Sonnenhübel

The Sonnenhübel is a 469-metre hill in the eastern part of the Upper Lusatia region of Saxony. Almost the whole summit is covered by the Königsholz, a large forest that stretches into the municipality of Oderwitz. The woodland is bordered by the villages of Ruppersdorf, Großhennersdorf and Oberseifersdorf, while the smaller Eulbusch wood lies to the north.

The name Königsholz recalls the days when Bohemian kings hunted here and kept birds of prey. A local tale tells how the future King Wenceslas revealed himself in the forest after being raised in hiding. Old charters speak of ‘silva nostra regalis’, the royal forest, confirming its royal use. The city of Zittau fought for centuries to secure rights over the timber, facing raids and legal battles before finally purchasing the woodland in the 14th century. Today the forest shelters rare birds such as eagle owls and peregrine falcons in its protected Horstschutzzone.

Visitors walk beneath tall beech, ash and maple on the south-west slopes, where the ground is firm underfoot. In the damp northern arm birch, aspen and oak form lighter stands, and patches of reedy grass appear where water gathers. Phonolith rock slabs push through the soil on the northern flank, adding a rugged touch to the landscape. Ring roads wind through the woodland, making it a favourite route for runners and cyclists seeking quiet exercise close to Oderwitz.