description Ore Mountains (Erzgebirge) Overview
The Ore Mountains, known in German as Erzgebirge and in Czech as Krušné hory, are a low mountain range stretching approximately 150 kilometers along the border between the German state of Saxony and the Czech Republic. The range's name derives from its role as one of Central Europe's most significant mining regions, yielding silver, tin, cobalt, and later uranium from the 12th century onward. Following the decline of mining, the region developed strong traditions in woodcarving, Christmas decorations, and folk craft that persist today.
insights Ranking position
Ore Mountains (Erzgebirge) ranks #120 of 231 in the Massif ranking, behind Manaslu Massif, ahead of Niedere Tauern.
help Ore Mountains (Erzgebirge) FAQ
Are the Ore Mountains in Germany or the Czech Republic?
They straddle both countries, running along the border between Saxony and the Czech region historically known as Bohemia. The German name is Erzgebirge and the Czech name is Krušné hory.
What is the highest peak in the Ore Mountains?
Klínovec, called Keilberg in German, is the range's highest summit at 1,244 meters. Fichtelberg, the highest peak on the German side, reaches 1,215 meters.
Why are they called the Ore Mountains?
The name reflects more than 800 years of mining for silver, tin, cobalt, and other ores. Mining also shaped towns such as Freiberg, Annaberg-Buchholz, and Jáchymov.
What part of the Ore Mountains is a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
UNESCO inscribed the Erzgebirge/Krušnohoří Mining Region in 2019. The transnational property comprises selected mines, water systems, processing sites, and mining towns rather than the entire mountain range.
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