Umrundung des Quirls und auf das große Plateau des Pfaffensteins
100% of reviewers say this trail is moderate
6.1kmLength
291mElevation gain
2–2.5hrEstimated time
Circular
Popular and scenic circular hike in Saxon Switzerland near Königstein, Saxony.
This beautiful circular hike starts at the car park of the "Gasthaus zum Pfaffenstein" and leads along the Pfaffensteinweg (Malerweg) to the Quirl - with its numerous caves. The most famous cave is probably the "Thieves' Cellar" on the north-east side of Quirl. The "Diebeskeller" is a two-storey cave with a length of 28 metres, a width of 8 metres and a height of up to 4 metres. According to legend, the stone table in the centre of the cave was set up for a meal during the hunt for August II (1755). The route then leads up the Pfaffenstein via the gorge path. In addition to the fantastic view, the mountain restaurant and the observation tower, there is much more to discover on the Pfaffenstein plateau: Caves and ancient ruins as well as the "Barbarine", a bizarre rock needle.
You return to the starting point of the tour via the so-called "Bequemen Weg" with its marvellous views of Königstein Fortress.
Highlights:
- Wonderful views
- Numerous caves around the Quirl
- Fantastic rock formations on the Pfaffenstein plateau
- Refreshment stops
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
Diebskeller
Cave
Goldschmidthöhle
Cave
Quirlwächter
Peak
Boofe am Dreikanter
Rock shelter
Barbarine
Peak
Quirl
Peak
Sterlhöhle I
Cave
Kleiner Kuhstall
Cave
Bellohöhle
Cave
Dreikanter
Peak
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
Boofe an der Sterlhöhle
Rock shelter
Karussel
Attraction
Steintrog
Attraction
Bilch
Peak
Kletterhöhle
Cave
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
Diebskeller
Cave
Goldschmidthöhle
Cave
Quirlwächter
Peak
Boofe am Dreikanter
Rock shelter
Barbarine
Peak
Quirl
Peak
Sterlhöhle I
Cave
Kleiner Kuhstall
Cave
Bellohöhle
Cave
Dreikanter
Peak
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
Boofe an der Sterlhöhle
Rock shelter
Karussel
Attraction
Steintrog
Attraction
Bilch
Peak
Kletterhöhle
Cave
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?
Head out on this 6.1-km circular trail near Königstein, Saxony. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 5 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking and trail running, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best time to visit this trail is January. You'll need to leave pups at home — dogs aren't allowed on this trail.
What is the expected weather this week for Umrundung des Quirls und auf das große Plateau des Pfaffensteins?
Expected weather for Umrundung des Quirls und auf das große Plateau des Pfaffensteins 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 Umrundung des Quirls und auf das große Plateau des Pfaffensteins located?
Umrundung des Quirls und auf das große Plateau des Pfaffensteins is a trail located in Saxon Switzerland National Park.
How hard is Umrundung des Quirls und auf das große Plateau des Pfaffensteins?
Umrundung des Quirls und auf das große Plateau des Pfaffensteins is considered a moderate hike that covers 6.1 km, with an elevation gain of 291 m. It takes about 2–2.5 hr to complete. Moderate trails often feature gradual climbs or obstacles like rocks or roots.
What is the elevation gain for Umrundung des Quirls und auf das große Plateau des Pfaffensteins?
Umrundung des Quirls und auf das große Plateau des Pfaffensteins is considered a moderate hike that covers 6.1 km, with an elevation gain of 291 m. It takes about 2–2.5 hr to complete. Moderate trails often feature gradual climbs or obstacles like rocks or roots.
Is Umrundung des Quirls und auf das große Plateau des Pfaffensteins a circular?
Umrundung des Quirls und auf das große Plateau des Pfaffensteins is a circular trail that covers 6.1 km, with an elevation gain of 291 m. It takes about 2–2.5 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 Umrundung des Quirls und auf das große Plateau des Pfaffensteins?
Umrundung des Quirls und auf das große Plateau des Pfaffensteins is a circular trail that covers 6.1 km, with an elevation gain of 291 m. It takes about 2–2.5 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 Umrundung des Quirls und auf das große Plateau des Pfaffensteins?
No, dogs are not allowed on Umrundung des Quirls und auf das große Plateau des Pfaffensteins.
When is the best time of year to hike Umrundung des Quirls und auf das große Plateau des Pfaffensteins?
January is the most popular time of year to visit Umrundung des Quirls und auf das große Plateau des Pfaffensteins.
How busy is Umrundung des Quirls und auf das große Plateau des Pfaffensteins?
According to trailgoers, Umrundung des Quirls und auf das große Plateau des Pfaffensteins is usually very busy. January is the most popular time of year to visit Umrundung des Quirls und auf das große Plateau des Pfaffensteins.
Are there scenic views at Umrundung des Quirls und auf das große Plateau des Pfaffensteins?
Yes, Aussichtsturm is located on Umrundung des Quirls und auf das große Plateau des Pfaffensteins.
Is there running at Umrundung des Quirls und auf das große Plateau des Pfaffensteins?
Yes, trailgoers have said that Umrundung des Quirls und auf das große Plateau des Pfaffensteins is good for running. This trail covers 6.1 km, with an elevation gain of 291 m.
Are there forests at Umrundung des Quirls und auf das große Plateau des Pfaffensteins?
Yes, Umrundung des Quirls und auf das große Plateau des Pfaffensteins is a forest trail in Saxon Switzerland National Park.
Are there wildflowers at Umrundung des Quirls und auf das große Plateau des Pfaffensteins?
Yes, trailgoers have reported a variety of wildflower types on Umrundung des Quirls und auf das große Plateau des Pfaffensteins, though the specific types can vary from month to month.
Is there wildlife at Umrundung des Quirls und auf das große Plateau des Pfaffensteins?
Yes, many trailgoers have spotted wildlife at Umrundung des Quirls und auf das große Plateau des Pfaffensteins in Saxon Switzerland National Park. Always observe wildlife from a safe distance.
Last updated on 18 September 2026 at 03:07 GMT+0