Elterlein combines traces of silver mining with religious architectural history, protected landscapes and hiking routes. In Elterlein, St. Lawrence’s Church and the Barbara Uttmann monument on the market square are prominent historical landmarks. The market square is located on a high plateau above the valleys of the Schlangenbach and Schwarzbach streams. The town can be explored through its historical sites as well as its landscapes and trails.
Silver Mining, the Salt Road and Local History
Elterlein’s importance grew in the second half of the 15th century thanks to silver mining. The town developed along the historic Salt Road between Halle and Prague. Hammer mills, smelting works and mills were established early on beside the streams in the valleys. Mining, the transport route and industries along the waterways thus offer different ways to explore Elterlein’s history. The Barbara Uttmann monument is located on the market square.
The former railway station is also part of the town’s historical heritage: the complex includes the station, the goods shed and ancillary buildings. It is classified as a historic railway complex of architectural and transport-historical significance. This extends the story of local history from silver mining and industries in the valleys to the railway. The former station should be viewed as a former complex.
St. Lawrence’s Church and Views Across the Ridges
St. Lawrence’s Church was consecrated in 1481. Its 57-metre-high south tower was consecrated in 1891. From the tower gallery, you can see across the mountain landscape of the ridges. Access to the gallery may vary; check the visiting arrangements in advance. The two historical consecration dates and the views from the gallery are distinct aspects of a visit to the church.
Protected Areas and Nature
Hermannsdorfer Wiesen is considered Saxony’s oldest protected area and is home to rare flora and fauna. In the Schwarzbach district are the European bird sanctuary at Richterwald and the Schwarzbach Valley natural monument. Together, these natural features show different sides of the surrounding area: Hermannsdorfer Wiesen is known for its rare plants and animals, while Schwarzbach is home to a bird sanctuary and a natural monument.
Hiking and Places to Visit on Foot
The Around Hermannsdorf hiking trail offers views of the peaks of the Upper Ore Mountains. The Great Panoramic Loop around Elterlein is a hike with numerous panoramic views of the ridge mountains. Its route takes in Schatzenstein, Friedrich-August-Höhe, Elterlein and Hermannsdorf. The routes therefore offer different views: peaks of the Upper Ore Mountains on the trail around Hermannsdorf, numerous panoramas of the ridge mountains, and named stops on the panoramic loop. Check the route and conditions before setting out; they may change.
From Hermannsdorf, you can walk to Schlettau Castle and Geyer. Marked hiking and cycling trails from Schwarzbach lead to the Organ Pipes on Scheibenberg, Schwarzenberg Castle and the visitor mine in Waschleithe. For these routes, too, it is advisable to check the route and conditions before setting out.
Plan Your Visit and Journey
A bison enclosure is one of the attractions in the Schwarzbach district. Check whether visits are possible before travelling there. Bus route 441 runs directly through Elterlein, with a stop at the market square. Timetable details may change, so check the timetable before your journey.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Dorfchemnitz, Eibenstock, Crottendorf, Bockau, Mildenau, Drebach, Amtsberg, Bad Schlema.
Back to the overview of destinations: Erzgebirgskreis.
