Eastern Ore Mountains

Erzgebirge

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In the summer time, the Eastern Ore Mountains offer cool breezes, while in winter it is a winter sports paradise. The towns of Dippoldiswalde and Geising and the spa town of Altenberg are surrounded by unspoiled countryside and old vineyards, and they are ideal for rambling, for example, on the Geisingberg and Kahleberg hills. In winter, the white slopes and snowy woods attract downhill and cross country skiers.

Just 15 kms to the west of Dresden is the Tharandt Forest. Here there is something for any rambler, fitness fan or nature lover. You can set off from the small village of Grillenburg with its hunting lodges and the Gondelteich lake, or from the spa town of Hartha. 

One ticket. Travel on everything.

You don't have to worry about how to get there and back. We will show you how best to do it. Just jump on. A standard tariff applies to local trains, the S-Bahn, trams, buses and almost every ferry.

The transport association – VVO association area

More information

The VVO area is divided into 21 tariff zones. Whichever form of transport you use, and however often you get on and off, the prices you pay are based on these zones. When you travel, you simply count the number of zones you will pass through.

Tarifzonenübersicht


Vorschau: Zum Vergrößern und für Details bitte auf die Karte klicken (PDF, 1,1 MB)

By bus & rail to the Eastern Ore Mountains

S 3 S-Bahn / Regionalbahn (RB)

The S-Bahn S 3 and RB 30 routes takes you from Dresden straight to the Tharandt Forest via Freital, and will likewise take you to the Weisseritz Valley Railway (starts from: Freital-Hainsberg).

Städtebahn Sachsen (SBS)

The Städtebahn Sachsen RB 72 connects Heidenau to Glashütte and Altenberg and is also known as the “Müglitztalbahn”, as it passes through the eponymous valley and into the Eastern Ore Mountains.

(Ski- und) WanderExpress (RE 19) - Winter timetable

The DB Regio AG (Ski- und) WanderExpress (RE 19) takes you from Dresden main station via Geising to the spa town of Altenberg in just 66 minutes on Saturdays and Sundays and public holidays. The train departs from Dresden at 10.05 a.m. and returns from Altenberg at 3.18 p.m.


Want to explore the Eastern Ore Mountains by bus? The many Regionalverkehr Dresden GmbH (RVD) bus routes will get you there in relaxed fashion.

Cross-border bus connection 360/398

This line takes you directly from Dresden via Altenberg, Zinnwald, Cinovec to Teplice. The bus travels as line 360 from Dresden to Altenberg. As cross-border line from Altenberg to Teplice it then becomes line 398. There is a border-crossing fee on line 398. The Elbe-Labe ticket is accepted.

This line takes you directly from Dresden via Altenberg, Zinnwald, Cinovec to Teplice. The bus travels as line 360 from Dresden to Altenberg. As cross-border line from Altenberg to Teplice it then becomes line 398. There is a border-crossing fee on line 398. The Elbe-Labe ticket is accepted.

As at: 1 August 2024

VVO tariff tip for getting there and back

Day ticket

If you are travelling by bus & train and returning on the same day, we recommend the day ticket. Day tickets are valid for any number of journeys from validation until 4 a.m. the following day.

Reduced day tickets can also be used by people over 60 years of age.

Tip: A maximum of 2 schoolchildren up to their 15th birthday may travel on a day ticket at the normal fare. Bicycles and dogs may not be taken in place of persons.

1 fare zone (outside Dresden): 7,80 Euro (reduced: 6,50 Euro)
fare zone Dresden: 9,00 Euro (reduced: 7,50 Euro)
2 fare zones: 12,50 Euro (reduced: 10,40 Euro)
VVO region: 20,50 Euro (reduced rate 17,00 Euro)

Family day ticket

For family travel or travel as a couple, we offer the family day ticket. The ticket is valid for 2 adults and max. 4 pupils up to their 15th birthday from the time of validation until 4 a.m. the following day:

1 fare zone: 13,10 Euro
2 fare zones: 18,00 Euro
VVO region: 27,70 Euro

Small group ticket

In a group of up to 5 people, all means of public transport (except special means of transport) are open to you for one day.

We offer the small group ticket for one or two tariff zones as well as for the entire area covered by the association. The small group ticket is valid on the day of validation until 4 a.m. the following day.

1 fare zone: 21,70 Euro
2 fare zones: 29,20 Euro
VVO Area: 40,30 Euro

As at: 1 April 2025

Buying tickets – here you can get your ticket

Get your ticket

If travelling by train, please stamp these tickets before you board the train; if travelling by bus or tram, stamp them when you board the vehicle.

You can also get tickets

  • from the ticket machines in the tram or
  • from the driver on city and regional bus services

These tickets are already validated.

Simple ticket & timetable via app

View current departures in real time and buy tickets quickly and cashlessly via one of the apps in the VVO.

VVO mobile website DVB mobile website Deutsche Bahn website

bicycles

Whether you are intending a gentle spin on the bikes as a family or you are more of a competitor looking for a mountaintop finish, the Eastern Ore Mountains offer the ideal cycle trails for everyone.

Providing there is space, you can take your bike on buses and trains.

Taking bikes on the Weisseritz Valley Railway is no problem, because the trains have luggage / bike compartments with space for 30 bikes each.

The best ticket for your bicycle

If you wish to take your bicycle on bus & rail or the bike bus, just buy a cycle day ticket. The price is based on the tariff zones in which you intend to travel:

  • To travel in one tariff zone you need the price level 1 cycle day ticket, costing 2 Euro.
  • To travel in two or more tariff zones, buy the cycle day ticket for the entire VVO area, costing 3 Euro.

The cycle day ticket is valid up to 4am on the day following the day of stamping.

Around the region by bus & rail Discover new places

Glashütte

Inhaltsbild Osterzgebirge - Ausflugstipp: Uhrenmuseum Glashütte

With over ten watch manufacturers in Glashütte, you must be able to hear the tick-tock of handmade luxury watches on just about every street corner. Take a little guided, or unguided, tour of discovery through this watchmaking town.

Weißeritztalbahn: From Freital to the Eastern Ore Mountains

Weißeritztalbahn im Rabenauer Grund

Germany's oldest working, steam-driven narrow gauge railway offers a very special experience as you journey from Freital-Hainsberg through the Rabenau Valley to Kurort Kipsdorf. Take in the unique landscapes you pass through as you enjoy the trip in comfortable carriages.

Titel VVO-Flyer Fahrradtourenkarte Weisseritztalbahn

Take a journey of discovery to the Eastern Ore Mountains. We can advise you on how to combine a pleasant journey on the Weisseritz Valley Railway and a cycle ride through the Paulsdorfer Heide woods or a ramble along the Rabenauer Grund valley. There are numerous ideas for sightseeing and excursions, and recommendations for interesting stop-offs, plus an overview map for guidance.