"Kultur-Express" to the Görlitz City Festival or into the Zittau Mountains

The Altstadtfest in Görlitz is one of the largest city festivals in the region: more than 100,000 expected visitors, around 30 stages and well over 100 market and craft stalls. The "Kultur-Express" departs from Cottbus directly to the festival in Görlitz.

Those who prefer to explore the Zittau Mountains can continue by train through the Lusatian Neisse Valley to Zittau. There, two options await - either the Zittauer Schmalspurbahn narrow-gauge railway into the mountains, or a guided hike around the Lausche (the highest peak in the Zittau Mountains). Both options require a separate reservation; payment is made on site (SOEG day ticket or bus transfer).

Narrow-gauge railway: Since 1890, the Zittauer Schmalspurbahn has been taking day-trippers into the mountains. From Zittau, the route circles the old town, runs along the Olbersdorfer See lake and reaches Bertsdorf station after eight kilometres - from there you can continue to Kurort Oybin or Kurort Jonsdorf, or stop off at the Hotel Bahnhof Bertsdorf. The trains run in their historic livery; Bertsdorf station is maintained by the Interessenverband der Zittauer Schmalspurbahnen and the Sächsisch-Oberlausitzer Eisenbahngesellschaft.

Hike around the Lausche: After arriving in Zittau, a bus takes you to Waltersdorf, the starting point for the circular trail over the Lausche. The return route passes through a Czech village. Depending on energy and time, the tour can be extended to the Nonnenfelsen rocks near Jonsdorf - a decision made together with the guide on the day. Please bring ID! Note: the ascent is very steep and rocky; people with limited mobility should not choose this option.

The special train consists of historic carriages from the former Deutsche Reichsbahn, hauled by a Class 232 diesel locomotive, with seating in 1st and 2nd class.