Fichtelgebirge

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The Fichtelgebirge is a mountain range in northeastern Bavaria, Germany. It extends from the valley of the Red Main River to the Czech border, with a few foothills extending into the Czech Republic. It is continued by the Ore Mountains in northeastern direction, and by the Bohemian Forest in southeastern direction.

[edit] Geology

The highest mountain is the Schneeberg (1051 m). Rivers rising from the Fichtelgebirge are the White Main (German: Weißer Main) , the Saxon Saale, the Ohře (German: Eger) and the Fichtelnaab which later joins the Waldnaab. Cities on the edge of the mountains include Bayreuth and Hof.

While the mountains slope gradually away to the north and the south, there is a steep slope to the west, where the Red Main forms the boundary of the mountains.

The Ochsenkopf (Ox Head) is the second height mountain of the Fichtelgebirge (1024 m). There are two chair-lifts to the summit, one from Bischofsgruen in the north and one from Fleckl in the south. The "Asenturm" (Asen Tower) is an outlook-tower on the top with a restaurant.

[edit] Tourism

The Fichtelgebirge attract many tourists throughout the year. In the winter the mountains are a common destination for people seeking outdoor recreational sports like alpine skiing, cross country skiing, and sledding. The warmer summer months find people mountain biking, hiking, and sight seeing amoungst the many large rock formations.

[edit] External links

• Homepage of the 'Fichtelgebirgsverein'
• The Fichtelgebirge, described by a native franc resident (in English)

Coordinates: 50°00′N 12°00′E / 50°N 12°E / 50; 12