Jonsdorf lies in the Zittau Mountains and is a year-round travel destination. Its millstone quarry heritage is a defining feature: the Millstone Quarries Monument and Nature Trail connects this theme with a specific hike. When planning your visit, consider both the time needed for the tour and the activities that are most relevant to the time of year you travel.
Hiking at the Millstone Quarries
The “Millstone Quarries Monument and Nature Trail” runs from Jonsdorf railway station to the Gondelfahrt car park. The hike is 4 kilometres long and takes about 2.5 hours. Along the way, you pass volcanic features, the quarry smithy, the Black Hole, and viewpoints such as Carolafelsen. The distance indicates the length of the route, while the approximate duration helps you gauge the time required. Trail conditions and dates for guided tours may vary; check the latest conditions and times in advance.
A centuries-old craft
Sandstone quarrying for millstones continued in Jonsdorf for more than 350 years. Jonsdorf millstones were exported as far as Russia and England. The Black Hole quarry is home to a show mine, established in 2002. The history of quarrying, the export destinations and the show mine offer different cultural and historical perspectives on the millstone quarry theme.
Activities at different times of year
Activities in Jonsdorf include hiking, cycling, swimming, skiing and ice sports. The time of year is therefore an important planning consideration: decide which activity you want to make the focus of your stay, and check the seasonal opening hours of the relevant facilities in advance. This lets you shape your trip around your interests rather than choosing based on a single activity alone.
More cultural themes in the wider destination of Görlitz
The wider destination of Görlitz has its own cultural and architectural themes. Schönhof in Görlitz was rebuilt in the Renaissance style after a city fire, beginning in 1526. It is the main building of the Silesian Museum in Görlitz and is one of the oldest Renaissance buildings north of the Alps. Görlitz’s historic old town has around 4,000 listed buildings and is one of the best-preserved historic ensembles in Central Europe. Schönhof represents a single building, while the approximately 4,000 listed buildings refer to the larger old-town ensemble.
St Peter’s Church in Görlitz also offers a distinctive architectural and musical history: it is Saxony’s largest hall church. Its Sun Organ was built by Eugenio Casparini towards the end of the 17th century and can imitate birdsong. ViaThea, the street arts festival, is a regular highlight of Görlitz’s cultural calendar. Check the dates and programme before your trip. This makes it possible to distinguish between the themes when choosing: here, Jonsdorf represents millstone quarry history and activities, while Görlitz represents historic architecture and culture.
Discover more destinations: MĂĽcka, NeiĂźeaue, Neusalza-Spremberg, GroĂźhennersdorf, Kodersdorf, Oderwitz, Kreba-Neudorf, Bernstadt Auf Dem Eigen
Back to the overview of the wider destination: Görlitz.
