It also features a deer enclosure, a shelter, and wooden locomotive and crocodile figures.

The 8.5 km Obercrinitz–Amselgrund–Giegengrün–Lauterhofen–Obercrinitz route starts at the Obercrinitz bus stop. Hikers who do not want a longer tour can take return routes via Giegengrün or Lauterhofen. Another, 7 km route leads from Obercrinitz via Alte Wildenauer Straße and Schwedenfichte back to Obercrinitz. It reaches the Schwedenfichte natural monument and passes through biotopes. The trails therefore differ both in their stated lengths and in their destinations and waypoints.

Village Church and Baptismal Stone

The church in Bärenwalde is considered Saxony’s second-largest village church. It was built in 1733, and its 50-metre-high tower was added in 1775. Its furnishings include a protected art organ. During the Christmas season, the Bornkinnel is displayed on the altar—a seasonal feature alongside the church’s architectural history.

Another granite feature is the baptismal stone: an irregular, rounded block measuring about 2 to 2.5 metres in diameter. It has a large basin and five seat-shaped hollows and is protected as a monument. An open-air church service is held at the baptismal stone every summer.

Mineral Spring and Regional Cycling Route

The Obercrinitz mineral spring was discovered in 1935 and was historically associated with local tourism. Following its reconstruction, it was presented to the public again in 1999. The water is currently contaminated and cannot be used for therapeutic purposes.

The Rödelbach-Bürstenroute runs for 32.21 km from Wilkau-Haßlau to the Eibenstock reservoir and passes through Crinitzberg. The route runs entirely on public roads, whose conditions may change. Check them before setting out. After leaving the Zwickau district, the route enters the Ore Mountains brush-making region and connects with the Saxon Highlands long-distance cycling route. This offers a cycling connection on a broader regional scale alongside the local hiking trails.

Discover more destinations: Hartenstein, Callenberg, Oberlungwitz, Waldenburg, Lichtentanne, Neukirchen/Pleiße, Oberwiera, Kirchberg.

For the main travel overview: Zwickau District.