Fichtelberg and Klínovec are two neighbouring mountains located on both sides of the Czech-German border. About 3.5 hours away by car, this area is the nearest ski location to Berlin.
The distance (330 km) is roughly the same as to Spindleruv Mlyn, but getting here is faster and easier since most of the way you’re driving on German autobahns.
The area has an elevation of 700 m (and the mountain tops are 1200+), so the local weather is noticeably colder than in Berlin or Dresden, and the slopes catch quite some snow in winter.
The town by the Fichtelberg mountain (the German side) is called Oberwiesenthal.
Ski resorts
- Fichtelberg on the German side
- Klínovec (Keilberg) on the Czech side
These 2 resorts (and a couple of smaller ones, Boží Dar and Neklid) have a common ski pass and are connected with a ski bus.
We personally liked Klinovec more, but in fact, both mountains offer great opportunities for some forest freeride:
Of course, they also have the full range of prepared ski slopes for all skill levels.
Budget
Being the nearest ski location to Berlin, it’s also the most budget destination in our list, and this is why:
- 1-day bus tours with Prima Klima, cheap but rough: 5 am departure, late return, €75 including bus & ski pass
- Getting there by car: from €50 for gas (click to check BlaBlaCar options)
- Train+bus Berlin > Am Bahnhof, Oberwiesenthal, from €50 return
- Ski pass, about €30/day
- Accommodation, from €15/person/night, cheaper on the Czech side a bit further from the resort; there’s also an option of staying in the city of Karlovy Vary, 30km away
Other
Driving there: in winter, the last couple of kilometers before Klinovec can be tricky because of the ice on the road. If you have snow chains, pack them just in case.
Eating out: the town of Oberwiesenthal has a few restaurants and cafes, but on weekends we recommend booking a table in advance.
