Hiking at Zittau Mountains - Töpferbaude

We are heading to Zittau, a beautiful town in southeastern Saxony, located near the Zittau Mountains and the Czech border. We will be doing a moderate 10 km hike that takes about 3 hours.

• Difficulty: Moderate. You should have a good level of fitness.
• Terrain: Mostly easy paths, but you must be sure-footed.
• Total Ascent: 340 meters.

• 08:30 AM: Depart from Berlin Ostkreuz by train.
• 09:55 AM: Meet your guide, Rafael, at Cottbus station.
• 10:03 AM: Catch the bus to Zittau together.
• 11:55 AM: Arrive in Zittau.
• 12:34 PM: Reach the starting point of our hike.
• 01:00 PM: Begin our 3-hour hike.
• 04:00 PM: Finish the hike in the village of Oybin.
• 05:00 PM: Catch the train for the return trip to Berlin.
• 09:00 PM: Arrive back in Berlin.
  
  About the Organizer

Since 2023, Rafael Motafer - known as 'Raf' - has led expat-focused nature excursions and getaways across Berlin and Dresden, balancing this passion with a career in digital marketing. He's organized more than 150 tours for over 2,500 participants, averaging three excursions a month across destinations like the Harz Mountains, Saxon Switzerland, Bohemian Switzerland, the Spreewald, and weekend trips to the Black Forest, France, Monaco, and the Czech Republic.

Raf's track record of strong traveler reviews began during a prior role at a travel agency and has continued since launching his own venture in 2024. This project was even approved and awarded excellent grades as a case study for his master's thesis at HTW Dresden, focused on eco-tourism and social media marketing strategy, reflecting the strategic thinking behind his community-driven approach.

Trips are announced via Facebook groups like Berlin Expats and International Friends – Dresden, with sign-up through Eventbrite. Once registered, participants join a private WhatsApp group for their trip. For expats new and old, Raf's tours offer more than a day out, they're a way into friendships, nature, and a sense of belonging abroad.