Best bird watching 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
- 4.6 (128)·Moderate·4.4 mi·Est. 2.5–3 hrFamily-friendly hike in Bad Schandau, Saxony. This promising excursion starts at the free car park in Zahnsgrund and leads to the famous rock formations of the Saxon Switzerland National Park - the Schrammsteine. The way there via the Schiessgrund leads slightly but steadily uphill. Once at the top, the path can optionally be extended to the Schrammstein viewpoint. Via the Elbleitenweg it goes slightly downhill to the shooting ground, on which it finally goes back to the starting point. The...
- 4.6 (51)·Hard·10.1 mi·Est. 6–6.5 hrPanoramic 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...
- 4.8 (11)·Hard·10.8 mi·Est. 6.5–7 hrVaried route from Schmilka in Saxon Switzerland, Saxony. The route starts and ends in Schmilka at the parking lot at Färhafen. From there, right at the beginning, it's a steep climb up the mountain path through the Erlsgrund to the Großer Winterberg. There you have a wonderful view before continuing on the Reitsteig to some of the most spectacular rock formations in Saxon Switzerland - the Affensteinen. Along the Upper Affenstein Promenade you have a wonderful view of the rocks. The...
- 3.8 (9)·Hard·9.1 mi·Est. 5–5.5 hrA scenic walk in Bad Schandau, Saxony. The hike starts at the bus stop for the Falkensteinklinik and leads over the Falkenstein to the Carolafelsen. Many beautiful views of the breathtaking natural landscapes will accompany you, the Schrammsteine are a special highlight of the route. There are refreshment stops along the way. Highlights of the tour: - Wonderful prospects - Diverse natural landscape - Local flora and fauna - Schrammsteine
- 4.6 (530)·Moderate·3.9 mi·Est. 2–2.5 hrStarting with a gentle ferry crossing of the Elbe River at Kurort Rathen, this iconic loop climbs toward the famous core of Saxon Switzerland National Park. Shaded forest stairs lead up to the historic Neurathen Castle ruins and the grand stone arches of the Bastei Bridge, where dramatic platforms overlook towering sandstone pinnacles and the river valley below. The route descends through the Schwedenlöcher, a cool, narrow gorge framed by mossy rock walls and wooden stairways, before...
- 4.3 (38)·Moderate·4.7 mi·Est. 2.5–3 hrPopular hike in Saxon Switzerland National Park, Saxony. This is a beautiful hike to some of the most famous rock formations in Saxon Switzerland. Great views of the Elbe and nice places to stop make the varied route perfect. The start and end point is in Waltersdorf. You can park there. The Basteiweg and the famous Basteibrücke, which lead to the impressive views of the Bastei and the Ferdinandaussicht, are reached via the spa town of Rathen. The ascent leads over a few steps. But the view...
- 4.4 (51)·Hard·10.1 mi·Est. 5–5.5 hrPopular loop in the Saxon Switzerland National Park, Saxony. This is a fantastic hike from Wehlen railway station to the Bastei and then on past the Amselsee lake and the spa town of Rathen (refreshments available). From Wehlen railway station, the route goes to the ferry, which then crosses the Elbe (check the timetable and prices). Not only the famous Bastei, the symbol of Saxon Switzerland, but many other impressive rock formations such as the Felsenburg Neurathen are waiting here along...
- 4.5 (6)·Hard·9.9 mi·Est. 5–5.5 hrPopular hiking trail in Saxon Switzerland National Park, Saxony. This popular excursion destination in the impressive rock formations of the Saxon Switzerland National Park can be explored from Rathewalde. On the tour you will encounter varied landscapes, where you will see one of the most famous rock formations in Saxon Switzerland. From the bastion and the famous bastion bridge you have a unique view of the Elbe valley and the large mesas. The way there leads from the starting point...
- 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...
- 4.5 (4)·Hard·10.4 mi·Est. 5.5–6.5 hrVersatile hike in Saxon Switzerland, Saxony. This hike can start in the spa town of Rathen at the train station. Then there is a ferry ride to the other side of the Elbe where you can start hiking (note prices and times). At the Grünbach it goes in the direction of the Polenztal. The path runs along the river of the same name through the beautiful valley to the Pension and Gasthaus Polenztal. If you want to stop by, you have the opportunity here. From there, the route follows the...
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 trail to hike for bird watching in Saxon Switzerland National Park?
According to users from AllTrails.com, the best trail to hike for bird watching in Saxon Switzerland National Park is Zu den Schrammsteinen, which has a 4.6 star rating from 128 reviews. This trail is 4.4 mi long with an elevation gain of 971 ft.
What is the longest bird watching trail in Saxon Switzerland National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest bird watching trail in Saxon Switzerland National Park is Bastei and Schwarzberg from Rathen [CLOSED]. This trail is estimated to be 18.8 mi long.
How many birding trails are in Saxon Switzerland National Park?
There are 10 birding trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park.These birding trails have an average 4.5-star ratingfrom 830 AllTrails community reviews.
Which bird watching trail has the most elevation gain in Saxon Switzerland National Park?
Bastei and Schwarzberg from Rathen [CLOSED] has the most elevation gain for birding trails with 3,330 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Schmilka - Großer Winterberg - Elbaussicht - Breite-Kluft-Aussicht, which has 3,070 ft of elevation gain.
Activities
- Backpacking trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- Bike touring trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
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- Rock climbing trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- Via ferrata trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- Walking trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
Attractions
- Beach trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
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- River trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- Short trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- Trails with historic sites in Saxon Switzerland National Park
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- Trails with views in Saxon Switzerland National Park
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- Wildflower trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- Wildlife trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
Suitability
- Dog-friendly trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
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