Wolves and sustainability in the region

When Felix leads hikes at the customs househe is sometimes asked about the presence of wolves in the region. The return of wolves to the Ore Mountains, the low mountain range on the border between Saxony and the Czech Republic, is a fascinating event for nature and animal lovers.

Wolves can help regulate the game population

After wolves were long extinct in Germany, this majestic predator species is reclaiming its original habitats. This is a positive sign for nature, as wolves play an important role in the ecosystem and can naturally regulate wildlife populations.

Tracks of wolves can sometimes be recognised on the ground or in the snow

A small population of wolves has become native to the Ore Mountains in recent years and is attracting more and more visitors. Although they are generally rarely sighted, you can sometimes recognise their tracks in the snow or on the forest floor on guided hikes with Felix. However, wolves are shy animals and should not be disturbed. Anyone who does have a sighting should leave the wolf alone and observe it from a safe distance.

Occasionally, wolves take game. In other regions, they also occasionally snatch livestock as prey, which can lead to conflicts with their owners. In the area around the customs house, however, there have not yet been any major such cases, according to Felix, as there are still sufficient game populations in the region.

Wolves are more likely to kill sick and weakened animals

It is important to emphasise that wolves usually only prey on sick and weak wild animals. Healthy game usually has sufficient defence mechanisms to escape an attack by a wolf. Wolves also help to keep the ecosystem in balance. This is because they regulate the population of wild animals and thus help to prevent them from getting out of hand and destroying the plant world.Many see the return of wolves to the Ore Mountains as a positive development for an intact and vibrant natural environment.

Begriff und Konzept „Nachhaltigkeit“ in an der Bergakademie Freiberg geprägt

Nature plays an important role in people's consciousness; the concept of sustainability is even said to have originated in the region. This is because Hans Carl von Carlowitz, a German chief mining administrator of the Saxon Ore Mountains in the 18th century, is regarded as theBegründer des Begriffs „Nachhaltigkeit“.

Bereits damals war ihm bewusst, dass die Ressourcen der Natur nicht unendlich sind und es wichtig ist, diese bewusst und mit Bedacht auf die Zukunft zu nutzen. Er prägte den Begriff „Nachhaltigkeit“ in seinem Werk „Sylvicultura oeconomica“ undis regarded as the founder of sustainable forestry. This aims to manage forests in such a way that they are preserved for future generations.

He was one of the first to recognise that uncontrolled deforestation (at that time in the course of mining) could have a negative impact on the environment and the economy. Hisprinciple of sustainability states that only as much wood should be felled as can grow back. With this concept, he laid the foundation for the long-term sustainable management of forests and contributed to the conservation of natural resources.

Freiberg is the oldest Germany's mountain city

Freiberg was the oldest mining town in Germany and a very important centre for silver mining. TheThe centuries-old mining tradition has not only shaped the economy here, but also the culture and lives of the people. Hikes through the Ore Mountains lead past old mining relics such as show mines and spoil tips.

You can marvel at the consequences of mining in rock formations and special plant species

Nature has also adapted to mining in a special way here. Not only can you marvel at the impressive rock formations, but you can also discover rare plant species that have colonised the former spoil heaps and could only develop in such extreme locations.

If you're feeling even more adventurous, you can go on an underground exploration tour and explore the mining tunnels beneath the town of Freiberg. Here you can experience first-hand how hard mining work used to be and the technical challenges the miners had to overcome.

You can take part in guided hikes as part of the packages Yoga and hiking and Fasting hike at the customs house; or, depending on availability, book on site.