Best river 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...
- 4.5 (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...
- 4.7 (221)·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...
- 4.5 (261)·Moderate·4.5 kmAdventurous hiking trail with many highlights in the Saxon Switzerland National Park, Saxony. This adventurous year-round hike leads to the Kuhstall viewing plateau and the Lichtenhain waterfall in the popular Kirnitzschtal valley. The Kuhstallstrasse and the Kuhstall are particularly popular. The starting and finishing point is at the Kirschnitz valley railway "Lichtenhainer Wasserfall". (Bus journey possible) You will pass the largest rock gate in Saxon Switzerland. To the cowshed, the...
- 4.7 (240)·Moderate·11.7 km·Est. 3–3.5 hrThis 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...
- 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 (210)·Moderate·14 km·Est. 4.5–5 hrThis 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...
- 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...
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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 river trail to hike in Saxon Switzerland National Park?
According to users from AllTrails.com, the best river 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 river trail in Saxon Switzerland National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest river trail in Saxon Switzerland National Park is Malerweg [CLOSED]. This trail is estimated to be 114.7 km long.
How many river trails are in Saxon Switzerland National Park?
There are 164 river trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park.These river trails have an average 4.5-star ratingfrom NaN AllTrails community reviews.
Which river trail has the most elevation gain in Saxon Switzerland National Park?
Malerweg [CLOSED] has the most elevation gain for river trails with 4,513 m of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Dichter-Musiker-Maler-Weg (without Prebischtor) [CLOSED], which has 2,564 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
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- 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
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- Partially paved trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
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- Trails for dogs on lead in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- Wheelchair-friendly trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park