Annaberg-Buchholz/Carlsfeld.
Above all, most winter holidaymakers want to have fun on the slopes. But what if it doesn’t snow enough?
Even if snowfall and cold are currently giving winter sports fans hope: The search for alternatives for alpine or cross-country skiing in the once snowy regions of Saxony continues – and winter hiking is becoming increasingly important.
Winter sports resorts such as Oberwiesenthal or Altenberg are currently snowing and preparing the slopes again, says Claudia Brödner from the Ore Mountains Tourist Association in Annaberg-Buchholz. “They’re not open yet.”
Region relies on alternative offers
Most holidaymakers in the central winter sports resorts in Saxony – around the Fichtelberg and in the Eastern Ore Mountains – would still like to do the classic winter outdoor activities on slopes and cross-country ski runs. “This will not change in the short term. But in order to be broadly positioned and to be able to react to the most diverse weather conditions, it is certainly right to develop and advertise alternative offers,” says Brödner.
That’s why the region is also setting up alternatives – This includes rides on the Weißeritztalbahn, which runs daily from Freital to the Eastern Ore Mountains, or regular guided tours on the Eiskanal in Altenberg. Offers await winter hikers in particular. Of course, that’s particularly fun in an idyllic snowy landscape, says Elke Eichler, Managing Director of the Saxon Hiking and Mountaineering Association. “But the dates will definitely take place, regardless of the weather.” Friends of the fresh air can look forward to the traditional “Auer Schneekristall” hike (February 11), which is taking place in the town in the Ore Mountains for the 39th time.
Winter hiking increasingly popular
On the same day, the “34. Dippoldiswald winter tour – all-weather hike “Zinnwald” in the Eastern Ore Mountains. The demand is increasing, adds Eichler: “People want to hike.” Around 1000 participants take part in the torchlight hike in the winter sports resort of Carlsfeld in the Erzgebirge district in the winter season, says Martina Zapf from the tourist office as the organiser. It starts at 6 p.m. every Friday in January and Thursday in February. “Over the dam into the forest, where hot drinks are waiting.”
In Saxon Switzerland, the focus in the winter season is anyway on hiking, says Nicole Hesse from the Saxon Switzerland Tourism Association. For this purpose, the association publishes a winter hiking and adventure map with 35 routes every year, including places to stop for refreshments. “For the first time, the map lists the most beautiful winter experiences in the holiday resorts, from regional cuisine to sports.”
The people of Vogtland also notice an increased desire to wander when the temperatures are cooler: “There is really an interest in becoming more active in winter,” agrees Kathrin Hager from Vogtland Hiking Association. The Vogtland Hiking Association would like to offer winter hiking for children for the Vogtland Games (January 27), for which 200 registrations from elementary schools have been received.
New viewing platform on the bastion opens at the beginning of February
Visitors will soon be able to enjoy the unrestricted view of the Elbe Valley and the Elbe Sandstone Mountains again from the Bastei. The new viewing platform will be opened on February 3rd, said a spokesman for the state company Saxon real estate and construction management on Friday on request. Railings are currently being installed and a handrail attached.
The new platform was originally supposed to be ready by the end of the year. However, the work was delayed due to the weather. The cost of securing the rock, viewing platform and access routes amounted to around three million euros. “bild.de” reported on the opening date on Friday.
With more than half a million tourists a year, the Bastei Rock with its impressive view is a magnet for visitors in the region. But the sandstone proved to be porous, so the front part had to be closed in 2016. The new construction with a special platform above the rock should now bring a remedy. (dpa)
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