Schellerhau: Nature, hiking and seasonal winter sports

For a stay in Schellerhau, you can choose between nature, hiking and seasonal winter sports as different areas of focus.

Botanical Garden and Landscape

The Schellerhau Botanical Garden covers 1.5 hectares and showcases around 1,400 different plant species, all cultivated outdoors. Plant diversity in the open air is therefore the garden’s main focus. The “Nature & Music” discovery trail also runs through the garden, featuring eight natural sound instruments. The trail adds an acoustic perspective to the garden’s theme: alongside the plants, natural sounds are part of the experience.

The “Mountain Meadows around Schellerhau and Altenberg” FFH area includes extensive meadow complexes around Schellerhau. These include species-rich mountain meadows, Nardus grasslands, wet meadows, marshy areas and peatland forests, interwoven in a mosaic. The garden focuses on cultivated plants grown outdoors, while the FFH area encompasses several different habitat types. In this way, plant cultivation and a diverse landscape mosaic offer two distinct nature experiences.

Hiking around Schellerhau

There is an extensive, well-signposted network of hiking trails around Schellerhau. The circular hike around Schellerhau is suitable for pushchairs and wheelchair users. It passes Stephanshöhe, one of the 14 “8,000-foot peaks” in the Eastern Ore Mountains. The route’s accessibility and its course provide two practical points to consider when planning your hike. Clear signposting makes it easier to find your way.

The “Teufelino” children’s hiking trail is based on a legend about the origins of Schellerhau. Small destinations lie along the route; the trail also comes with a child-friendly booklet featuring a stamp card. The hiking options therefore differ in their focus: the circular hike is suitable for pushchairs and wheelchair users, while Teufelino offers a legend, small destinations and an accompanying booklet. You can choose between a suitable circular route and a children’s trail with a story behind it.

Winter Activities and Season

The Rotterhang in Schellerhau has a drag lift that operates seasonally. The downhill run is about 200 metres long. Floodlights illuminate the ski slope for evening runs; evening operations are seasonal and may vary. For cross-country skiing, Schellerhau has direct access to the Urlaubsregion Altenberg’s groomed trail network, which is about 70 kilometres long, as well as to trails beyond the region. Trail grooming depends on the season and weather. The winter options also differ in their setup: Rotterhang offers a single downhill run, while cross-country skiing connects to a regional and wider trail network. Take seasonal operating conditions and weather-dependent trail grooming into account when planning your winter trip.

Getting There by Bus

Bus route 367 runs from Altenberg to Schellerhau. Check the timetable before travelling, as bus services may change.

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

For the main travel overview: Altenberg.