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Best dog-friendly trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park

Best dog-friendly trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park

4.6(901 reviews)

·

Germany
: 
#1 of 16 national parks

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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 sights

Echse
Echse
Peak
Schwedenturm
Schwedenturm
Peak
Ostervorturm
Ostervorturm
Peak
Jungfer
Jungfer
Peak
Schrammsteine
Schrammsteine
Cliff
Hirschzahn
Hirschzahn
Peak

Top trails

  1. #1 - Malerweg Stage 1: Pirna-Liebethal - Stadt Wehlen

    4.7 (244)·Moderate·11.7 km·Est. 3–3.5 hr
    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...

  2. #2 - Malerweg Stage 3: Hohnstein - Altendorf

    4.5 (212)·Moderate·14 km·Est. 4.5–5 hr
    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...

  3. #3 - Falkenstein, Schrammsteine and Großer Winterberg

    4.6 (123)·Hard·19.5 km·Est. 6–7 hr
    Popular circular trail in the Saxon Switzerland National Park, Saxony. This route in Saxon Switzerland leads past some of the most spectacular rock formations in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. As the name of the trail suggests, in addition to the Falkenstein and the Großer Winterberg, the route also passes the Schrammsteine, a rock formation characterised by dramatic crevices to the east of Bad Schandau. This tour starts at the free Falkenstein Hütten car park. From there, the route climbs...

  4. #4 - Carolafelsen, Elbleitenweg und Goldsteinaussicht

    4.7 (17)·Hard·17.7 km·Est. 7–7.5 hr
    Scenic hiking trail in the Saxon Switzerland National Park, Saxony. This route through Saxon Switzerland leads to the highlights of Carola Rock, Elbleitenweg and Goldsteinaussicht. You hike through the core area of Saxon Switzerland through the wild rock formations of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains and have marvellous views from various vantage points. From the starting point, the ferry landing stage in Schmilka, the trail initially leads steeply uphill via the Bersteig to the highest point...

  5. #5 - Malerweg Stage 2: Stadt Wehlen - Hohnstein [CLOSED]

    4.6 (305)·Moderate·10.9 km·Est. 3.5–4 hr
    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...
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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 dog-friendly trail to hike in Saxon Switzerland National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best dog-friendly trail to hike in Saxon Switzerland National Park is Malerweg Stage 1: Pirna-Liebethal - Stadt Wehlen, which has a 4.7 star rating from 244 reviews. This trail is 11.7 km long with an elevation gain of 252 m.

What is the longest dog-friendly trail in Saxon Switzerland National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest dog-friendly trail in Saxon Switzerland National Park is Falkenstein, Schrammsteine and Großer Winterberg. This trail is estimated to be 19.5 km long.

How many dog-friendly trails are in Saxon Switzerland National Park?

There are 5 dog-friendly trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park.These dog-friendly trails have an average 4.6-star ratingfrom 901 AllTrails community reviews.

Which dog-friendly trail has the most elevation gain in Saxon Switzerland National Park?

Carolafelsen, Elbleitenweg und Goldsteinaussicht has the most elevation gain for dog-friendly trails with 982 m of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Falkenstein, Schrammsteine and Großer Winterberg, which has 719 m of elevation gain.

Activities

Attractions

Suitability

Points of interest