Best bird watching 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
- 4.6 (128)·Moderate·7.1 km·Est. 2.5–3 hrFamily-friendly hike in Bad Schandau, Saxony. This scenic excursion starts at the free Zahnsgrund car park and leads to the famous rock formations of the Saxon Switzerland National Park - the Schrammsteine. The route there via the Schießgrund leads gently but steadily uphill. Once at the top, the trail can optionally be extended to the Schrammstein viewpoint. The Elbleitenweg takes you slightly downhill to the Schießgrund, where you finally return to the starting point. The route is quite...
- 4.6 (51)·Hard·16.3 km·Est. 6–6.5 hrPanoramic 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...
- 4.8 (11)·Hard·17.4 km·Est. 6.5–7 hrVaried route from Schmilka in Saxon Switzerland, Saxony. The route begins and ends in Schmilka at the Färhafen car park. From there, the route begins with a steep ascent via the Bergsteig trail through the Erlsgrund to the Großer Winterberg. There you have a wonderful view before continuing along the Reitsteig to some of the most spectacular rock formations in Saxon Switzerland - the Affensteine. Along the Upper Affenstein Promenade you have a wonderful view of the rocks. The Schrammsteine...
- 3.8 (9)·Hard·14.6 km·Est. 5–5.5 hrPanoramic walk in Bad Schandau, Saxony. The hike starts at the Falkensteinklinik bus stop and leads over the Falkenstein to the Carola Rock. You will be accompanied by many beautiful views of the breathtaking natural landscapes, with the Schrammsteine being a particular highlight of the route. Refreshment stops are available along the route. Highlights of the tour: - Wonderful views - Varied natural landscape - Local flora and fauna - Schrammsteine
- 4.6 (530)·Moderate·6.3 km·Est. 2–2.5 hrStarting with a gentle ferry crossing of the Elbe River at Kurort Rathen, this iconic loop climbs toward the famous core of Saxon Switzerland National Park. Shaded forest stairs lead up to the historic Neurathen Castle ruins and the grand stone arches of the Bastei Bridge, where dramatic platforms overlook towering sandstone pinnacles and the river valley below. The route descends through the Schwedenlöcher, a cool, narrow gorge framed by mossy rock walls and wooden stairways, before...
- 4.3 (38)·Moderate·7.6 km·Est. 2.5–3 hrPopular hike in the Saxon Switzerland National Park, Saxony. This is a wonderful hike to some of the most famous rock formations in Saxon Switzerland, with great views of the Elbe and nice places to stop for refreshments, making this varied route perfect. The start and end point is in Waltersdorf. You can park there. The Basteiweg and the famous Bastei Bridge are reached via the spa town of Rathen, which leads to the impressive views of the Bastei and the Ferdinandaussicht. The ascent...
- 4.4 (51)·Hard·16.3 km·Est. 5–5.5 hrPopular circular route in the Saxon Switzerland National Park, Saxony. This is a fantastic hike from Wehlen railway station to the Bastei and then on past the Amselsee lake and the spa town of Rathen (refreshments available). From Wehlen railway station, the route goes to the ferry, which then crosses the Elbe (check the timetable and prices). Not only the famous Bastei, the landmark of Saxon Switzerland, but also many other impressive rock formations such as the Neurathen rock castle await...
- 4.5 (6)·Hard·15.9 km·Est. 5–5.5 hrPopular hiking trail in the Saxon Switzerland National Park, Saxony. This popular excursion destination in the impressive rock formations of the Saxon Switzerland National Park can be explored from Rathewalde. You will encounter a variety of landscapes on the tour, which takes in one of the most famous rock formations in Saxon Switzerland. From the Bastei and the famous Bastei Bridge, you have a unique view of the Elbe Valley and the large table mountains. The route leads downhill from the...
- 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...
- 4.5 (4)·Hard·16.7 km·Est. 5.5–6.5 hrVersatile hike in Saxon Switzerland, Saxony. This hike can start in the spa town of Rathen at the railway station. Afterwards, a ferry ride to the other side of the Elbe awaits you for the start of the hike (note prices and times). At Grünbach, the route heads towards the Polenztal valley. The trail runs along the river of the same name through the beautiful valley to the Polenztal guesthouse and inn. If you want to stop for a bite to eat, you can do so here. From there, the route follows...
Visitor info
Hours & contact
Open 24 hours
Accessibility
General park hours
Every day • Open 24 hours
Phone
04903 5022
Facilities
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 trail to hike for bird watching in Saxon Switzerland National Park?
According to users from AllTrails.com, the best trail to hike for bird watching in Saxon Switzerland National Park is Zu den Schrammsteinen, which has a 4.6 star rating from 128 reviews. This trail is 7.1 km long with an elevation gain of 296 m.
What is the longest bird watching trail in Saxon Switzerland National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest bird watching trail in Saxon Switzerland National Park is Bastei and Schwarzberg from Rathen [CLOSED]. This trail is estimated to be 30.3 km long.
How many bird watching trails are in Saxon Switzerland National Park?
There are 10 bird watching trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park.These bird watching trails have an average 4.5-star ratingfrom 830 AllTrails community reviews.
Which bird watching trail has the most elevation gain in Saxon Switzerland National Park?
Bastei and Schwarzberg from Rathen [CLOSED] has the most elevation gain for bird watching trails with 1,015 m of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Schmilka - Großer Winterberg - Elbaussicht - Breite-Kluft-Aussicht, which has 936 m of elevation gain.
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