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Best walking trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park

Best walking trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park

4.6(68 reviews)

·

Germany
: 
#1 of 16 national parks

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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 - Schwedenlöcher

    4.7 (31)·Moderate·2.4 km·Est. 0.5–1 hr
    An 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...

  2. #2 - Bastei View

    4.5 (15)·Easy·0.8 km·Est. 0.5–1 hr
    Family-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...

  3. #3 - Gautsch Grotto (Hohnstein)

    4.6 (6)·Easy·2.6 km·Est. 0.5–1 hr
    The 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. #4 - Obere Schleuse - Kirnitzschklamm - Hermanseck

    4.8 (4)·Easy·3.2 km·Est. 0.5–1 hr

  5. #5 - Große Gans [CLOSED]

    4.5 (12)·Moderate·2.4 km·Est. 0.5–1 hr
    Promising access route in Saxon Switzerland, Saxony. This trail is an access route to climbing rocks and not a hiking trail intended to enable climbers to access climbing rocks approved by the mountaineering concept. Of course, it can also be used as a footpath, but it is not particularly interesting. Attention: The path is not marked all time and you need good orientation and good shoes. In some places there may be a risk of falling, as well as falling trees and branches. Highlights: -...
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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 trail for walking in Saxon Switzerland National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best trail for walking in Saxon Switzerland National Park is Schwedenlöcher, which has a 4.7 star rating from 31 reviews. This trail is 2.4 km long with an elevation gain of 92 m.

What is the longest walking trail in Saxon Switzerland National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest walking trail in Saxon Switzerland National Park is Obere Schleuse - Kirnitzschklamm - Hermanseck. This trail is estimated to be 3.2 km long.

How many walking trails are in Saxon Switzerland National Park?

There are 5 walking trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park.These walking trails have an average 4.6-star ratingfrom 68 AllTrails community reviews.

Which walking trail has the most elevation gain in Saxon Switzerland National Park?

Gautsch Grotto (Hohnstein) has the most elevation gain for walking trails with 109 m of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Schwedenlöcher, which has 92 m of elevation gain.

Activities

Attractions

Suitability

Points of interest