Wolves and sustainability in the Ore Mountains – two stories from the region
The return of the wolves, tracks in the snow and a Freiberg mining official who coined “sustainability” in 1713: nature and history around the Zollhaus – told by hiking guide Felix.
Wolves in the Ore Mountains
When Felix leads hikes, guests often ask about wolves. Long extinct in Germany, they are reclaiming their habitats – a good sign, as wolves help regulate game naturally.
Wolves have lived in the Ore Mountains for some years. You rarely see them, but sometimes spot tracks in snow or on the forest floor. Around the Zollhaus, Felix says, there haven’t been major conflicts as there’s still plenty of game.
🐾 Meeting a wolf?
Wolves are shy. Leave it alone and watch from a safe distance.
Don’t feed or follow – keep dogs on a lead.
Wolf myths checked
Front: belief – back: the facts.
How sustainability was born in the Ore Mountains
Hunger for wood
Mining around Freiberg consumed huge amounts of wood – forests shrank. More: Freiberg.
The mining official
Hans Carl von Carlowitz, chief mining official in Freiberg, realised uncontrolled logging harms environment and economy.
Sylvicultura oeconomica
In his work he wrote that nature’s resources are not infinite.
Only as much as regrows
Only cut as much wood as can regrow – the foundation of sustainable forestry.
Traces in nature
On hikes you see show mines and spoil heaps where rare plants grow.
Out with Felix: join guided hikes e.g. on the yoga holiday with hikes or book on site subject to availability. More nature: forest, meadows and climate.
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.
Stay at the Zollhaus
After your trip, calm awaits. Rooms & rates
Are there wolves in the Ore Mountains?
Yes, for some years. Rarely seen, but tracks sometimes.
What if I meet a wolf?
Stay calm, keep distance, don’t feed or follow.
Who coined “sustainability”?
Hans Carl von Carlowitz of Freiberg, in “Sylvicultura oeconomica” (1713).
Nature with history
Returning wolves and an idea that went global: the Ore Mountains tell fascinating stories. Discover them on a guided hike from the Zollhaus.
Read more & try it
Further sources:
Discover the Ore Mountains with us
Nature, culture and calm – and a cosy room at the Zollhaus at night.
