Scheibenberg rises to 807.2 meters above sea level and is one of the three basalt mountains in the Ore Mountains. A 28-meter-high observation tower stands on the distinctive mountain.
Nature
The rocks of Scheibenberg are remnants of a lava flow approximately 21 million years old that filled a river valley. Because the rock resisted erosion, a mesa was formed through relief inversion. At the summit are the Organ Pipes, columns formed by cooled lava. They bear witness to Cenozoic volcanism; the site has been designated a National Geotope. The summit hiking route passes the Organ Pipes and the ski-jumping facility before continuing along the Basalt Educational Trail and the Ottomar Zahm Trail.
Hiking
The Basalt Educational Trail begins and ends at the Bergstraße Scheibenberg hiking car park. The Basalt Trail comprises 15 information boards covering Scheibenberg’s geological situation, the surrounding flora and fauna, and the history of the mountain and the towns of Schlettau and Scheibenberg. The Upper Mountain Circuit is a three-kilometer circular trail marked in yellow, with viewpoints and views in all directions.
Culture
Scheibenberg’s local history museum is housed in a Baroque building from 1743 on the market square and displays tools and objects from local crafts and trades of the past two centuries; visits are possible by appointment. St. John’s Church has a late Gothic and Baroque interior with prayer rooms, a gallery running around the church, and approximately 100 meters of carved wooden garlands. Anyone wishing to see the church outside service times is asked to arrange an appointment with the parish office.
History
Scheibenberg’s mining history has been documented at the Maria Magdalena mine since 1478; silver veins were discovered there in 1515. The square market is surrounded by a grid-like street network whose layout has survived into modern times.
Getting Around
The geotope at Scheibenberg can be reached by car via the B101 and Bergstraße or by bus route 415 between Annaberg-Buchholz, Scheibenberg, and Aue. Scheibenberg is halfway along the Ore Mountains Scenic Railway between Annaberg-Buchholz and Schwarzenberg. Starter packages for the Stoneman Miriquidi mountain biking experience are available from partners in Scheibenberg.
A short cycling tour leads through Schlettau Forest to Schlettau Castle. A tourist route runs from Schlettau Castle via Scheibenberg to the Organ Pipes along long-distance hiking trails in the region.
Cuisine
The Bürger- und Berggasthaus restaurant serves Ore Mountain cuisine prepared with fresh regional products.
Anyone wishing to rent a holiday apartment in Scheibenberg can then continue searching for accommodation.
