Best cave 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 (529)·Moderate·6.3 km·Est. 2–2.5 hrPanoramic, exciting hiking trail in the Saxon Switzerland National Park, Saxony. This hike includes a ferry ride. Information about the crossing and ferry times should be obtained in advance. The tour has a lot to offer over a very short distance. It starts in Rathen and first leads up numerous steps to the medieval rock castle of Neurathen. Along the way, you can enjoy marvellous views over the Rauenstein to the opposite side of the Elbe. The route continues through the rock gate onto the...
- 4.5 (176)·Moderate·2.4 km·Est. 0.5–1 hrScenic out-and-back walk in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains, Saxony, Germany The tour starts at the Bastei car park and leads to the famous Felsenburg. On the way, magnificent views of the rocky natural landscape can be enjoyed and there are many sights worth seeing. The tour continues through the "Felsentor" (rock gate) to the Bastei Bridge. There is the famous view of the Elbe from the viewing platform on the Bastei Rock. Once at the top, there is a fantastic panoramic view of the Tafel...
- 4.6 (294)·Moderate·9.7 km·Est. 2.5–3 hrVaried 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...
- 4.8 (175)·Hard·14.3 km·Est. 5.5–6 hrThis 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...
- 4.6 (162)·Moderate·11.7 km·Est. 4–4.5 hrExciting 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...
- 4.4 (147)·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 (93)·Moderate·10.3 km·Est. 3–3.5 hrPopular, panoramic hike in the Saxon Switzerland National Park, Saxony. The tour starts at the railway station in Wehlen. You then have to take the ferry to the other side of the Elbe (check prices and timetable). From there it goes uphill via Wehlen Castle. Follow the "Roter Punkt" markings through the Wehlener Grund, Zscherregrund and Höllengrund to the Stone Table and on to the Bastei. However, the secret, quiet highlight of the hike is the ascent through the typical U-shaped grounds....
- 4.7 (147)·Moderate·3.5 km·Est. 1–1.5 hrScenic hiking trail in the Saxon Switzerland National Park, Saxony. The trail leads up the Lilienstein from the Lilienstein car park, which is subject to a charge. However, instead of the longer, strenuous hike from the north side, this route leads via the south side. The imposing table mountain is located in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains and is a tourist attraction, which is why the route is well frequented. However, this route offers very rewarding views. The southern ascent to the...
- 4.4 (114)·Moderate·8.2 km·Est. 3–3.5 hrPanoramic hiking tour in Bad Schandau, Saxony. This tour starts at the car park at the ferry landing stage in Schmilka. The hike leads along challenging and sometimes steep forest paths up to the Verborgenes Horn. A head for heights is required for some passages. The effort is rewarded with fantastic views. This route is accessible all year round and also makes for a lovely winter walk. The route is only suitable for dogs to a very limited extent, as it is partly over steep metal...
- 4.5 (95)·Moderate·9 km·Est. 3–3.5 hrPopular hiking trail in the Saxon Switzerland National Park. This route runs along the Malerweg trail. Starting from the town of Wehlen, it leads to the Bastei, where there is an excellent view of the surrounding sandstone formations and the opportunity to visit a medieval castle, the ruins of which still survive in the rock formations. The tour begins with a ferry crossing of the Elbe (check timetable and prices). Finally, right at the beginning, the route climbs steeply along the...
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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 with caves to hike in Saxon Switzerland National Park?
According to users from AllTrails.com, the best trail with caves to hike in Saxon Switzerland National Park is Medieval Tour to Neurathen Castle and the Schwedenlöcher, which has a 4.6 star rating from 529 reviews. This trail is 6.3 km long with an elevation gain of 279 m.
What is the longest trail with caves in Saxon Switzerland National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail with caves in Saxon Switzerland National Park is Perlen der Sächsischen Schweiz 2021 (50 km). This trail is estimated to be 49.6 km long.
How many cave trails are in Saxon Switzerland National Park?
There are 106 cave trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park.These cave trails have an average 4.5-star ratingfrom NaN AllTrails community reviews.
Which cave trail has the most elevation gain in Saxon Switzerland National Park?
From Bad Schandau to Hinterhermsdorf has the most elevation gain for cave trails with 1,795 m of total ascent. The park's runner-up is City of Wehlen - Koenigstein - Hohnstein, which has 1,775 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