Best camping 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
- 4.7 (224)·Hard·18.5 km·Est. 6–7 hrThis 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...
- 4.4 (149)·Hard·14 km·Est. 5.5–6 hrThis 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...
- 4.7 (63)·Moderate·6.4 km·Est. 2.5–3 hrModerately difficult hike. Good basic fitness required. Predominantly easy paths. Sure-footedness required. The route starts at the Neumannmühle mill in the Kirnitzschtal valley and follows the yellow line markings. It leads between steep, green overgrown walls into the Großer Zschand. At the next major fork in the trail, at the junction to Zeughausstraße - marked with a red line, turn right and after a few minutes left (red line) to Winterstein, also known as Hinters Raubschloss. After a...
- 4.6 (51)·Hard·16.1 kmVersatile hike in Saxon Switzerland, Saxony. This is a moderate route over the Schrammsteine and through the Wilde Hölle and Höllentor to the Carolafelsen. The car park at the Ostrauer Mühle mill is a good starting point for this tour through Saxon Switzerland. However, you can also reach the starting point by public transport. The circular tour is characterised by smaller and larger hills and mountains and combines various attractions of Saxon Switzerland such as the Falkenstein viewpoint,...
- 4.5 (23)·Moderate·10.3 km·Est. 3.5–4 hrPanormaic circular hike in Saxon Switzerland, Saxony. You start at the parking lot at the Hotel Forsthaus. There is also the Forsthaus bus stop to arrive by bus. First a piece on the Flößersteig it goes on the Mühlweg. Finally, turn left and reach the wild meadow with a bench that invites you to rest. After the rest, it goes to the impressive Schrammsteinen: a piece between the rocks and then south along the Schrammsteinweg with a detour to the famous Schrammstein viewpoint. The...
- 4.3 (32)·Moderate·8.4 km·Est. 2.5–3 hrModerately difficult hike. Good basic fitness required. Easily accessible paths. No special skills required. This hike starts at the Beuthenfall stop in the Kirnitzschtal valley and follows historic paths. If you have time, you can take the Kirnitzschtalbahn - a travelling monument that has been transporting hikers since 1898. The route is 8 kilometres long and the smallest line in Saxony. After crossing the Kirnitzsch, which is one of the cleanest rivers in Saxony, follow the Flößersteig...
- 4.8 (26)·Moderate·11.3 km·Est. 4–4.5 hrVaried hike in the Saxon Switzerland National Park, Saxony. The tour takes you through a varied landscape accompanied by impressive panoramic views of the Winterberg massif and the Schrammstein range. The route takes you high above the Kirnitzschtal valley on the Panorama Trail in Saxon Switzerland. Several villages are "enthroned" there, including Mittelndorf, where the tour begins. In the south of the village, the hike starts in a southerly direction towards the Schrammsteine and the...
- 4.1 (18)·Hard·29.3 km·Est. 8.5–9.5 hrVaried hike from Bad Schandau, Saxony. This scenic bike tour through the Saxon Switzerland National Park begins and ends in Bad Schandau. From there you cycle for a good half of the route along the Kirnitzschtalstrasse, following the course of the river of the same name. A detour to the Lichtenhainer waterfall can be planned on the route. Another detour follows to the cowshed. A bit of perseverance is required here. It goes steeply uphill and is rewarded with a magnificent view. Back to...
- 4.3 (9)·Hard·13.8 km·Est. 5–5.5 hrVersatile circular trail in the Saxon Switzerland National Park, Saxony. This hike begins not far from Bad Schandau. The highlights on this trail are the Dompfeiler, Domerker, Promenade Tower, the Affensteine, the Schrammsteine and the Schießgrundscheibe. The starting and finishing point is at the Ostrauer Mühle where you can either use the car park or travel by public transport. The trail leads slightly but steadily uphill along the Bauweg to the Sandloch and the Dompfeiler. From there,...
- 4.7 (15)·Moderate·15.6 km·Est. 4.5–5 hrScenic route between Bad Schandau and Sebnitz, Saxony, Germany This marvellous hike leads through panoramic villages with unique views of the Schrammsteine and Affensteine rock formations. Before reaching Sebnitz, a fascinating view of Lichtenhain can be enjoyed. The start is in the "silk flower town" of Sebnitz, right by the railway station. Artificial flowers are still traditionally handmade in the town today. Sturdy shoes and some provisions are recommended, as some of the paths are...
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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 camping in Saxon Switzerland National Park?
According to users from AllTrails.com, the best trail to hike for camping in Saxon Switzerland National Park is Malerweg Stage 4: Altendorf - Neumannmühle, which has a 4.7 star rating from 224 reviews. This trail is 18.5 km long with an elevation gain of 744 m.
What is the longest camping trail in Saxon Switzerland National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest camping trail in Saxon Switzerland National Park is Dichter-Musiker-Maler-Weg (without Prebischtor) [CLOSED]. This trail is estimated to be 71.9 km long.
How many camping trails are in Saxon Switzerland National Park?
There are 27 camping trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park.These camping trails have an average 4.4-star ratingfrom 657 AllTrails community reviews.
Which camping trail has the most elevation gain in Saxon Switzerland National Park?
Dichter-Musiker-Maler-Weg (without Prebischtor) [CLOSED] has the most elevation gain for camping trails with 2,564 m of total ascent. The park's runner-up is From Bad Schandau to Hinterhermsdorf, which has 1,795 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