As a blooming commercial centre, the city of Zittau was once referred to as 'the Rich'. The historical inner city has remained nearly perfectly preserved. Lying just before Zittau's front door, Germany's smallest low mountain range, Zittauer Gebirge Nature Park, is an inviting destination featuring unique traditional houses and nature for relaxing, hiking, and climbing. The ideal staging point for a family or active vacation. To the east of the Zittauer Gebirge park, the Iser and Riesengebirge mountains connect at the intersection of Germany's Polish and Czech neighbours. The best view of the city's beauty and the surrounding landscape in the tri-border area is located at the top of the 60 meter viewing tower at Schinkel-Kirche St. Johannis, in the heart of the city.