Population: approx. 348,000
Area: 1,827.9 km²

The Erzgebirgskreis is the most populous district in Saxony. The district capital of the Erzgebirgskreis is Annaberg-Buchholz. The highest town in Germany, Oberwiesenthal on the Fichtelberg, is located in the Ore Mountains. The Fichtelberg attracts thousands of winter sports enthusiasts, especially in the cold months. The district gained economic importance through centuries of mining. A special feature of the region is the "Erzgebirgische Holzkunst" (Ore Mountain wood art), which is based on traditional handicraft techniques and has helped the Erzgebirge to achieve worldwide fame. The toy village of Seiffen and the numerous Christmas markets with their mountain parades are especially worth seeing during the Christmas season.