From Rathewalde to the Brand
Caution
·
100% of reviewers say this trail is moderate
14.5kmLength
587mElevation gain
5–5.5hrEstimated time
Circular
• Partial closure: Due to a severe storm, the second stage of the Malerweg has been closed in some places since 31 July 2026. However, the diversion still leads to the Bastei viewpoint. Further information: https://www.saechsische-schweiz.de/en/tour/detour-on-stage-2-of-the-malerweg-due-to-a-forest-closure-starting-august-3-2026
Varied, panoramic circular hike in the Saxon Switzerland National Park, Saxony.
This picturesque circular hiking trail starts at the Fillwood Trail car park and leads around and through the Saxon Switzerland National Park. It goes through the Polenztal, the Schindergraben and over the Hohnstein to the Schanzberg and Brand. The way back to the starting point is via the Brandtreppe, Tiefer Grund, Porschdorfer Einkehr and Waltersdorfer Mühle.
This hike has a lot to offer: deep forests, fantastic panoramic views, caves, waterfalls and outstanding views along the way. Hohnstein Castle awaits as a cultural and historical highlight.
There are places to stop for refreshments along the way.
Highlights of the hike:
- Path along the Polenz
- Carola caves
- Hohnstein Castle
- Napoleon's Lair
This text has been translated.
Top sights
Kleiner Halben
Peak
Blümelgrund
Valley
Brandscheibe
Peak
Ritterfelsen
Viewpoint
Osterspitze
Peak
Bärengartenscheibe
Peak
Koppelsgrund
Valley
Kleine Barbarine
Peak
Drachenkopf
Peak
Tiefer Grund
Valley
Blockhaus
Hut
Brandaussicht
Viewpoint
Ameise
Peak
Hockstein
Peak
Haus 1
Castle
Falkenwarte
Peak
Grüner Stein
Peak
Elefant
Peak
Nashorn
Peak
Pantinenturm
Peak
Forstgrabenturm
Peak
Forstgraben
Valley
Kaspers Bücherbude
Attraction
Frinzberg
Peak
Burg Hohnstein
Castle
Schwarzes Loch
Valley
Turmaussicht
Viewpoint
Napoleonschanze
Viewpoint
Großer Halben
Peak
Hocksteinnadel
Peak
Kolosseum
Peak
Auerhahnfels
Peak
Riesenechse
Peak
Brandpyramide
Peak
Berken-von-der-Duba-Wacht
Peak
Ameisenwand
Peak
Polenz
River
Anstand
Peak
Mordgrund
Valley
Polenztalbarbarine
Peak
Dastellochturm
Peak
Viermännerturm
Peak
Michaelistagstein
Peak
Loriturm
Peak
Kleine Brandscheibe
Peak
Brandscharte
Valley
Schiffstellenbloß
Valley
Dorfgrund
Valley
Thümmelgrotte
Cave
Lachsbach
River
Bärengarten
Viewpoint
Hexe
Peak
Haus 6
Castle
Lärmchenturm
Peak
Hocksteinturm
Peak
Polenzwacht
Peak
Halbenloch
Valley
Halbengrund
Valley
Schluchtturm
Peak
Clementine
Peak
Räumichtturm
Peak
Archipel
Peak
Eisenbahnerloch
Valley
Carolastein
Peak
Polenztalwächter
Peak
Hunskirchlerspitze
Peak
Forstgrabenwand
Peak
Tiefe Wand
Peak
Brandturm
Peak
Drillingsturm
Peak
Ziegenrückenturm
Peak
August
Peak
Auguste
Peak
Zeigefinger
Peak
Ochelscheibe
Peak
Ochelturm
Peak
Brandkopf
Peak
Brandkegel
Peak
Hafersackkrone
Peak
Ahornspitze
Peak
Speisekammer
Valley
Spanische Wand
Peak
Waitzdorfer Zinne
Peak
Maucktelle
Valley
Schanzberg
Peak
Ochelspitze
Peak
Popanz
Peak
Aktivhof Porschdorf
Campsite
Linsenfall
Waterfall
Schlüsselstein
Attraction
Top sights
Kleiner Halben
Peak
Blümelgrund
Valley
Brandscheibe
Peak
Ritterfelsen
Viewpoint
Osterspitze
Peak
Bärengartenscheibe
Peak
Koppelsgrund
Valley
Kleine Barbarine
Peak
Drachenkopf
Peak
Tiefer Grund
Valley
Blockhaus
Hut
Brandaussicht
Viewpoint
Ameise
Peak
Hockstein
Peak
Haus 1
Castle
Falkenwarte
Peak
Grüner Stein
Peak
Elefant
Peak
Nashorn
Peak
Pantinenturm
Peak
Forstgrabenturm
Peak
Forstgraben
Valley
Kaspers Bücherbude
Attraction
Frinzberg
Peak
Burg Hohnstein
Castle
Schwarzes Loch
Valley
Turmaussicht
Viewpoint
Napoleonschanze
Viewpoint
Großer Halben
Peak
Hocksteinnadel
Peak
Kolosseum
Peak
Auerhahnfels
Peak
Riesenechse
Peak
Brandpyramide
Peak
Berken-von-der-Duba-Wacht
Peak
Ameisenwand
Peak
Polenz
River
Anstand
Peak
Mordgrund
Valley
Polenztalbarbarine
Peak
Dastellochturm
Peak
Viermännerturm
Peak
Michaelistagstein
Peak
Loriturm
Peak
Kleine Brandscheibe
Peak
Brandscharte
Valley
Schiffstellenbloß
Valley
Dorfgrund
Valley
Thümmelgrotte
Cave
Lachsbach
River
Bärengarten
Viewpoint
Hexe
Peak
Haus 6
Castle
Lärmchenturm
Peak
Hocksteinturm
Peak
Polenzwacht
Peak
Halbenloch
Valley
Halbengrund
Valley
Schluchtturm
Peak
Clementine
Peak
Räumichtturm
Peak
