If you want to explore Hain on foot, you can choose between circular walks and longer hikes. The Johannisstein nature trail takes about an hour, while the hike from Oybin through Hain to the Hochwald takes around three hours. The Hain Loop – Oybin and the Jonsberg Loop also offer routes of different lengths. Before your stay, consider how much time you want to set aside for hiking and whether you would prefer a nature trail, a circular route or a viewpoint as your destination.
Circular routes by distance and time
The Hain Loop – Oybin is 5.9 km long and takes about 110 minutes. The Jonsberg Loop is a 4.6 km circular route starting at the Hain car park, also known as the Stern hiking car park. This makes it 1.3 km shorter than the Hain Loop—a useful comparison if you are choosing your hike based on the distance you want to cover. Snow conditions on the Jonsberg Loop vary by season, so take this into account when planning a winter hike.
Another hiking route starts in Oybin, passes through the district of Hain and continues to the Hochwald and its observation tower, offering panoramic views across three countries. At around 7.5 km, it is the longest of the routes listed here with a stated distance. Taking around three hours, it is also longer in terms of time than the Hain Loop, at about 110 minutes, and the Johannisstein nature trail, which takes around an hour. The Hochwald is 749 m high and the second-highest viewpoint mountain in the Zittau Mountains.
Johannisstein nature trail
The Johannisstein nature trail is an easy cross-border circular route: it is 1.5 km long, takes about an hour, and starts and ends in Oybin/Hain near the Kammbaude. The route leads from Oybin/Hain via the Kammbaude and the border crossing into the Czech Republic in the direction of Krompach, and then back again. This circular route combines a short distance with a path that crosses the border.
The “Johannisstein” circular trail has eleven stations. They cover the Zittau and Lusatian Mountains, plant life, forest animals, reptiles and birdlife, as well as the history and geology of Johannisstein. Nature topics are thus presented alongside local history and geology. If you are interested in these subjects, you can explore them on a circular route with a manageable approximate walking time and distance.
Hain and the Hochwaldbaude
Hain lies at an elevation of 550 m and is considered the highest-altitude settlement in Upper Lusatia. This elevation helps you get your bearings in the area; the Hochwald rises to 749 m and offers another specific hiking option nearby as a viewpoint mountain.
The Hochwaldbaude is a traditional mountain lodge with a restaurant and overnight accommodation. If you are planning to visit the restaurant or stay overnight, check the current operating information in advance, as details may change. This lets you treat accommodation planning and choosing your hikes as two distinct parts of your stay.
Discover more destinations: LĂĽckendorf.
Go to the main travel overview: Oybin.
