Best short 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
- 4.5 (179)·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...
- 4.7 (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...
- 4.7 (31)·Moderate·2.4 km·Est. 0.5–1 hrAn eventful walk in Saxon Switzerland, Saxony. The Schwedenlöcher are a popular excursion destination in Saxon Switzerland. This rather short route leads down into the adventurous, gorge-like ravine starting from the Bastei car park, which is subject to a charge. The route leads along the Gansweg to the Schwedenlöchern, where it continues through rocky alleyways, over 700 steps and several iron ladders. Turn round at the Schwedenturm and return the same way. A certain level of fitness is...
- 4.5 (15)·Easy·0.8 km·Est. 0.5–1 hrFamily-friendly panoramic walk in Saxon Switzerland, Saxony. It goes up to one of the most famous rock formations in Saxon Switzerland, from where you have a unique view of the Elbe valley and the large table mountains. In the Swiss House you can learn a lot about artists and their depiction of Saxon Switzerland. Accessibility: the route is suitable for wheelchair users. However, it is not possible to reach the long Bastei Bridge. The small stone island just before the Bastei viewpoint...
- 4.6 (25)·Moderate·2.9 km·Est. 0.5–1 hrBarrier-free hike in Saxon Switzerland, Saxony. The tour leads to one of the famous motifs of the romantic painters of the 18th/19th century. The route to the Uttenwalder Felsentor is charming and varied. A comfortable journey by train is possible. From the town of Wehlen, the route then leads along the edge of the forest down to Uttewalder Grund. The route follows the markings of the Malerweg trail. Fallen trees and boulders lie across the trail, countless ferns hang from the rocks and...
- 4.6 (6)·Easy·2.6 km·Est. 0.5–1 hrThe walk starts at the market square in Hohnstein, below the castle (bus stop; parking limited to 60 minutes). If you’re coming by car, it’s best to use the “Eiche” pay-and-display car park at the entrance to the village. From the market square, the route takes you through the village onto the footpath, offering views of the castle. You cross the historic “Bärengarten”. Halfway along the route, the path leads comfortably through the forest to a viewing point with a railing and then on to the...
- 4.9 (16)·Moderate·3.5 km·Est. 1–1.5 hrFamily-friendly tour in Saxon Switzerland, Saxony. This short hike through the Teufelsgrund and to the Heringshöhle cave is perfect for a leisurely afternoon and family outing. Children in particular will have lots of fun here. You can arrive by bus at the Karl-Marx-Platz bus stop or park in one of the nearby car parks. The hike goes partly through the Teufelsgrund, following the Teufelsgrund circular trail sign. It gets adventurous in the Teufelsschlucht (Devil's Gorge) and in some places...
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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.
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