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Hike to Czechia – along the smugglers’ trail to an iron-rich lake
About 8 km from the Altes Zollhaus across the invisible border: through forests and flowering meadows to a lake with reddish shimmering water – with stages, packing list and tips.
📏About 8 km
🏛️Start: Altes Zollhaus
🇨🇿Across the green border
🏊Iron-rich swimming lake
Stage by stage
Along the smugglers’ trail to Czechia
The hike is also known as the “smugglers’ trail”.
Start
Altes Zollhaus
The starting point is the historic Zollhaus in Neuhermsdorf, once a real customs post. The trail is named after smugglers who once carried goods across the border – more: smugglers’ feast.
Stage 1
Dense forests
The path winds through forests full of rustling trees and birdsong.
Stage 2
Flowering meadows
The forest opens onto meadows glowing in summer colours – with wide views.
Border
Invisible line
Almost unnoticed you cross into Czechia. Background: German-Czech relations.
Highlight
The lake
The water shimmers reddish due to its high iron content – a cool dip is pure refreshment.
Return
Back to the Zollhaus
Back through the peaceful border region – then our spa awaits.
Well prepared
Your packing list
Tick what’s already in your backpack.
0done – your progress is saved in this browser
More Ore Mountains
More ideas around the Zollhaus
Torch hike
Through the snowy forest to an ice bath.
Learn moreForest & meadows
Nature and climate around us.
Learn moreForest bathing
Walk slowly, with all senses.
Learn more
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 long is the hike?
About 8 km, starting and ending at the Altes Zollhaus in Neuhermsdorf.
Why “smugglers’ trail”?
Because smugglers once carried goods across the border here.
Can you swim in the lake?
Yes, the lake is known for its iron-rich, reddish water.
Do I need ID?
Carry valid ID in the border area.
Conclusion
Hiking without borders
Forest, meadows, an invisible border and a special lake: this tour right from the Zollhaus shows the Ore Mountains at their best.
From the Zollhaus blog
Read more & try it
Hiking & cyclingRead article
Neighbour CzechiaRead article
Smugglers’ feastRead article
Torch hikeRead article
Hiking, skiing & cyclingFreibergWatch manufactoryWood artWolves & natureTorch hikeShort break SaxonyAlkaline fasting guideAlkaline fasting in the Ore MountainsRoomsRestaurantWellnessYogaContact
Further sources:
Ready?
Discover the Ore Mountains with us
Nature, culture and calm – and a cosy room at the Zollhaus at night.
