Altenberg in the Ore Mountains: bobsleigh track, skiing & things to do
An ice track with guest bobsleigh rides, ski lifts and cross-country trails, biathlon to try yourself, the huge Pinge crater and the Kahleberg: Altenberg is the winter sports hub of the Eastern Ore Mountains. With a map, shopping tips and directions from Landhotel Altes Zollhaus, only about 10 km away.
What makes Altenberg so special?
Altenberg lies at around 750 metres in the Eastern Ore Mountains, right on the Czech border. The town includes 14 villages, among them Geising, Zinnwald-Georgenfeld, Schellerhau, Rehefeld-Zaunhaus and Lauenstein. Almost 8,000 people live here, surrounded by mountain meadows, spruce forest and high moors.
Altenberg grew rich on tin mining: tin ore was mined here from 1440 until after 1990. The huge Altenberger Pinge, a collapse crater around 400 metres across, still tells that story today.
Today Altenberg is above all a winter sports stronghold. World Cup bobsleighs reach up to 140 km/h in the SachsenEnergie ice track, Olympic champions train at the biathlon arena, and cross-country trails, ski lifts and toboggan slopes make the area a winter destination for the whole family. All of this only about 10 km from Landhotel Altes Zollhaus.
High up: elevations around Altenberg
Metres above sea level
finishAltenberg
townIce track
startGeisingbergKahleberg
Altenberg at a glance: bobsleigh track, ski lifts, sights & shopping
Tap a number on the map or in the list to see the address and open the place directly in Google Maps. The star marks the Zollhaus, the dashed line your way to Altenberg.
The Altenberg bobsleigh track: one of the toughest in the world
1,413 metres, 17 bends, gradients of up to 15 % and speeds of 140 km/h: bobsleigh, luge and skeleton athletes race for World Cup points and world championship medals in Altenberg. Press start and ride along.
- 🏗️Built from 1982 and, after a major rebuild, officially opened in 1987. Since 2021 it has been called the SachsenEnergie-Eiskanal.
- 🌀Famous for the kreisel at bend 10: a 320-degree turn, plus the omega in bends 3 to 5 and the finish kreisel.
- ⚡Up to 140 km/h. Together with Whistler in Canada, Altenberg is considered one of the most demanding tracks in the world.
- 🏆Venue of many world championships, most recently in bobsleigh in 2020 and 2021 and in luge in 2024.
Guest bobsleigh: a taste of the World Cup
In an original four-man bob with an experienced pilot, you ride about 1,000 metres and 11 steep bends from the junior start, at around 100 km/h and with 2 to 3 g in the kreisels. You get a bobsleigh diploma at the end.
Meet at the track info office at the main entrance (Gate B). Booking is online with the operator; vouchers are valid for three years. According to the operator, prices rise on 1 January 2027.
Race calendar winter 2026/27
until the IBSF Bobsleigh & Skeleton World Cup in Altenberg
- 23–29 Nov 2026IBSF World Cup bobsleigh & skeleton
- 6–11 Dec 2026IBSF Europe Cup bobsleigh
- 27–30 Dec 2026Saxon luge championships
- 11–17 Jan 2027Eberspächer Luge World Cup
- 20–24 Jan 2027IBSF Junior World Championships skeleton
- 15–20 Feb 2027World Youth Series luge
Selection from the district’s season calendar, as of October 2026, subject to change. Address: Neuer Kohlgrundweg 1, 01773 Altenberg.
Skiing in and around Altenberg
Family-friendly slopes, a cross-country trail right outside the Zollhaus and biathlon to try: choose what you feel like.
Hermsdorf ski slope
The nearest ski slope to the Zollhaus, with the longest run in the area. Ideal for a spontaneous ski day without a long drive.
📍 Hermsdorf/Erzgeb., a few minutes from the hotelErlebnisberg Altenberg
Drag and T-bar lifts on the Raupennest slope at around 750 to 830 m, plus two magic carpets for children. Perfect for beginners and families.
📍 Dresdner Straße 17a, 01773 AltenbergRotterhang Schellerhau
A small, friendly ski slope in Schellerhau. As in Altenberg and Rehefeld, it often stays open late into the evening.
📍 Hauptstraße 97, SchellerhauWinterwelt Rehefeld
Ski lift on the Donnerberg in Rehefeld-Zaunhaus, close to the Zollhaus, with slopes for children and leisurely skiers.
