On the Pfaffenstein with Needle Eye & Sacrificial Cauldron
55% of reviewers say this trail is moderate
3.5kmLength
220mElevation gain
1.5–2hrEstimated time
Circular
Spectacular panoramic circular route on the Pfaffenstein in Saxony
This exciting route starts at the Gasthaus zum Paffenstein. Alternating between normal paths and those that lead between rocks ("Eye of a Needle") makes this tour very interesting and varied. The many marvellous views of the Königstein and other rock formations in Saxon Switzerland are spectacular. An iron ladder (staircase) leads up to the "Tafelberg". The cave of a 19th century counterfeiter can also be explored. On the way back, a stop at an inn is certainly welcome.
There is a car park at the starting point and the bus stop "Pfaffendorf, Vereinshaus" nearby for travelling to and from the starting point by public transport.
Highlights:
- Rapunzel tower
- Barbarine
- Rock formations
- Eye of the needle
- Pfaffenstein
- Table Mountain
This text has been translated.
Top sights
Pfaffenhütchen
Peak
Hafersack
Peak
Stiller Turm
Peak
Pfaffenstein
Peak
Einsiedler
Peak
Aussichtsturm
Viewpoint
Buchfinkenturm
Peak
Peterskirche
Peak
Bronzezeitlicher Wall
Cliff
Goldschmidthöhle
Cave
Teufelskessel
Viewpoint
Barbarine
Peak
Falkenhöhle
Cave
Kleiner Kuhstall
Cave
Bellohöhle
Cave
Bundesfels
Peak
Hintere Abendwand
Peak
Wolfswand
Peak
Abendwand
Peak
Ratte
Peak
Vierling
Peak
Einsamer Ritter
Peak
Fritschfels
Peak
Wilder Turm
Peak
Zwillinge
Peak
Jäckelfels
Peak
Königsspitze
Peak
Förster
Peak
Nördliche Pfaffenschluchtspitze
Peak
Dreimännerturm
Peak
Karussel
Attraction
Bilch
Peak
Nordturm
Peak
Orgelpfeifenwand
Peak
Raue Zinne
Peak
Glatter Turm
Peak
Klamotte
Peak
Steinerne Scheune
Peak
Haselmaus
Peak
Nordkopf
Peak
Quader
Peak
Toter Zwerg
Peak
Julikopf
Peak
Pfaffenkopf
Peak
Berglerturm
Peak
Junggeselle
Peak
Keilerturm
Peak
Nasse-Schlucht-Turm
Peak
Schildkröte
Peak
Südliche Pfaffenschluchtspitze
Peak
Top sights
Pfaffenhütchen
Peak
Hafersack
Peak
Stiller Turm
Peak
Pfaffenstein
Peak
Einsiedler
Peak
Aussichtsturm
Viewpoint
Buchfinkenturm
Peak
Peterskirche
Peak
Bronzezeitlicher Wall
Cliff
Goldschmidthöhle
Cave
Teufelskessel
Viewpoint
Barbarine
Peak
Falkenhöhle
Cave
Kleiner Kuhstall
Cave
Bellohöhle
Cave
Bundesfels
Peak
Hintere Abendwand
Peak
Wolfswand
Peak
Abendwand
Peak
Ratte
Peak
Vierling
Peak
Einsamer Ritter
Peak
Fritschfels
Peak
Wilder Turm
Peak
Zwillinge
Peak
Jäckelfels
Peak
Königsspitze
Peak
Förster
Peak
Nördliche Pfaffenschluchtspitze
Peak
Dreimännerturm
Peak
Karussel
Attraction
Bilch
Peak
Nordturm
Peak
Orgelpfeifenwand
Peak
Raue Zinne
Peak
Glatter Turm
Peak
Klamotte
Peak
Steinerne Scheune
Peak
Haselmaus
Peak
Nordkopf
Peak
Quader
Peak
Toter Zwerg
Peak
Julikopf
Peak
Pfaffenkopf
Peak
Berglerturm
Peak
Junggeselle
Peak
Keilerturm
Peak
Nasse-Schlucht-Turm
Peak
Schildkröte
Peak
Südliche Pfaffenschluchtspitze
Peak
Popular times
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Frequently asked questions
What’s helpful to know about this trail?
