Best hard trails in Saxony

This route is stage 4 of the Malerweg, a long-distance trail through the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. This segment leads from Altendorf to the Neumannmühle. Highlights include the imposing Schrammsteine cliffs with their famous viewpoint, the Lichtenhain Waterfall, and the massive Kuhstall rock gate, reached via the narrow Ladder to Heaven (Himmelsleiter). Overnight stays are available in guesthouses in the Kirnitzsch Valley; camping is prohibited within the national park. Surefootedness and a...

This moderately difficult hike leads through the heart of the Saxon Switzerland National Park, which offers many beautiful views. You’ll pass the Bastei and Wehlsteinaussicht viewpoints, the Schwedenlöcher and Amselgrund, the Hockstein and Gamrig. There are places to stop for refreshments along the way. At the start, it is nescessary to cross the Elbe by ferry (check the ferry timetable and fares). On sunny days, the ferries can get very busy. PLEASE NOTE! The Schwedenlöcher are currently...

This route is stage 5 of the Malerweg, a long-distance trail through the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. This segment leads from the Neumannmühle in the Kirnitzsch Valley to the border village of Schmilka. Highlights include the Arnstein rock and the steep climb through the Wolfsschlüchte to the Großer Winterberg, the second-highest mountain in Saxon Switzerland, before descending into the organic village of Schmilka with its historic water mill. Overnight stays are available in guesthouses and...

This route is stage 6 of the Malerweg, a long-distance trail through the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. This segment leads from Schmilka across the Elbe River to the spa town of Gohrisch. Highlights include the baroque village church in Reinhardtsdorf and the climbs up the striking table mountains Papststein and Gohrisch, which offer expansive panoramic views of the rock formations on the left bank of the Elbe. Overnight stays are available in guesthouses and hotels in Kurort Gohrisch; camping...

This route is stage 7 of the Malerweg, a long-distance trail through the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. This segment leads from the spa town of Gohrisch across striking table mountains to Weißig. Highlights include the climb through the Needle's Eye (Nadelöhr) onto the Pfaffenstein, the Quirl table mountain, and the monumental Königstein Fortress. The path continues through Thürmsdorf and its Malerweg Chapel, offering panoramic views, until reaching the destination. Overnight stays are available...

Popular circular trail in the Saxon Switzerland National Park, Saxony. This route in Saxon Switzerland leads past some of the most spectacular rock formations in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. As the name of the trail suggests, in addition to the Falkenstein and the Großer Winterberg, the route also passes the Schrammsteine, a rock formation characterised by dramatic crevices to the east of Bad Schandau. This tour starts at the free Falkenstein Hütten car park. From there, the route climbs...

Panoramic hike from Schmilka in Saxon Switzerland, Saxony. There are some exciting climbs to climb on this hike. Starting from the Elbkai in Schmilka, it goes steadily uphill over the root path in the direction of the first staircase - the Rotkehlchenstiege, which is one of the most popular in Saxon Switzerland. Up a number of steps, this leads into the varied, almost 500 m long back path, which consists of iron stairs and jagged rocks. In the midst of the famous rock formations of the...

Panoramic hiking trail in the Saxon Switzerland National Park, Saxony. Excellent views can be expected on this quite demanding tour. The route leads through the famous Affensteine and up the 458m high Carolafelsen. Starting at the Am Beuthefall car park, which is subject to a charge, it goes through the rock massifs of the Dietrichsgrund until you reach the impressive rock marbles along the Oberen Affenstein Promenade. Via the sand hole, it finally goes up to the small Prebischtor and on...

Scenic hiking trail in the Saxon Switzerland National Park, Saxony. Many unique spots with great views await you on this route. The tour can be started at the bus stop or at the Schrammsteinbaude hiking car park. From there, the trail leads through the narrow Schießgrund and Vorderwinkel gorges to the Obere Affensteinpromenade. From time to time there are many small climbing passages where surefootedness and a little caution are required. The Affensteinpromenade itself is not a developed...

Panoramic route through Saxon Switzerland from Schmilka, Saxony. This circular route leads from the Schmilka ferry stop through the unique and popular Saxon Switzerland National Park. The route first follows the Elbleitenweg to the popular Schrammsteinen including a view of the Schrammstein. From there it continues picturesquely on the ridge path. Here the Breite-Kluft view and the Carolafelsen await. From there the path leads over the Reitsteig to the Großer Winterberg and the Kipphorn...