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Best trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park

Best trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park

4.5(9,139 reviews)

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Germany
: 
#1 of 16 national parks

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The Saxon Switzerland National Park is located in the federal state of Saxony, covers an area of 93.5 square kilometers and lies in two geographically separate regions. The western area includes the Rathen area with the famous Bastei Bridge, the Lilienstein and the Polenztal, while the eastern area covers the Schrammsteine, the Großer Winterberg and Hintere Sächsische Schweiz.

The landscape consists of wooded areas, gorges and bizarre rock formations with hundreds of opportunities for hikers and climbers. When visiting the park, be sure to explore the Malerweg to see all the interesting and unique rock formations this national park has to offer.

In the neighboring Czech Republic, the protected area continues as the Bohemian Switzerland National Park.

Top sights

Echse
Echse
Peak
Schwedenturm
Schwedenturm
Peak
Ostervorturm
Ostervorturm
Peak
Jungfer
Jungfer
Peak
Schrammsteine
Schrammsteine
Cliff
Hirschzahn
Hirschzahn
Peak

Top trails

  1. #1 - Lohmen: Via the Schwedenlöcher to the Health Resort of Rathen to the Bastion

    4.7 (612)·Moderate·2.9 mi·Est. 1.5–2 hr
    Cultural-historical, promising hiking trail in the Saxon Switzerland National Park, Saxony. This path takes you to two classics with a lot of history and great views - the Schwedenlöcher and the Bastei Bridge. In between there is always the opportunity to rest and stop off. The start and end point is the paid parking lot or the bus stop in the immediate vicinity of the famous Bastei. From there, following the "blue line" markings throughout the hike, it first goes into the valley to the...

  2. #2 - Medieval Tour to Neurathen Castle and the Schwedenlöcher

    4.6 (529)·Moderate·3.9 mi·Est. 2–2.5 hr
    Panoramic, exciting hiking trail in the Saxon Switzerland National Park, Saxony. This hike includes a ferry ride. Information about the crossing and ferry times should be obtained in advance. The tour has a lot to offer over a very short distance. It starts in Rathen and first leads up numerous steps to the medieval rock castle of Neurathen. Along the way, you can always enjoy wonderful views over the Rauenstein to the opposite side of the Elbe. The route continues through the rock gate...

  3. #3 - Schrammsteine Loop

    4.7 (559)·Moderate·4.6 mi·Est. 2.5–3 hr
    Popular hiking trail in Saxon Switzerland National Park, Saxony. In addition to the Bastei, the Schrammsteine are probably the most well-known motif in Saxon Switzerland. Together with the adjacent Affensteinen, the Schrammsteine form unique wild rock formations in the center of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. This route takes you through the complex rock labyrinth of hiking trails and via ferratas and partly over ladders and slippery rocks. In winter and on rainy days, parts of the trail can...

  4. #4 - Bastei - Felsenburg Loop

    4.5 (176)·Moderate·1.5 mi·Est. 0.5–1 hr
    Scenic out-and-back walk in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains, Saxony, Germany The tour starts at the Bastei car park and leads to the famous Felsenburg. On the way, magnificent views of the rocky natural landscape can be enjoyed and there are many sights worth seeing. The tour continues through the "Felsentor" (rock gate) to the Bastei Bridge. There is the famous view of the Elbe from the viewing platform on the Bastei Rock. Once at the top, there is a fantastic panoramic view of the Tafel...

  5. #5 - Bastei Loop in Saxon Switzerland

    4.6 (294)·Moderate·6 mi·Est. 2.5–3 hr
    Varied 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...

  6. #6 - Malerweg Stage 4: Altendorf - Neumannmühle

    4.7 (221)·Hard·11.5 mi·Est. 6–7 hr
    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...

  7. #7 - Kuhstall and Lichtenhainer Waterfall

    4.5 (261)·Moderate·2.8 mi
    Adventurous hiking trail with many highlights in the Saxon Switzerland National Park, Saxony. This adventurous year-round hike leads to the Kuhstall viewing plateau and the Lichtenhain waterfall in the popular Kirnitzschtal valley. The Kuhstallstrasse and the Kuhstall are particularly popular. The starting and finishing point is at the Kirschnitz Valley Railway "Lichtenhainer Wasserfall". (Bus journey possible) You will pass the largest rock gate in Saxon Switzerland. To the cowshed, the...

