You can reach the luxury Oybin resort in the Zittau Mountains (Zittauer Gebirge, German part of the Lusatian Mountains) from Liberec through Zittau or from Jablonné v Podještědí. You can also take the steam train along the narrow-gauge railway from the end of the 19th century. The route leads from the historical railway station through the resort to the top of the ubiquitous rocky mountain with its castle and monastery, which saw its heyday under the reign of Charles IV. The castle is open all year round; an admission fee is charged. Other attractions include the grand ruins of a Gothic church, a circular tour around the perimeter of the rocks with some great views, and a restaurant. Oybin is the start of the five-kilometre circuit, which includes an ascent up to Scharfenstein rock (caution – the steps are hard work) with a panoramic view of Oybin, the Lusatian and Jizera Mountains and Ještěd. Then, follow the yellow markers between the Felsengasse rocks (Rock Street) with its exquisite rock formations and views deep into the mountains of Oybin and Hvozd. Then walk back down.
In mediaeval times Upper Lusatia was part of the Kingdom of Bohemia and the castle of Oybin protected the old trade route from Prague to Zhořelec. Depending on which route you take, the Krompach – Hvozd – Oybin – Krompach circuit is 10–12 km long and will show you the beauty of the Lusatian Mountains from both sides of the border.
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