In the forests of the Lusatian Mountains, a number of rocks are hidden. Some of them, however, rise above the treetops and offer unique views of the surroundings. One such dominant feature of the Lusatian Mountains above Hrádek nad Nisou (Grottau) is undoubtedly the Pfaffenstein, which from a distance looks like a mysterious castle ruin. It offers a view across three countries simultaneously.
The Pfaffenstein and the hikers
The mighty sandstone rock block is located at an altitude of 565 m. It consists of several huge blocks arranged so that they not only form a viewpoint but also a small rock gate and several caves. Several potholes are hollowed out in the surface of the rocks. The summit of the rock was made accessible to hikers in 1907. In the first half of the 20th century, when the hiking movement flourished, there was even a small hut called Hugo's Hut at the foot of the rock.
Anyone who looks around not only at the landscape from the lower rock but also at the viewpoint itself will notice the base of the highest rock block. This dates back to 1934 when the block had loosened. Hikers from Hrádek and Dolní Sedlo (Spittelgrund) saved the viewpoint in this way back then.
View from the Pfaffenstein
From the highest point of the viewpoint, hikers can enjoy a panoramic view over the Neisse valley, the Lusatian and Zittau Mountains, the Bohemian Central Highlands, and the Bohemian Uplands, as well as look across to the neighbors in Germany, where the Lusatian Basin spreads out, and also over to Poland. In good weather, the peaks of the Jizera Mountains and the Giant Mountains can also be seen. From one spot, the visitor to the Pfaffenstein can also see the distinctive mountains of the Lusatian Mountains, including the highest peak Lausche, the Kegel of Kleis, the Hochwald, and the sandstone rocks in the nearby area. In the other direction, the region's landmark of Liberec, the Ještěd (Jeschken), can be seen. Looking northward, the open-cast mines in neighboring Poland are also visible.
