Best backpacking trails in Saxony

This route is the 4th stage of the Malerweg, a long-distance hiking trail through the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. This section leads from Altendorf to Neumannmühle. Highlights include the imposing Schrammsteine with the famous Schrammstein viewpoint, the Lichtenhainer Waterfall, and the massive Kuhstall rock arch, which is reached via the narrow Himmelsleiter. Overnight stays are available at inns in the Kirnitzschtal valley; camping is prohibited in the national park. Sure-footedness and a...

This 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...

This route is stage 3 of the Malerweg, a long-distance hiking trail through the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. This section leads from the castle town of Hohnstein to Altendorf. Highlights include the famous Brandaussicht viewpoint, offering sweeping views over the Polenztal valley, and the descent via 800 steps into the Tiefen Grund. The trail continues through the wild and romantic Kohlichtgraben and along the Sebnitz River to the end of the stage. Overnight stays are available at guesthouses...

This 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...

This route is stage 6 of the Malerweg, a long-distance trail through the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. This segment leads from Schmilka across the Elbe River to the spa town of Gohrisch. Highlights include the baroque village church in Reinhardtsdorf and the climbs up the striking table mountains Papststein and Gohrisch, which offer expansive panoramic views of the rock formations on the left bank of the Elbe. Overnight stays are available in guesthouses and hotels in Kurort Gohrisch; camping...

This route is the 7th stage of the Malerweg, a long-distance hiking trail through the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. This section leads from the spa town of Gohrisch over striking table mountains to Weißig. Highlights include the ascent through the Nadelöhr (Eye of the Needle) to the Pfaffenstein, the Quirl table mountain, and the monumental Königstein Fortress. The route continues through Thürmsdorf, with its Malerweg Chapel, to the stage’s destination. Overnight stays are available at...

This route is the 8th and final stage of the Malerweg, a long-distance hiking trail through the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. This section runs from Weißig to its endpoint in the historic old town of Pirna. Highlights include the ridge trail across the Rauenstein plateau, offering impressive panoramic views, as well as the stretch along former quarries to the Königsnase. The trail eventually runs along the Elbe River and via the Canalettoweg to Pirna’s market square. Accommodations are...

Panoramic route through Saxon Switzerland from Schmilka, Saxony. This circular route leads from the Schmilka ferry stop through the unique and popular Saxon Switzerland National Park. The route first follows the Elbleitenweg to the popular Schrammsteinen including a view of the Schrammstein. From there it continues picturesquely on the ridge path. Here the Breite-Kluft view and the Carolafelsen await. From there the path leads over the Reitsteig to the Großer Winterberg and the Kipphorn...

Left Elbe section of the Elbe Cycle Route in Saxony. The stage starts in Dresden and leads to Schmilka. It can also be used well as a day trip and depart from the station Schmilka-Hirschmühle. On the way there are the charming, historic towns of Dresden, Rathen, Königstsein and Bad Schandau to discover, always accompanied by magnificent views of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains . For those interested in model trains, a trip to the spa town of Rathen with the world's largest garden railroad is...

This route is stage 2 of the Malerweg, a long-distance trail through the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. This segment leads from Stadt Wehlen across the world-famous Bastei to Hohnstein. Highlights include the iconic Bastei Bridge with expansive views, Lake Amsel, and the spectacular Wolf's Gorge (Wolfsschlucht) in the Polenz Valley before the path ends at Hohnstein Castle. Overnight stays are available in guesthouses and hotels in Stadt Wehlen or Hohnstein; camping is prohibited within the...