Best beach trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
The Saxon Switzerland National Park is located in the federal state of Saxony, covers an area of 93.5 square kilometres and lies in two geographically separate regions. The western area includes the Rathen area with the famous Bastei Bridge, the Lilienstein and the Polenztal, while the eastern area covers the Schrammsteine, the Großer Winterberg and Hintere Sächsische Schweiz.
The landscape consists of wooded areas, gorges and bizarre rock formations with hundreds of opportunities for hikers and climbers. When visiting the park, be sure to explore the Malerweg to see all the interesting and unique rock formations this national park has to offer.
In the neighbouring Czech Republic, the protected area continues as the Bohemian Switzerland National Park.
Top trails
- 4.4 (35)·Moderate·10.6 km·Est. 3–3.5 hrPopular circular trail in the Saxon Switzerland National Park, Saxony. Magnificent views await you on the small Schrammstein circuit through the Elbe sandstone formations of Saxon Switzerland. The hike begins and ends at the historic Bad Schandau passenger lift. From there it goes along the lift path and the Falkensteinstrasse to the crossroads at the Falkenstein Hütten. Turn left and walk through the shady forest towards the highlight of the tour - the Schrammsteine. The Vorderwinkel offers...
- 5.0 (33)·Hard·22.7 km·Est. 7–8 hrVersatile hike from Bad Schandau, Saxony. The hike can be started in Bad Schandau either from the paid car park or from the bus stop. From there it goes steadily uphill to some of the famous rock formations of Saxon Switzerland - the Schrammsteinen including the magnificent Schrammstein view. It continues over two great stairs on which a few steps and ladders have to be climbed - the zurückesteig and the Reitsteig. The route leads in the direction of the Großer Winterberg. From the...
- 4.7 (9)·Moderate·32 km·Est. 8–9 hrCharming cycle tour from Schmlka in Saxon Switzerland, Saxony. This is a lovely cycle tour that can be started in Schmilka. First you cycle along the Elbe on a well-maintained cycle path to Bad Schandau. There the route turns off towards Ostrauer Mühle and on to the Lichtenhain waterfall and finally Lichtenhain. The route there leads mostly through shady forest. From Lichtenhain it goes via Mittelndorf, Altendorf and Wustmanndörfel back to Bad Schandau and back along the Elbe to the...
- 5.0 (1)·Hard·41.8 km·Est. 10.5–11.5 hrThe cycle route runs from the campsite on Treidlerweg in Königstein along the Elbe Cycle Route to Bad Schandau, into the Kirnitzsch Valley as far as the Lichtenhain Waterfall, then along the cycle paths into the Zahnsgrund valley and back along the Elbe Cycle Route to Schmilka and Hřensko. Back in Schmilka, take the ferry (subject to a fee) to the other side of the Elbe and follow the Elbe Cycle Route back to Königstein on this side of the river. Alternative starting point: Königstein or Bad...
- 5.0 (2)·Hard·30.3 km·Est. 9–10 hrPopular circular hiking trail in the Saxon Switzerland National Park, Saxony This circular route to the Bastei starts at the railway station in the spa town of Rathen (accessible by bus and train). The route promises many highlights; a ferry ride across the Elbe awaits right at the start (check prices and timetable), before you hike along the picturesque Amselsee lake and the Schwedenlöcher gorges. The Schwedenlöcher are a gorge-like ravine that can be reached via rocky alleyways, over 700...
- Hard·28.5 km·Est. 8.5–9.5 hrVaried circular route in Saxon Switzerland, Saxony. Saxon Switzerland is one of the most popular hiking regions in Germany, has many wonderful natural treasures and is known for its unique sandstone rock formations. The circular route begins in the spa town of Rathen, which is beautifully situated on the Elbe and is famous for Altrathen Castle. From there, it follows the Elbe for a good stretch to Rathmansdorf. The forest path finally leads into the beautiful Polenztal valley via Hohnstein....
Visitor info
The National Park's main visitor centre is located in Bad Schandau. Here, permanent and temporary exhibitions as well as a large multivision show provide first-hand impressions of the national park. The centre is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm from April to October. Between November and March, the centre is closed on Mondays, from Tuesdays to Fridays it is open from 9 am to 5 pm and at weekends from 10 am to 4 pm.
Admission to the visitor centre is charged.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best beach trail to hike in Saxon Switzerland National Park?
What is the longest beach trail in Saxon Switzerland National Park?
How many beach trails are in Saxon Switzerland National Park?
Which beach trail has the most elevation gain in Saxon Switzerland National Park?
Activities
- Backpacking trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- Bike touring trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- Bird watching trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- Camping trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- Rock climbing trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- Via ferrata trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- Walking trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
Attractions
- Beach trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- Cave trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- Easy trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- Forest trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- Hard trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- Lake trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- Long trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- Moderate trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- River trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- Short trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- Trails with historic sites in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- Trails with no dogs in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- Trails with views in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- Waterfall trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- Wildflower trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- Wildlife trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
Suitability
- Child-friendly trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- Dog-friendly trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- Partially paved trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- Pram-friendly trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- Trails for dogs on lead in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- Wheelchair-friendly trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park