Best wildflower 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 (236)·Moderate·13.2 kmThis popular circular walk with stunning views starts at the Ostrau car park and leads to the Schrammsteine and the Carolafelsen. Wearing sturdy footwear is strongly recommended, as, in addition to sections along roads, the trail takes you over interesting steps (such as the Wildschützensteig), up steep staircases and up ladders – as well as through narrow, damp and slippery crevices. Your efforts will be rewarded with magnificent views of Saxon Switzerland.
- 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 (121)·Moderate·15.4 km·Est. 5–5.5 hrPopular, scenic hiking trail in the Saxon Switzerland National Park, Saxony. The tour starts at the market square in Bad Schandau. It is possible to use one of the car parks there or arrive by bus. The ferry landing stage is also not far away. The hike leads to the ladders of the Schrammsteine, along striking rocks and narrow paths. In addition to numerous marvelous views, the route also offers fairytale gorges and natural monuments. The first highlight of the tour is the fascinating...
- 4.6 (162)·Moderate·11.7 km·Est. 4–4.5 hrExciting and varied hiking trail in Saxon, Switzerland, Saxony. It starts in Bad Schandau. The adventure begins with riding an 80-year-old tram, the Kirnitzschtalbahn, from Bad Schandau to Beuthenfall. You can visit the spectacular Lichtenhain waterfall, which is the starting point for the hike. The "Kuhstall" offers a nice place to take a break - but it can get very crowded there. Then it goes on to the new Widerstein and via the Fremdenweg and the Königsstraße to the Idargrotte. Many...
- 4.4 (147)·Hard·14 km·Est. 5.5–6 hrThis route is stage 5 of the Malerweg, a long-distance trail through the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. This segment leads from the Neumannmühle in the Kirnitzsch Valley to the border village of Schmilka. Highlights include the Arnstein rock and the steep climb through the Wolfsschlüchte to the Großer Winterberg, the second-highest mountain in Saxon Switzerland, before descending into the organic village of Schmilka with its historic water mill. Overnight stays are available in guesthouses and...
- 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 (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...
- 4.7 (80)·Moderate·11.3 km·Est. 4–4.5 hrPopular circular hiking trail in the Saxon Switzerland National Park, Saxony This circuit east of Bad Schandau is probably one of the most beautiful in the Saxon Switzerland National Park. Extremely varied paths lead past numerous impressive rock formations for which the region is so famous. From various vantage points, including the "Schrammsteinaussicht" platform, there are always new views of the striking rock formations. There are several iron ladders and steps to climb, so sturdy...
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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