Best long trails in Saxony

Varied hiking trail in Saxon Switzerland. This popular circular hike starts at the market square in the town of Wehlen and leads along beautiful forest paths to the famous sandstone formations. It can also be comfortably reached by bus. From the starting point, the path leads steadily uphill past the Steinerner Tisch to the bastion. There you can linger a little and enjoy the view. You return via the spa town of Rathen, Altrathen Castle along the Elbe to the starting point of the...

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 popular circular walk with stunning views starts at the Ostrau car park and leads to the Schrammsteine and the Carolafelsen. Wearing sturdy footwear is strongly recommended, as, in addition to sections along roads, the trail takes you over interesting steps (such as the Wildschützensteig), up steep staircases and up ladders – as well as through narrow, damp and slippery crevices. Your efforts will be rewarded with magnificent views of Saxon Switzerland.

This route is stage 1 of the Malerweg, a long-distance trail through the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. This section leads from Pirna-Liebethal to Stadt Wehlen. The path follows the Wesenitz River through the romantic Liebethaler Grund, passing the Richard Wagner Monument, and continues through the Uttewalder Grund with its famous rock gate. Overnight stays are available in guesthouses in Stadt Wehlen; camping is prohibited within the national park. Potable water should be carried or refilled at...

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 3 of the Malerweg, a long-distance trail through the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. This segment leads from the castle town of Hohnstein to Altendorf. Highlights include the famous Brand viewpoint, offering expansive vistas over the Polenz Valley, and the descent via 800 steps into the "Tiefer Grund." The path continues through the wild and romantic Kohlichtgraben and along the Sebnitz River to the destination. Overnight stays are available in guesthouses in Altendorf; camping...

Popular, scenic hiking trail in the Saxon Switzerland National Park, Saxony. The tour starts at the market square in Bad Schandau. It is possible to use one of the car parks there or arrive by bus. The ferry landing stage is also not far away. The hike leads to the ladders of the Schrammsteine, along striking rocks and narrow paths. In addition to numerous marvelous views, the route also offers fairytale gorges and natural monuments. The first highlight of the tour is the fascinating...

Exciting and varied hiking trail in Saxon, Switzerland, Saxony. It starts in Bad Schandau. The adventure begins with riding an 80-year-old tram, the Kirnitzschtalbahn, from Bad Schandau to Beuthenfall. You can visit the spectacular Lichtenhain waterfall, which is the starting point for the hike. The "Kuhstall" offers a nice place to take a break - but it can get very crowded there. Then it goes on to the new Widerstein and via the Fremdenweg and the Königsstraße to the Idargrotte. Many...

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 2 of the Malerweg, a long-distance trail through the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. This segment leads from Stadt Wehlen across the world-famous Bastei to Hohnstein. Highlights include the iconic Bastei Bridge with expansive views, Lake Amsel, and the spectacular Wolf's Gorge (Wolfsschlucht) in the Polenz Valley before the path ends at Hohnstein Castle. Overnight stays are available in guesthouses and hotels in Stadt Wehlen or Hohnstein; camping is prohibited within the...