Best lake 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 (612)·Moderate·4.7 km·Est. 1.5–2 hrCultural-historical, panoramic hiking trail in the Saxon Switzerland National Park, Saxony. This trail leads to two classics with a lot of history and great views - the Schwedenlöcher and the Basteibrücke. In between, there is always the opportunity to take a break and stop for refreshments. The start and end point is the paid car park or the bus stop in the immediate vicinity of the famous Bastei. From there, following the "blue line" markings for the entire hike, the route first leads...
- 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...
- 4.8 (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...
- 4.5 (157)·Moderate·7.7 km·Est. 2.5–3 hrPopular hiking trail in the Saxon Switzerland National Park, Saxony. The Amselgrund, which is crossed by the Grünbach stream, begins south of Rathenwalde and ends at the Amselsee lake in the spa town of Rathen, where this route begins at the free Rosengarten car park. As cars are not permitted in the climatic health resort of Rathen, the town can only be reached via the small ferry. The hike into the charming town begins on the other side of the Elbe. First you reach the Amselsee lake, from...
- 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...
- 4.7 (35)·Moderate·12.7 km·Est. 4.5–5 hrVaried circular hiking trail in the Saxon Switzerland National Park, Saxony This circular trail, rich in natural and cultural-historical attractions, leads from Rathen through the heart of the Saxon Switzerland National Park. It goes through picturesque river valleys, past the wild rock formations of the Lusatian thrust. The hike is easily accessible by bus and train and can be started at Oberathen railway station. As the route continues on the other side of the Elbe, the ferry must be used...
- 4.5 (51)·Moderate·11.7 km·Est. 4–4.5 hrCharming hike in Hohnstein, Saxony. The hike starts from the Hockstein car park on the Hocksteinweg. The trail leads along the Polenz river along forest paths with great views such as the Hocksteinaussicht. In Rathen on the Elbe, there are places to stop for refreshments, a detour to the Elbe can be planned and Altrathen Castle can also be visited. The route continues slightly uphill through the idyllic Amselgrund, including the Amselsee lake, to the Knotenweg trail, which finally leads...
- 4.6 (43)·Moderate·13.8 km·Est. 5–5.5 hrFabulous circular hiking tour in the Saxon Switzerland National Park, Saxony. This fabulous excursion can be started at the Lichtenhainer Wasserfall car park, which is subject to a charge. You can also take an 80-year-old tram, the Kirnitzschtalbahn, from Bad Schandau to Beuthenfall. There you can visit the spectacular Lichtenhain waterfall. Continue to the popular "Kuhstall" where you can take a break - but please note that it can get very crowded there. The route then continues to the...
- 4.7 (39)·Moderate·6 km·Est. 2.5–3 hrPanoramic hike to the Lilienstein in the Saxon Switzerland National Park, Saxony. The hike can be started from the car park or from Königstein railway station. From there, take the ferry to Halbestadt (check prices and timetable). Follow the blue line in the direction of Lilienstein via Ebenheit to the plateau of the table mountain via the southern ascent. The summit plateau offers a magnificent panorama of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. You pass the Westecke viewpoint, the Lilienstein...
- 5.0 (33)·Hard·22.7 km·Est. 7–8 hrVersatile hike from Bad Schandau, Saxony. The hike can be started in Bad Schandau either from the paid car park or from the bus stop. From there it goes steadily uphill to some of the famous rock formations of Saxon Switzerland - the Schrammsteinen including the magnificent Schrammstein view. It continues over two great stairs on which a few steps and ladders have to be climbed - the zurückesteig and the Reitsteig. The route leads in the direction of the Großer Winterberg. From 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 lake trail to hike in Saxon Switzerland National Park?
According to users from AllTrails.com, the best lake trail to hike in Saxon Switzerland National Park is Lohmen: Via the Schwedenlöcher to the Health Resort of Rathen to the Bastion, which has a 4.7 star rating from 612 reviews. This trail is 4.7 km long with an elevation gain of 223 m.
What is the longest lake trail in Saxon Switzerland National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest lake trail 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 lake trails are in Saxon Switzerland National Park?
There are 56 lake trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park.These lake trails have an average 4.5-star ratingfrom NaN AllTrails community reviews.
Which lake trail has the most elevation gain in Saxon Switzerland National Park?
From Bad Schandau to Hinterhermsdorf has the most elevation gain for lake 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