📍 Am Donnerberg, Rehefeld-ZaunhausBouřňák (Stürmer) in Czechia
Only about 10 km from the Zollhaus, just across the border, including a black run for experienced skiers.
📍 Bohemian Ore Mountains, CzechiaSnow report & webcams
Whether the lifts are running is updated daily by the Altenberg tourist information. Our reception team is also happy to help.
📍 Am Bahnhof 1, 01773 AltenbergTrail right at the Zollhaus
You only need to take your skis off for dinner: the cross-country trail starts right outside the hotel, towards Czechia and towards Holzhau. Cross-country & skiing
📍 Altenberger Straße 7, NeuhermsdorfAround 80 km of trails
Around 80 km of cross-country and ski-hiking trails are groomed around Altenberg, classic and skating, for example in the Oberbärenburg cross-country area.
ℹ️ Trail report from the tourist informationTry biathlon
Zinnwald is known as the cradle of biathlon in Germany. At the Sparkassen biathlon arena you can shoot yourself, from a taster session to a group event.
☎️ Booking via the tourist information: +49 35056 23993Tobogganing at the Erlebnisberg
Right next to the ski lift there is a toboggan run of around 120 m, ideal for children.
📍 Dresdner Straße 17a, AltenbergRehefeld natural toboggan run
A natural toboggan run of around 1.1 km. A shorter 250 m run is in Schellerhau at the Oberer Gasthof.
📍 Rehefeld-Zaunhaus and SchellerhauIce skating in Geising
In winter you can go ice skating and play curling at the Gründelstadion.
📍 Lange Straße 32, GeisingIce bathing at the Zollhaus
Not cold enough yet? Try ice bathing with the Wim Hof Method and warm up afterwards in our sauna.
📍 Landhotel Altes Zollhaus❄️ Our tip: Winter in the Ore Mountains is more reliable for snow than in the lowlands, but every day is different. Check the snow report before you set off, and remember winter tyres. More ideas for the cold season are on our page Winter holiday in the Ore Mountains.
What to see in Altenberg
Mining, summits and moors: there is plenty to discover around Altenberg even without skis.
Altenberger Pinge
On 24 January 1620 the mines beneath the town collapsed, leaving a crater about 400 m across and 130 m deep. It is closed to visitors, but the Pinge tour of the mining museum (approx. 3 km, 2 hrs) follows its rim.
📍 Edge of Altenberg · tour via the tourist information
Altenberg Mining Museum
Find out how the tin came out of the mountain, with a historic ore-dressing plant and show tunnel. A perfect outing when the weather is poor.
📍 Mühlenstraße 2, 01773 AltenbergKahleberg (905 m)
About 2 km south-west of Altenberg lies the highest summit of the Saxon Eastern Ore Mountains. At the top is the Kahleberg-Baude, renovated in 2023; the view reaches the Elbe valley and, on clear days, the Sněžka.
📍 South-west of Altenberg, near the biathlon arenaGeisingberg (824 m)
The basalt hill between Altenberg and Geising has an observation tower and a mountain inn. It offers the best view into the Pinge.
📍 Between Altenberg and GeisingGalgenteiche ponds
These mining ponds were built from 1550 for tin mining. Today you can go boating, and in summer swim at the Galgenteich natural pool.
📍 Galgenteich 3, 01773 Altenberg
Georgenfeld high moor
A boardwalk leads through a landscape from another world: moor pools, cotton grass and gnarled pines.
📍 Hochmoorweg 9, Zinnwald-Georgenfeld
Zinnwald visitor mine
Underground, the visitor mine shows how ore was mined in Zinnwald for centuries. An exciting tour, even in the rain.
📍 Goetheweg 8, Zinnwald-Georgenfeld
Schellerhau Botanical Garden
Mountain meadows, a moor bed and mountain plants from around the world, in the heart of the Eastern Ore Mountains.
📍 Hauptstraße 41a, Schellerhau
Eastern Ore Mountains wildlife park
Native wild animals in natural enclosures: a lovely outing with children, all year round.
📍 Dresdner Straße 37, GeisingMore destinations, such as Lauenstein Castle with the Eastern Ore Mountains Museum, are on our page Excursions. Opening times and prices change with the seasons, so please check them before your visit.
Shopping in Altenberg: supermarkets, shops & services
From the Zollhaus, Altenberg is the nearest town with supermarkets. You will find everything you need on holiday here, from snacks for your ski tour to local honey as a souvenir.
