Skip to main content
Back to Explore
Best hard trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park

Best hard trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park

4.5(1,946 reviews)

·

Germany
: 
#1 of 16 national parks

All photos

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 4: Altendorf - Neumannmühle

    4.7 (223)·Hard·18.5 km·Est. 6–7 hr
    This 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...

  2. #2 - Malerweg Stage 5: Neumannmühle - Schmilka

    4.4 (149)·Hard·14 km·Est. 5.5–6 hr
    This 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...

  3. #3 - Schmilka: Rorkehlchenstiege - Heilige Stiege

    4.8 (101)·Hard·6.1 km
    Panoramic hike from Schmilka in Saxon Switzerland, Saxony. There are some exciting climbs to climb on this hike. Starting from the Elbkai in Schmilka, it goes steadily uphill over the root path in the direction of the first staircase - the Rotkehlchenstiege, which is one of the most popular in Saxon Switzerland. Up a number of steps, this leads into the varied, almost 500 m long back path, which consists of iron stairs and jagged rocks. In the midst of the famous rock formations of the...

  4. #4 - Königstein: Wanderung zum Lilienstein

    4.6 (89)·Hard·5.5 km·Est. 2–2.5 hr
    Popular and scenic circular hike to the Lilienstein - the landmark of the Saxon Switzerland National Park, near Königstein. The hike starts in Königstein at the railway station. The tour can be reached by bus and train (take the S-Bahn to Königstein). From there, take the ferry to Halbestadt and follow the path towards Lilienstein. After the first ascent, you reach Ebenheit and from there continue to the plateau of the Tafelberg. The Elbe circles the 415.2 metre high Lilienstein in an...

  5. #5 - 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...

  6. #6 - Affensteine and Carolafelsen

    4.8 (95)·Hard·9.8 km·Est. 3.5–4 hr
    Panoramic hiking trail in the Saxon Switzerland National Park, Saxony. Excellent views can be expected on this quite demanding tour. The route leads through the famous Affensteine and up the 458m high Carolafelsen. Starting at the Am Beuthefall car park, which is subject to a charge, it goes through the rock massifs of the Dietrichsgrund until you reach the impressive rock marbles along the Oberen Affenstein Promenade. Via the sand hole, it finally goes up to the small Prebischtor and on...

  7. #7 - Affensteinpromenade

    4.7 (59)·Hard·20 km
    Scenic hiking trail in the Saxon Switzerland National Park, Saxony. Many unique spots with great views await you on this route. The tour can be started at the bus stop or at the Schrammsteinbaude hiking car park. From there, the trail leads through the narrow Schießgrund and Vorderwinkel gorges to the Obere Affensteinpromenade. From time to time there are many small climbing passages where surefootedness and a little caution are required. The Affensteinpromenade itself is not a developed...

  8. #8 - Falkenstein - Schrammsteingrat - Wilde Hölle - Carolafelsen

    4.6 (51)·Hard·16.1 km
    Versatile 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,...

  9. #9 - Saxon Switzerland National Park from Schmilka

    4.6 (51)·Hard·16.3 km·Est. 6–6.5 hr
    Panoramic 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...

  10. #10 - Schmilka - Rübezahlturm - Carolafelsen - Schrammsteine

    4.5 (52)·Hard·17.2 km
    Popular circular route in the Saxon Switzerland National Park, Saxony. Several highlights are hiked along this route. The can start at the car park, which is subject to a charge, or at the "Grenzüberfahrt" bus stop in Schmilka. The tour alternates between more manageable and strenuous sections, and overall, the time is quite demanding. The effort is rewarded with great views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. From the starting point, the route leads entirely pleasantly uphill via the...
Showing results 1–10 of 72
Explore more trails

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.

Activities

Attractions

Suitability

Points of interest