Archipel
Peak
Eisenbahnerloch
Valley
Carolastein
Peak
Polenztalwächter
Peak
Hunskirchlerspitze
Peak
Forstgrabenwand
Peak
Tiefe Wand
Peak
Brandturm
Peak
Drillingsturm
Peak
Ziegenrückenturm
Peak
August
Peak
Auguste
Peak
Zeigefinger
Peak
Ochelscheibe
Peak
Ochelturm
Peak
Brandkopf
Peak
Brandkegel
Peak
Hafersackkrone
Peak
Ahornspitze
Peak
Speisekammer
Valley
Spanische Wand
Peak
Waitzdorfer Zinne
Peak
Maucktelle
Valley
Schanzberg
Peak
Ochelspitze
Peak
Popanz
Peak
Aktivhof Porschdorf
Campsite
Linsenfall
Waterfall
Schlüsselstein
Attraction
Popular times
When is the trail busiest?
Beat the crowds with weekly and monthly trail activity data from our communityTop trails nearby
Frequently asked questions
What’s helpful to know about this trail?
Explore this 14.5-km circular trail near Hohnstein, Saxony. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 4 h 36 min to complete. This is a very popular area for camping and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
What is the expected weather this week for From Rathewalde to the Brand?
Expected weather for From Rathewalde to the Brand for the next 5 days is:
- Wed 23 September - 12 degrees/showers
- Thu 24 September - 13.8 degrees/drizzle
- Fri 25 September - 17.8 degrees/clear
- Sat 26 September - 19 degrees/clear
- Sun 27 September - 21.9 degrees/clear
Where is From Rathewalde to the Brand located?
From Rathewalde to the Brand is a trail located in Saxon Switzerland National Park.
How hard is From Rathewalde to the Brand?
From Rathewalde to the Brand is considered a moderate hike that covers 14.5 km, with an elevation gain of 587 m. It takes about 5–5.5 hr to complete. Moderate trails often feature gradual climbs or obstacles like rocks or roots.
What is the elevation gain for From Rathewalde to the Brand?
From Rathewalde to the Brand is considered a moderate hike that covers 14.5 km, with an elevation gain of 587 m. It takes about 5–5.5 hr to complete. Moderate trails often feature gradual climbs or obstacles like rocks or roots.
Is From Rathewalde to the Brand a circular?
From Rathewalde to the Brand is a circular trail that covers 14.5 km, with an elevation gain of 587 m. It takes about 5–5.5 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 From Rathewalde to the Brand?
From Rathewalde to the Brand is a circular trail that covers 14.5 km, with an elevation gain of 587 m. It takes about 5–5.5 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 From Rathewalde to the Brand?
Dogs may be allowed on From Rathewalde to the Brand. Be sure to check regulations before heading out.
When is the best time of year to hike From Rathewalde to the Brand?
From Rathewalde to the Brand is open all year round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
How busy is From Rathewalde to the Brand?
According to trailgoers, From Rathewalde to the Brand is usually busy. From Rathewalde to the Brand is open all year round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
Are there scenic views at From Rathewalde to the Brand?
Yes, according to trailgoers, From Rathewalde to the Brand features multiple scenic viewpoints. Some of the viewpoints include Ritterfelsen, Brandaussicht, Turmaussicht, Napoleonschanze and Bärengarten.
Are there waterfalls at From Rathewalde to the Brand?
Yes, From Rathewalde to the Brand has a scenic view of Linsenfall.
Is camping allowed at From Rathewalde to the Brand?
Camping is allowed on From Rathewalde to the Brand in Saxon Switzerland National Park. Camping accommodations vary, and can include campsites, dispersed camping, huts, or in-town accommodations. You should always double check if a permit is required.
Is From Rathewalde to the Brand paved?
Yes, according to trailgoers, From Rathewalde to the Brand is partially paved.
Are there forests at From Rathewalde to the Brand?
Yes, From Rathewalde to the Brand is a forest trail in Saxon Switzerland National Park.
Are there wildflowers at From Rathewalde to the Brand?
Yes, trailgoers have reported a variety of wildflower types on From Rathewalde to the Brand, though the specific types can vary from month to month.
Last updated on 22 September 2026 at 02:51 GMT+0