Erla combines hiking routes with the history of ironworking at Herrenhof Erlahammer. When looking for a holiday apartment, your planned itinerary can be a useful starting point: a route from Erla to Pöhla, a circular trail starting at Herrenhof, or a visit to the exhibition. The routes differ in their course and subject matter.

Hiking routes with different highlights

The Eisenhüttensteig trail leads from Erla over the Hohes Rad ridge to the Pöhla district. Information boards along the trail provide details about iron ore mining, iron extraction and processing, and the history of old transport and stagecoach routes. Sections and trail markers, as well as individual boards, may change. Check the current route before setting out.

The Erla-Crandorf circular trail begins and ends at Herrenhof Erlahammer. It runs along the historic Drachenleithe and offers wonderful views of the Pöhlwassertal; visibility varies with the weather. Rother Berg, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Erzgebirge/Krušnohoří Mining Region, lies along the route.

The “Wanderbarer Silberberg” day hike leads from Erla via Pöhla to Schwarzenberg and is 14.8 km long. For the “W@nderbarer Silberberg” circular trail, the Erla, Karlsbader Straße stop is recommended as a suitable starting or ending point. Trail conditions may change; the recommended stop may also change due to local transport arrangements. Check both before your hike.

The routes differ primarily in their course: the Eisenhüttensteig leads to Pöhla, the Erla-Crandorf trail returns to Herrenhof, and the day hike runs via Pöhla to Schwarzenberg. This makes it possible to choose a hike based on the distance you want to cover and its destination.

Ironworking and World Heritage at Herrenhof Erlahammer

Herrenhof Erlahammer in Erla is a key element of the Rother Berg mining landscape and therefore part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Erzgebirge/Krušnohoří Mining Region. The exhibition “From the Oldest Ironworks to Modern Times” offers a glimpse into ironworking in the nearby mining landscape. Visitors can see a Herrenhof hall, a historic black kitchen, and a well-preserved household well.

The exhibition offers an exploratory tour with an audio guide. Among other topics, it covers iron production, the importance of cast iron, and the production history of “Made in Erla.” The exhibition also explores the production process of an object, from design to finished product.

Rother Berg connects the hiking and exhibition perspectives: the exhibition presents ironworking in the mining landscape, while the circular trail crosses the mountain. This lets you encounter the World Heritage Site through both its industrial history and its landscape. The building complex offers individual and exciting activities for visitors of all ages.

Getting your bearings at Herrenhof

The outdoor area at Herrenhof has around 40 parking spaces and two spaces for people with disabilities. This adds practical information for visitors to the Herrenhof, the starting and ending point of the circular trail.

Discover more destinations: Pöhla

For the main travel overview: Schwarzenberg/Erzgebirge.