Moldava
About half an hour on foot to the Czech village.
Hiking tipOre Mountains · History
German-Czech relations in the Ore Mountains – history of a border region
Mining, crafts, ruptures and new beginnings: a journey through the history between Saxony and Bohemia – from the Kingdom of Bohemia to shared UNESCO World Heritage.
🏛️Centuries of shared history
🇪🇺Schengen since 2007
🏅UNESCO heritage since 2019
🚶Moldava: ~½ hour on foot
An eventful history
A journey through the border region
The Saxony–Czech border runs right through the mountains – the Zollhaus is only a few kilometres away.
Centuries
Shared roots
People of different languages met, traded – and sometimes quarrelled. Mining, crafts and traditions connect both sides. The Bohemian side belonged to the Kingdom of Bohemia and until 1918 to Austria-Hungary.
1918–1945
Ruptures
After WWI the Bohemian side became part of Czechoslovakia; the 1938 Munich Agreement annexed it to the German Reich. After 1945 the German-speaking population was expelled – many found a new home in Saxony.
GDR era
“Brother states”
Officially friends, but the border remained a dividing line. Still people visited and shopped across.
Since 1989
Open borders
Since Czechia joined Schengen in 2007 you cross freely. Many projects strengthen cooperation.
2019
UNESCO World Heritage
The Erzgebirge/Krušnohoří Mining Region is shared World Heritage of both countries.
Trips across the border
Experience history – right from the Zollhaus
Smugglers’ trail
Experience border history first-hand.
Smugglers’ feastTeplice
About 35 minutes by car.
More trip tipsFolk art
Smoking men, nutcrackers and candle arches – important on both sides.
Wood & folk artTest yourself
Border history quiz
Quiz
1 / 3
Since when is Czechia in Schengen?
Since 2007 you can cross freely.
What became shared UNESCO heritage in 2019?
The Mining Region – both countries’ mining history.
Which state did Bohemia belong to until 1918?
Austria-Hungary, as part of the Kingdom of Bohemia.
Your result
0Great – now you know!
Discover the Ore Mountains
Your base camp in the Ore Mountains
Landhotel Altes Zollhaus lies in the heart of the Ore Mountains near the Czech border: trails, ski tracks and excursions start right at the door.
Your stay
Stay at the Zollhaus
After your trip, calm awaits. Rooms & rates
How far is the border?
Just a few kilometres – Moldava is about half an hour on foot.
Can I cross freely?
Yes, since 2007. Carry ID anyway.
Where can I learn more?
E.g. at the Ore Mountains Museum in Annaberg-Buchholz.
Conclusion
A border that connects
Ore Mountains history is one of encounter, rupture and new beginnings. Today you can hike it from the Zollhaus – across a border that now connects.
From the Zollhaus blog
Read more & try it
Hiking, skiing & cyclingHike to CzechiaFreibergWatch manufactoryWood artWolves & natureTorch hikeShort break SaxonyAlkaline fasting guideAlkaline fasting in the Ore MountainsRoomsRestaurantWellnessYogaContact
Further sources: Montanregion Erzgebirge/Krušnohoří (UNESCO-Welterbe)
Ready?
Discover the Ore Mountains with us
Nature, culture and calm – and a cosy room at the Zollhaus at night.
