Best partially-paved trails in Rathen
4.4(437 reviews)
Explore the most popular partially paved trails near Rathen with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you.
Top trails
- 4.6 (291)·Moderate·6 mi·Est. 2.5–3 hrVaried hiking trail in Saxon Switzerland. This popular circular hike starts at the market square in the town of Wehlen and leads along beautiful forest paths to the famous sandstone formations. It can also be comfortably reached by bus. From the starting point, the path leads steadily uphill past Steinerner Tisch to the bastion. There you can linger a little and enjoy the view. You return via the spa town of Rathen, Altrathen Castle along the Elbe to the starting point of the...
- 4.3 (91)·Moderate·8.6 mi·Est. 4–4.5 hrThis 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...
- 4.3 (22)·Hard·9.9 mi·Est. 5–5.5 hrThis hike leads through the heart of the Saxon Switzerland National Park and connects the spa town of Rathen with the historic town of Wehlen. The trail leads up to the famous Bastei Bridge, a sandstone bridge built in 1851, which offers spectacular views of the Elbe valley and the table mountains such as the Lilienstein. A special experience is the descent through the Schwedenlöcher, a gorge-like ravine with over 700 steps, which served as a refuge for farmers from Swedish soldiers during...
- 4.6 (17)·Moderate·8 mi·Est. 4.5–5 hrOn this route you hike deep into the core zone of Saxon Switzerland. There are some popular hiking highlights to discover, such as the Brand-Bause, the Brand-Plateau and the Frinzberg. The route begins in the climatic health resort of Rathen, where you can only get there by ferry and there is a strict ban on cars.
- 5.0 (2)·Hard·18.8 mi·Est. 9–10 hrPopular circular hiking trail in the Saxon Switzerland National Park, Saxony This circular route to the bastion starts at the train station in the spa town of Rathen (reachable by bus and train). The route promises many highlights; right at the beginning there is a ferry ride across the Elbe (note the prices and timetable), before you hike along the picturesque Amselsee and the Schwedenlöcher. The Schwedenlöcher are a ravine-like gorge that can be reached via rocky alleys, over 700 steps and...
- 4.0 (4)·Hard·25.7 mi·Est. 13–14 hrDemanding loop trail in Saxon Switzerland, Saxony. This is the route of the "Pearls of Saxon Switzerland" sports hike organized by the Saxon Hiking and Mountaineering Association. The route can also be hiked in several stages. Highlights of the hike: - Elbe Valley - Fallow deer enclosure in Papstdorf - Thuermsdorf Castle - Rauenstein - impressive rock formations
- 3.4 (3)·Moderate·6.4 mi·Est. 3.5–4 hrThe route begins opposite the spa town of Rathen, which as an climatic health resort is not accessible by car. With a small ferry you cross over to the other side, where the beautiful hike in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains begins. Past the famous Bastei and Bastei bridge, you head towards the rock wall and slowly you leave the crowds of visitors behind. Finally, the path leads back to Rathen, where you started the round.
- 5.0 (2)·Hard·29 mi·Est. 14–15.5 hrPanoramic, varied circular hiking trail near Rathen, Saxony. The hike starts at Lasenhof and first leads along the Pudelstein cave via Königstein to the health resort of Gohrisch. Through deep forests and accompanied by fantastic views, the circular hike continues around Kleingießhübel and back along the Königsteiner Steig to the starting point. Along the way there is always the opportunity to make a detour to one of the nearby caves. All in all, a fantastic hike that boasts cultural and...
- Hard·17.7 mi·Est. 8.5–9.5 hrVaried loop in Saxon Switzerland, Saxony. Saxon Switzerland is one of the most popular hiking regions in Germany, has many wonderful natural treasures and is known for its unique sandstone rock formations. The circular route begins in the spa town of Rathen, which is beautifully situated on the Elbe and is famous for Altrathen Castle. From there, it follows the Elbe for a good stretch to Rathmansdorf. The forest path finally leads into the beautiful Polenztal valley via Hohnstein. Beautiful...
- Strenuous·25.2 mi·Est. 13.5–15 hrDemanding alpine tour from Rathen. This route is a challenging alpine tour that includes a technical via ferrata and is not a normal hiking trail. A complete via ferrata set (helmet, harness, via ferrata brake) is mandatory. This challenging tour connects several peaks in Saxon Switzerland via a series of climbs. The highlight, the Hänteschelstiege, is a via ferrata with a difficulty level of C, which leads up a vertical rock face via iron stirrups, pins and ladders. The route is extremely...
Frequently asked questions
What is the longest partially-paved trail in Rathen?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest partially-paved trail in Rathen is Perlen der Sächsischen Schweiz 2009. This trail is estimated to be 29.0 mi long.
Which partially paved trail has the most elevation gain in Rathen?
Rathen: With an ascent of 5,744 ft, 4 Mountain Loop from Rathen has the most elevation gain of all of the partially paved trails in the area. The next highest ascent for partially paved trails is Perlen der Sächsischen Schweiz 2009 with 5,282 ft of elevation gain.
What is the most popular and difficult partially-paved trail in Rathen?
The most popular and difficult partially-paved trail in Rathen is Rathen-Kriesgrund-Bastei-Schwedenlöcher-Wehlen with a 4.3-star rating from 22 reviews.