Best trail running 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 (31)·Moderate·9.3 km·Est. 3.5–4 hrPopular circular route in the Saxon Switzerland National Park, Saxony. One highlight follows the next on this varied circular route through the Saxon Switzerland National Park. The Polenztal valley, known nationwide for its natural beauty, marks the start of the circular route. From the set off at the car park at the Pension & Gasthaus Polenztal, the route passes several impressive viewpoints and wild rock formations such as the Hocksteinaussicht and the Grautschgrotte. The route...
- 4.2 (16)·Moderate·8.9 km·Est. 2.5–3 hrThe Uttewalder Grund in Saxon Switzerland offers a unique hike through an impressive rocky landscape. A visit takes you through narrow gorges and past high sandstone formations. Particularly worth seeing is the Uttewalder Felsentor, a natural arch made of rock, which is a popular photo motif. The path, which is often shady and cool, runs alongside the Uttewalder stream and is lined with mosses and ferns, which give the gorge an almost fairytale-like atmosphere. Sturdy footwear is recommended...
- 4.4 (3)·Hard·39.1 km·Est. 12.5–14 hrChallenging trail running route in Saxon Switzerland, Saxony. Starting at the Neumannmühle mill in the Kirnitzschtal valley, this route is a challenging trail running circuit. It leads across the Großer and Kleiner Zschand, the Schmilka area, the Schrammsteine and Affensteine, as well as the Wildensteiner area. Excellent viewpoints include the Goldsteinaussicht, the Kuhstall and the Hohe Liebe. The dark and damp Richter and Spitzstein gorges, as well as the rafting trail, also offer an...
- 4.7 (2)·Moderate·12.9 km·Est. 3.5–4 hrScenic section of the route in Hohnstein, Saxony. This tour takes you to Reichenbach and starts in Russigmühle - bus stop and car park are both available. The tour offers you many beautiful views of the local natural landscapes. Refreshment stops can also be found along the route. Highlights of the hike: - Wonderful views - Varied natural landscape - Local flora and fauna
- 4.3 (22)·Hard·15.9 km·Est. 5–5.5 hrThis hike leads through the heart of the Saxon Switzerland National Park and connects the spa town of Rathen with the historic town of Wehlen. The trail leads up to the famous Bastei Bridge, a sandstone bridge built in 1851, which offers spectacular views of the Elbe valley and the table mountains such as the Lilienstein. A special experience is the descent through the Schwedenlöcher, a gorge-like ravine with over 700 steps, which served as a refuge for farmers from Swedish soldiers during...
- 4.5 (6)·Hard·22.2 km·Est. 6.5–7 hrVaried circular route through the Saxon Switzerland National Park. This tour starts in Hinterhermsdorf. This route takes you through Saxon Switzerland, where wonderful views of the varied natural landscapes await you. Highlights of the hike: - Wonderful views - Varied natural landscape - Local flora and fauna - Saxon Switzerland
- Strenuous·40.6 km·Est. 13.5–15 hrDemanding alpine tour from Rathen. This route is a challenging alpine tour that includes a technical via ferrata and is not a normal hiking trail. A complete via ferrata set (helmet, harness, via ferrata brake) is mandatory. This challenging tour connects several peaks in Saxon Switzerland via a series of climbs. The highlight, the Hänteschelstiege, is a via ferrata with a difficulty level of C, which leads up a vertical rock face via iron stirrups, pins and ladders. The route is extremely...
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 hiking trail for running in Saxon Switzerland National Park?
According to users from AllTrails.com, the best hiking trail for running in Saxon Switzerland National Park is Polenztalwee - Neuweg - Halbenweg, which has a 4.5 star rating from 31 reviews. This trail is 9.3 km long with an elevation gain of 500 m.
What is the longest running trail in Saxon Switzerland National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest running trail in Saxon Switzerland National Park is 4 Mountain Circuit from Rathen [CLOSED]. This trail is estimated to be 40.6 km long.
How many running trails are in Saxon Switzerland National Park?
There are 7 running trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park.These running trails have an average 4.4-star ratingfrom 80 AllTrails community reviews.
Which running trail has the most elevation gain in Saxon Switzerland National Park?
4 Mountain Circuit from Rathen [CLOSED] has the most elevation gain for running trails with 1,751 m of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Elbsandstein Cross from Neumannmühle, which has 1,569 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