  8. #8 - Schrammsteine - Carolafelsen - Wilde Hölle

    4.7 (236)·Moderate·8.2 mi
    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.

  9. #9 - Malerweg Stage 1: Pirna-Liebethal - Stadt Wehlen

    4.7 (240)·Moderate·7.3 mi·Est. 3–3.5 hr
    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...

  10. #10 - Bastei - Schwedenlöcher -Polenztalweg

    4.8 (175)·Hard·8.9 mi·Est. 5.5–6 hr
    This moderately difficult hike leads through the heart of the Saxon Switzerland National Park, which offers many beautiful views. You’ll pass the Bastei and Wehlsteinaussicht viewpoints, the Schwedenlöcher and Amselgrund, the Hockstein and Gamrig. There are places to stop for refreshments along the way. At the start, it is nescessary to cross the Elbe by ferry (check the ferry timetable and fares). On sunny days, the ferries can get very busy. PLEASE NOTE! The Schwedenlöcher are currently...
Showing results 1–10 of 187
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Visitor info

Hours & contact
Open 24 hours
Accessibility
General park hours
Every day • Open 24 hours
Phone
04903 5022
Facilities

The National Park's main visitor center is located in Bad Schandau. Here, permanent and temporary exhibitions as well as a large multivision show provide close-up impressions of the national park. It is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm from April to October. Between November and March, the center is closed on Mondays, Tuesday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm and at weekends from 10 am to 4 pm.

The visitor center charges admission.

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Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Saxon Switzerland National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Saxon Switzerland National Park is Lohmen: Via the Schwedenlöcher to the Health Resort of Rathen to the Bastion, which has a 4.7 star rating from 612 reviews. This trail is 2.9 mi long with an elevation gain of 731 ft.

What is the longest trail in Saxon Switzerland National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Saxon Switzerland National Park is Malerweg [CLOSED]. This trail is estimated to be 71.3 mi long.

How many trails are in Saxon Switzerland National Park?

There are 187 trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park.These trails have an average 4.5-star ratingfrom NaN AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Saxon Switzerland National Park?

Malerweg [CLOSED] has the most elevation gain with 14,806 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Dichter-Musiker-Maler-Weg (without Prebischtor) [CLOSED], which has 8,412 ft of elevation gain.

Are there camping trails available in Saxon Switzerland National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 27 camping trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park and the most popular is Malerweg Stage 4: Altendorf - Neumannmühle with an average 4.7 star rating from 221 community reviews.

Are there running trails available in Saxon Switzerland National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 4 running trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park and the most popular is Polenztalwee - Neuweg - Halbenweg with an average 4.5 star rating from 31 community reviews.

Are there biking trails available in Saxon Switzerland National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 3 biking trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park and the most popular is Bad Schandau - Kuhstall - Ostrau with an average 4.1 star rating from 18 community reviews.

Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Saxon Switzerland National Park?

Are there any trails with caves in Saxon Switzerland National Park?

Are there any trails with waterfalls in Saxon Switzerland National Park?

Are there any trails with historical ruins in Saxon Switzerland National Park?

Are there any trails with rock shelters in Saxon Switzerland National Park?

Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Saxon Switzerland National Park?

Are there any trails with cliffs in Saxon Switzerland National Park?

Are there any trails with springs in Saxon Switzerland National Park?

Are there any trails with picnic areas in Saxon Switzerland National Park?

Are there any trails with weather shelters in Saxon Switzerland National Park?

Are there any trails with huts in Saxon Switzerland National Park?

Are there any trails with rivers in Saxon Switzerland National Park?

Are there any trails with ponds in Saxon Switzerland National Park?

Are there any trails with gorges in Saxon Switzerland National Park?

Are there any trails with archaeological sites in Saxon Switzerland National Park?

Yes, there are 2 trails with archaeological sites in Saxon Switzerland National Park, including Perlen der Sächsischen Schweiz 2021 (50 km) and Radeberg nach Bad Schandau.

Activities

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Points of interest