🛍️ Good to know: Supermarkets in Germany are closed on Sundays. It is best to do your shopping on Saturday and check current opening times online. And if you simply want a good meal, our restaurant at the Zollhaus looks forward to welcoming you.
From the Zollhaus to Altenberg: about 10 km
By car you will be in Altenberg in about a quarter of an hour. It is no coincidence that the Zollhaus stands on Altenberger Straße.
- Start at Landhotel Altes ZollhausAltenberger Straße 7, 01776 Neuhermsdorf
- Through the forests of the Eastern Ore MountainsAbout 10 km on small mountain roads, in winter with wonderful views of snowy spruces
- Arrive in AltenbergPark, for example, at the station by the tourist information and walk into town
- On to the ice trackThe bobsleigh track lies in the Kohlgrund valley near Hirschsprung, about 12 km from the Zollhaus
🚆 Without a car: Altenberg is served daily by the Müglitztal railway (RB 72) from Heidenau, and on weekends and public holidays by the RE 19 ski and hiking express directly from Dresden. PlusBus 360 runs from Dresden via Dippoldiswalde to Altenberg and Zinnwald. How to get to the Zollhaus is explained on our page Getting here.
A perfect winter day in Altenberg
After breakfast, do a lap on the cross-country trail right outside the Zollhaus while the snow is still fresh.
Drive to Altenberg, climb the Geisingberg and look down into the Pinge, or visit the mining museum if the weather is poor.
Off to the ice track: take a guest bobsleigh ride (book ahead!) or cheer on the world’s best on a race day.
Back to the Zollhaus: sauna, dinner in the restaurant and a relaxed end to the day.
Your base camp: Landhotel Altes Zollhaus
In the middle of the forest, on the Czech border and only about 10 km from Altenberg: at Landhotel Altes Zollhaus in Neuhermsdorf you stay in peace and quiet and still reach the bobsleigh track, ski lift and Pinge quickly.
- Cross-country trail on the doorstep, ski slopes nearby
- Wellness & sauna after a day in the snow
- Restaurant with regional cuisine
- Dogs are very welcome
- Only 3 km to the Czech border
Frequently asked questions about Altenberg
Any questions? Call us on +49 35057 540 or use our contact form.
How far is Altenberg from Landhotel Altes Zollhaus?
Altenberg is about 10 km from the Zollhaus. By car it takes around a quarter of an hour, a little longer in winter depending on road conditions. The bobsleigh track is about 12 km away.
Can you ride a bobsleigh yourself in Altenberg?
Yes. From November to February, guest rides in a four-man bob with an experienced pilot are offered at the SachsenEnergie ice track. You ride at around 100 km/h over about 1,000 m and 11 bends. A ride costs €99 per person; riders must be at least 16 and weigh no more than 130 kg. Booking is online with the operator.
Where can you ski in Altenberg?
Downhill at the Erlebnisberg Altenberg (Raupennest slope), at the Rotterhang in Schellerhau and at Winterwelt Rehefeld. The closest ski slope to the Zollhaus is in Hermsdorf. There are also around 80 km of cross-country trails in the area and a trail right outside the Zollhaus.
Where can you go shopping in Altenberg?
Altenberg has EDEKA Clausnitzer (Hirschsprunger Straße 11) and two Netto stores (Zinnwalder Straße 13 and Max-Niklas-Straße 4); Geising has a Penny (Bahnhofplatz 4). Supermarkets are closed on Sundays.
What can you do in Altenberg when the weather is bad?
Good options are the Altenberg Mining Museum, the Zinnwald visitor mine and the indoor pool with sauna at the Raupennest health centre. Or stay at the Zollhaus and enjoy the sauna and spa.
When are races held at the Altenberg ice track?
In the 2026/27 season these include the IBSF Bobsleigh and Skeleton World Cup from 23 to 29 November 2026 and the Eberspächer Luge World Cup from 11 to 17 January 2027. Dates may change.
Altenberg: winter sports, mining and nature within 10 km
Bobsleigh track, ski lifts, cross-country trails and the Pinge: Altenberg is the heart of winter sports in the Eastern Ore Mountains. With Landhotel Altes Zollhaus as your base, everything is within reach, and in the evening you return to the peace of the forest.
Read more & try it out
Your winter holiday near Altenberg
Bobsleigh track and ski lift nearby, a trail outside the door, sauna and regional cuisine: experience the Eastern Ore Mountains from Landhotel Altes Zollhaus.
