A garden with around 1,400 plant species cultivated outdoors, a network of hiking trails around the village and a mountain meadow landscape make Schellerhau a destination for nature and hiking. When choosing what to explore, it is worth considering the different highlights: botanical diversity and protected landscapes define the natural side of the area; circular walks, themed trails and seasonal winter sports offer other options.

Botanical Garden and Mountain Meadows

The Schellerhau Botanical Garden covers 1.5 hectares and features around 1,400 different plant species, all cultivated outdoors. The “Nature & Music” experience trail adds eight natural sound instruments to the garden. This means plant diversity and a sound theme sit side by side within the same grounds.

The natural landscape around Schellerhau also includes the “Bergwiesen um Schellerhau und Altenberg” (Mountain Meadows around Schellerhau and Altenberg) FFH site. It comprises larger meadow complexes with species-rich mountain meadows, mat-grass swards, wet meadows, marshy areas and swamp forests. These habitats are interwoven in a mosaic. This brings two different scales together: the 1.5-hectare garden with its plant collection and the larger meadow complexes in the area around Schellerhau.

Hiking with Different Highlights

There is an extensive, well-signposted network of hiking trails around Schellerhau. One specific option is the circular walk around Schellerhau: it is suitable for pushchairs and wheelchair users. The route passes Stephanshöhe, one of the 14 “Eight-Thousanders” in the Eastern Ore Mountains.

The “Teufelino” children’s hiking trail offers a different focus. It is based on a legend about the origins of Schellerhau, and there are small destinations along the route. The trail comes with a child-friendly booklet featuring a stamp card. When choosing between the trails, their main difference is what they offer: the circular walk includes Stephanshöhe as part of its landscape, while Teufelino centres on the legend, small destinations and its accompanying booklet.

Winter Activities at Rotterhang and on the Cross-Country Ski Trails

Rotterhang in Schellerhau has a drag lift, which operates seasonally. The downhill run is about 200 metres long. The ski slope is floodlit for evening skiing, although evening operation is seasonal and may vary. From Schellerhau, the cross-country ski trails connect directly to the approximately 70-kilometre groomed trail network in the Altenberg holiday region, as well as to trails beyond the region. Trail grooming is seasonal and weather-dependent. The winter options are therefore quite different: a single downhill run on the one hand and an extensive cross-country trail network on the other.

Plan Your Journey

Bus route 367 runs from Altenberg to Schellerhau. Services may change, so check the bus connection before travelling. This lets you coordinate your journey with the nature and hiking activities that are most important to you during your visit.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Bärenburg, Kurort Kipsdorf, Hermsdorf/Erzgebirge

Return to the main travel overview: Altenberg.