Best beach trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
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 trails
- 4.4 (35)·Moderate·6.6 mi·Est. 3–3.5 hrPopular circular trail in the Saxon Switzerland National Park, Saxony. Magnificent views await on the small Schrammstein circuit through the Elbe sandstone formations of Saxon Switzerland. The hike begins and ends at the historic Bad Schandau passenger elevator. From there it goes along the elevator path and the Falkensteinstrasse to the intersection at the Falkenstein huts. On the left side you go through shady forest towards the highlight of the tour - the Schrammsteine. Over the...
- 5.0 (33)·Hard·14.1 mi·Est. 7–8 hrVersatile hike from Bad Schandau, Saxony. The hike can be started in Bad Schandau either from the paid car park or from the bus stop. From there it goes steadily uphill to some of the famous rock formations of Saxon Switzerland - the Schrammsteinen including the magnificent Schrammstein view. It continues over two great stairs on which a few steps and ladders have to be climbed - the zurückesteig and the Reitsteig. The route leads in the direction of the Großer Winterberg. From the...
- 4.7 (9)·Moderate·19.9 mi·Est. 8–9 hrCharming bike ride from Schmlka in Saxon Switzerland, Saxony. This is a beautiful bike ride that can be started in Schmilka. First you cycle along the Elbe on a well-developed bike path to Bad Schandau. There the route turns in the direction of Ostrauer Mühle and on to the Lichtenhainer waterfall and finally Lichtenhain. The route to get there leads mostly through shady forest. From Lichtenhain it goes via Mitteldorf, Altendorf and Wustmanndörfel back to Bad Schandau and back to the Elbe to...
- 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...
- 5.0 (1)·Hard·26 mi·Est. 10.5–11.5 hrThe cycling route leads from the campground on Treidlerweg in Königstein along the Elbe Cycle Route to Bad Schandau, into the Kirnitzsch Valley to the Lichtenhain Waterfall, then along the cycling trails into the Zahnsgrund valley, and back along the Elbe Cycle Route to Schmilka and Hřensko. Back in Schmilka, take the ferry (fee required) to the other side of the Elbe, and follow the Elbe Cycle Route back to Königstein on this side of the river. Alternative starting point: Train station in...
- 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...
Visitor info
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
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Activities
- Backpacking trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
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Attractions
- Beach trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
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- Easy trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
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- Lake trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- Long trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- Moderate trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- River trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
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- Trails with historic sites in Saxon Switzerland National Park
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Suitability
- Dog-friendly trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
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