Best natural monuments around Hainewalde are found in a picturesque municipality nestled in the foreland of the Zittau Mountains. The region features a diverse landscape, including the Mandau Valley with its wooded slopes and unique geological formations of basalt and tuff. Hainewalde also preserves specific meadow ecosystems and notable individual trees. This area offers a variety of natural features for exploration.
Last updated: June 26, 2026
Highlight (Segment) • Natural Monument
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Castle
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight • Castle
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Summit
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Natural Monument
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more natural monuments around Hainewalde.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Impressive rock formations, great trails with viewing platforms and a beautiful mountain restaurant.
19
1
The large rock massif of the Nonnenfelsen (537 m) rises almost 100 meters above the southwestern edge of Jonsdorf. There is also a beautiful via ferrata (Nonnensteig) here.
20
0
The €9 entrance fee is worth it 👍🏻. One of the most beautiful monastery/castle ruins 🏰 I've ever seen 🤩.
11
0
The Nonnenfelsen are a popular rock formation on a slope in the south-east of the Buchberg. In total, the rocks have a height of 537 meters. This makes them 100 meters higher than the valley of the Pochebach. The most important climbing peaks in Jonsdorf belong to the Nonnenfelsen: Gorge wall, Barbarine and the Nonnenfelsen on the terrace of the associated restaurant.
16
1
Via the bridge and the climbing facility you can get very close to the Nonnenfelsen. The reward is a gigantic view.
15
0
The Kelchstein is one of the most famous climbing peaks in the Zittau Mountains. It got its idiosyncratic mushroom shape from the effect of wind abrasion and erosion on the sandstone layers of different hardness. It was climbed for the first time before 1785: at that time, lumberjacks placed a plaque on its summit that no longer exists.
6
0
The location of the castle alone is fantastic! Get there early, the facility closes at 5 p.m. With a guest card you save 20%
9
0
Within Hainewalde itself, you can explore several designated natural monuments. These include the Waldfläche im Roschertal and Waldstreifen im Roschertal, which are forested areas in the Mandau Valley known for their unique geological formations of basalt and Tertiary tuff. Another significant site is the Phonolithsteinbruch am Hutberg, a quarry offering insights into the region's geological history. Additionally, Hainewalde preserves specific meadow ecosystems like Neuwiese and Wiese am Breiteberg-Südhang, and notable individual trees such as the Rosskastanie am Butterberg 51 and Winter-Linde im Augusttal 7.
The broader Zittau Mountains region, easily accessible from Hainewalde, boasts several prominent natural monuments. These include the Nonnenfelsen (Nuns' Rocks), a unique rock formation above Jonsdorf offering incomparable views. Another must-see is Kelchstein (Chalice Rock), a great sandstone formation known as a challenging climbing rock. The Oybin Rock and Castle Ruins also combine natural rock formations with historical significance, and the Lausche Summit and Observation Tower offers impressive panoramic views as the highest mountain in the Zittau Mountains.
Yes, the area around Hainewalde offers numerous hiking opportunities that allow you to explore its natural monuments. For instance, the Roschertal valley, home to the Waldfläche im Roschertal, features paths running alongside the Mandau River, perfect for nature walks. You can find various routes, such as the 'Forstenschanze Ski Jump – Hainewalde Moated Castle loop' or the 'Karasek Cave – Hainewalde Church loop'. Discover more hiking trails in the region on the Hiking around Hainewalde guide.
Hainewalde's natural monuments showcase diverse geological features. The Roschertal valley, for example, is a breakthrough valley carved by the Mandau River, revealing both basalt and underlying Tertiary tuff layers. This creates varied terrain with less steep terrace areas in tuff regions and steeper, block-strewn slopes in basalt areas. The Phonolithsteinbruch am Hutberg is another site specifically designated for its phonolite rock formations, highlighting the volcanic origins and rock types prevalent in the Zittau Mountains foreland.
For breathtaking views, the Nonnenfelsen (Nuns' Rocks) above Jonsdorf offers incomparable vistas of the surrounding Zittau Mountains. The Lausche Summit and Observation Tower, as the highest point in the Zittau Mountains, provides an impressive panoramic view on clear days. Even the Breiteberg, Hainewalde's local mountain, offers pleasant views from its summit hut, especially from the Wiese am Breiteberg-Südhang.
Many of the natural monuments around Hainewalde are suitable for families. The Oybin Rock and Castle Ruins are particularly family-friendly, offering a mix of natural exploration and historical discovery. The Roschertal, with its paths along the Mandau River, provides a tranquil setting for family walks. While specific children's activities aren't detailed for all sites, the general outdoor nature of these monuments makes them great for exploration and enjoying nature together.
Generally, dogs are welcome in most outdoor natural areas around Hainewalde, including its natural monuments, provided they are kept on a leash. The forested areas of Roschertal and the various meadows offer pleasant environments for walks with your canine companion. Always ensure to respect local regulations and clean up after your pet.
The natural monuments around Hainewalde can be enjoyed throughout the year, but each season offers a different experience. Spring brings blooming flora to the meadows and forests. Summer is ideal for hiking and exploring the valleys. Autumn is particularly beautiful, with vibrant fall foliage in areas like the Roschertal, making it a popular time for scenic walks. Winter offers a serene, snow-covered landscape, though some paths might be less accessible.
Yes, especially near the more popular natural monuments. For instance, at the Nonnenfelsen (Nuns' Rocks), there is an inn where you can strengthen yourself. The Breiteberg, Hainewalde's local mountain, also features a mountain hut at its summit. In the nearby village of Oybin, you'll find various restaurants and cafes. For specific locations, it's always a good idea to check local listings or maps before your visit.
The region around Hainewalde offers diverse cycling routes that can take you past or near several natural monuments. You can find routes like 'View of the Mandau River – Birkmühle Windmill loop' for road cycling or 'St. Marienthal Abbey – Lake Kristýna loop' for touring bicycles. These routes often incorporate scenic natural areas. For detailed cycling options, refer to the Road Cycling Routes around Hainewalde and Cycling around Hainewalde guides.
Visitors frequently appreciate the diverse natural beauty and the opportunities for outdoor activity. The unique rock formations like Kelchstein (Chalice Rock) and Nonnenfelsen (Nuns' Rocks) are highly rated for their impressive appearance and views. The combination of natural landscapes with historical sites, such as the Oybin Rock and Castle Ruins, also provides a unique experience. The tranquility of the forested valleys and meadows within Hainewalde itself is also a significant draw for nature lovers.
Yes, the Oybin Rock and Castle Ruins is a prime example, offering a fascinating blend of natural rock formations and historical ruins. This site allows visitors to explore both the geological features of the Zittau Mountains and the rich history of the castle and monastery complex. The Ruins of Oybin Castle and Monastery specifically highlight the historical aspect within this natural setting.


Extend your search for the best caves by checking out these guides of the top ones around Hainewalde: