• Besonderheiten
  • Characteristics
  • Besonderheiten

Characteristics

The landscapes of the Erzgebirge and Vogtland are characterised by the economic and cultural development of the area, as well as its specific climatic conditions. Some 800 years of mining history have unmistakeably marked these natural landscapes.

The exploitation of the forests that once covered the region by mining communities and the subsequent agricultural use of the land led to the development of a rich, structured cultural landscape.

The natural treasures include:

  • Hedgerow landscapes with stone ridges and copses;
  • Upland moors on the mountain ridges;
  • Spring moors in the many stream and river valleys;
  • Mountain meadows and wet meadows that are extensively used in agriculture;
  • A large number of old mining adits; and
  • Remnants of the mixed forests that originally covered the mountains.

In addition to delighting hikers, these beautiful elements provide habitats for a large number of rare animal and plant species that are critically endangered throughout Europe. Pygmy owls, black grouse, kingfishers, freshwater pearl mussels and moorland clouded yellow butterflies are just some of the animal species that are important beyond the regional level. The jewels of the region’s flora include alpine club moss, orange lilies, arnica or wolfsbane, various species of gentian and native orchids.