Best wildflower trails in Saxony

This popular circular trail with scenic views starts at the Ostrau parking lot and leads to the Schrammsteine and the Carolafelsen. Wearing sturdy shoes is strongly recommended, as in addition to sections along roads, the trail leads over interesting paths (such as the Wildschützensteig), up steep stairs and ladders—and through narrow, damp, and slippery crevices. Your efforts will be rewarded with magnificent views of Saxon Switzerland.

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...

Exciting and varied hiking trail in Saxon, Switzerland, Saxony. It starts in Bad Schandau. The adventure begins with riding an 80-year-old tram, the Kirnitzschtalbahn, from Bad Schandau to Beuthenfall. You can visit the spectacular Lichtenhain waterfall, which is the starting point for the hike. The "Kuhstall" offers a nice place to take a break - but it can get very crowded there. Then it goes on to the new Widerstein and via the Fremdenweg and the Königsstraße to the Idargrotte. Many...

Popular, scenic hiking trail in the Saxon Switzerland National Park, Saxony. The tour starts at the market square in Bad Schandau. You can either use one of the parking lots there or take the bus. The ferry landing stage is also not far away. The hike leads to the ladders of the Schrammsteine, along striking rocks and along narrow paths. In addition to numerous fantastic views, the route also offers fairytale gorges and natural monuments. The first highlight of the tour is the fascinating...

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...

Spectacular panoramic loop 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...

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...