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 on our list. Here are some budget-related notes (prices as of 2023):
- Cheap and rough: 1-day bus tours with Prima Klima: 5 am departure, late return, €75 including bus & ski pass
- Getting there by car: 330 km one way, so it’s about €90 for gas (click to check BlaBlaCar options)
- Train + bus: Berlin -> Am Bahnhof, Oberwiesenthal (never tried this option)
- Ski pass: about €35/day
- Accommodation, from €30/person/night, cheaper on the Czech side; if you have wheels, we recommend staying in Jáchymov (15 min drive) or Karlovy Vary (30 min drive)
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.
Good day
I am Elizabeth, a South African with zero ski’ing experience visiting Humboldt University in January 2024.
My husband and I will be situated in Berlin and thought it would be a wonderful adventure to experience ski’ing. If I understand correctly, there is a bus that leaves to your resort from Berlin and travels back later the day?
As mentioned, we are both from Africa and have no ski’ing experience, regarding equipment, do we hire from you? How would this work?
Very excited to hear back from you in due time.
Kindest regards
Hi Elizabeth!
It’s cool that you’re coming to Berlin! Ski trip is definitely a good idea, since winter here is a little gloomy at times.
I’m not affiliated with the resort or the company organising ski trips. In principle, it’s a good option to go to Klinovec/Oberwiesenthal with them. But there’s no schedule for 2023/2024 season on their website yet, so check it later this year (like, end of November).
The equipment you can rent on the spot, and I’d recommend booking a lesson on the resort’s website.
Also, feel free to ping me in December, I might be planning to drive there for a weekend and could take a couple of people along.
Alex
Hi, Thanks for this useful info. I just moved to Berlin from New York and I’m planning a trip to this area in December, too, Should I bring chains if I’m driving to the Fichttelberg and will I be able to use local transport to get to the Klinovec side?
Hi Marc! Welcome! 🙂
That potentially icy area is on the Czech side near Klinovec only, up to Fichtelberg the road is fine, so no need for chains.
There is a shuttle bus between the resorts: https://klinovec.cz/en/skibuses/, I’ve never used it but seen one last winter.