Discover this 3.5-km circular trail near Königstein, Saxony. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 23 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are March through October.
What is the expected weather this week for On the Pfaffenstein with Needle Eye & Sacrificial Cauldron?
Expected weather for On the Pfaffenstein with Needle Eye & Sacrificial Cauldron for the next 5 days is:
- Fri 18 September - 22.2 degrees/clear
- Sat 19 September - 21.9 degrees/showers
- Sun 20 September - 16.2 degrees/clear
- Mon 21 September - 15.5 degrees/clear
- Tue 22 September - 15.9 degrees/clear
Where is On the Pfaffenstein with Needle Eye & Sacrificial Cauldron located?
On the Pfaffenstein with Needle Eye & Sacrificial Cauldron is a trail located in Saxon Switzerland National Park.
How hard is On the Pfaffenstein with Needle Eye & Sacrificial Cauldron?
On the Pfaffenstein with Needle Eye & Sacrificial Cauldron is considered a moderate hike that covers 3.5 km, with an elevation gain of 220 m. It takes about 1.5–2 hr to complete. Moderate trails often feature gradual climbs or obstacles like rocks or roots.
What is the elevation gain for On the Pfaffenstein with Needle Eye & Sacrificial Cauldron?
On the Pfaffenstein with Needle Eye & Sacrificial Cauldron is considered a moderate hike that covers 3.5 km, with an elevation gain of 220 m. It takes about 1.5–2 hr to complete. Moderate trails often feature gradual climbs or obstacles like rocks or roots.
Is On the Pfaffenstein with Needle Eye & Sacrificial Cauldron a circular?
On the Pfaffenstein with Needle Eye & Sacrificial Cauldron is a circular trail that covers 3.5 km, with an elevation gain of 220 m. It takes about 1.5–2 hr to complete. Circular trails have the same starting point and endpoint. You'll follow a single route without retracing your steps.
How long is On the Pfaffenstein with Needle Eye & Sacrificial Cauldron?
On the Pfaffenstein with Needle Eye & Sacrificial Cauldron is a circular trail that covers 3.5 km, with an elevation gain of 220 m. It takes about 1.5–2 hr to complete. Circular trails have the same starting point and endpoint. You'll follow a single route without retracing your steps.
Are dogs allowed on On the Pfaffenstein with Needle Eye & Sacrificial Cauldron?
Dogs may be allowed on On the Pfaffenstein with Needle Eye & Sacrificial Cauldron. Be sure to check regulations before heading out.
When is the best time of year to hike On the Pfaffenstein with Needle Eye & Sacrificial Cauldron?
March to October is the most popular time of year to visit On the Pfaffenstein with Needle Eye & Sacrificial Cauldron.
How busy is On the Pfaffenstein with Needle Eye & Sacrificial Cauldron?
According to trailgoers, On the Pfaffenstein with Needle Eye & Sacrificial Cauldron is usually busy. March to October is the most popular time of year to visit On the Pfaffenstein with Needle Eye & Sacrificial Cauldron.
Are there scenic views at On the Pfaffenstein with Needle Eye & Sacrificial Cauldron?
Yes, according to trailgoers, On the Pfaffenstein with Needle Eye & Sacrificial Cauldron features multiple scenic viewpoints. Some of the viewpoints include Aussichtsturm and Teufelskessel.
Is On the Pfaffenstein with Needle Eye & Sacrificial Cauldron child-friendly?
Yes, many trailgoers have described On the Pfaffenstein with Needle Eye & Sacrificial Cauldron as good for children and families. Child-friendly trails are typically short, with clearly marked paths and fairly level terrain.
Are there forests at On the Pfaffenstein with Needle Eye & Sacrificial Cauldron?
Yes, On the Pfaffenstein with Needle Eye & Sacrificial Cauldron is a forest trail in Saxon Switzerland National Park.
Are there wildflowers at On the Pfaffenstein with Needle Eye & Sacrificial Cauldron?
Yes, trailgoers have reported a variety of wildflower types on On the Pfaffenstein with Needle Eye & Sacrificial Cauldron, though the specific types can vary from month to month.
Last updated on 17 September 2026 at 04:55 GMT+0