Greetings from the Mayor,

Nature, regional traditions, sport, and recreational activities as well as, a modern communal administration is what makes Johanngeorgenstadt a city to visit (or live in) and fall in love with.  At an elevation of 2.300- 3.000 feet above sea-level (or 700-1.000 meters) and being directly on the border to The Czech Republic, our city is well-known as the second highest city in Sachsen and as a border city.

Thanks to our geographical location, ideal winter sports conditions reign in Johanngeorgenstadt.  We have an extensive cross-country ski trail network, a double T-Bar ski lift and sledding slopes.  Our “Kammloipe” (a cross-country ski trail) leads from Johanngeorgenstadt to Schöneck in Vogtland – a distance of 36 kilometers.  We even have our own ski jumping hills where well-known athletes such as the famous ski jumper, Sven Hannawald and the Nordic Combination star, Björn Kircheisen learned their trade.

In the summer we offer a well-developed and clearly marked network of hiking trails in a peaceful and beautiful nature setting as well as low- to high-challenging mountain bike trails and various climbing opportunities.  And for those who aren’t looking for an active vacation, our nature wonderland is a great place just to rest and regenerate.

Something that makes Johanngeorgenstadt unmistakably recognizable are the open-air and world’s biggest “Schwibbogen” (a candle arch) and, also, the world’s largest hand-carved Christmas Pyramid.  Both are symbols of our “Ore Mountain” (Erzgebirge) traditions and customs that we actively live and maintain.  We also identify, very closely, with our century-old history of “Mountain Mining”, that has had a strong influence on our city since its founding in 1654.

Johanngeorgenstadt offers our residents various choices of special-interest clubs and recreational activities as well as a diversified event and culture program. Schools, kindergarten, pre-schools and care homes guarantee our youngest to our oldest residents the best care.  Finally, our city administration is always happy to help our residents and visitors in all their needs.

As you can tell, our lovely town is worth a visit any time of the year. I’m looking forward to greeting you, soon, in Johanngeorgenstadt.

Best Regards,

(And as we say in German:  Glück Auf!)

André Oswald, Mayor