Thierberg

The Thierberg is a 785.5-metre-high mountain in the Vogtland region, part of the western Ore Mountains. It sits within the Erzgebirge-Vogtland Nature Park, surrounded by valleys and small villages. The Kleine Pyra valley borders it to the east, while the Zwickauer Mulde valley drops steeply on the northern side. The southern slope overlooks the Thierbach stream, where a covered spring draws visitors. Nearby Friedrichsgrün lies to the west, and the rounded hill called Runder Hübel extends to the southwest. The mountain is entirely forested, with only a narrow view northwest towards Friedrichsgrün from the summit. From the eastern slope above Jägersgrün, walkers can see the main ridge of the Ore Mountains. A windstorm in 1998 stripped much of the spruce forest on the northern flank, leaving a reminder of the power of nature. The abandoned Chemnitz–Aue–Adorf railway once ran along the northern side before closing in 1994. The contrast between dense woodland and open scars from the storm adds to the mountain’s rugged character. At the southern foot, the radium-rich spring emerges from the granite beneath the Thierberg. A small picnic area shelters the source, where visitors can rest beside the flowing water. In the early 20th century, attempts were made to bottle the water as “Thierbergquell,” but low radon levels ended commercial sales. Experts once considered turning the site into a spa, though nothing came of it. The surrounding woods offer quiet paths for short walks or longer hikes through the changing landscape.