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Best camping trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park

Best camping trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park

4.4(657 reviews)

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Germany
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#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 - Malerweg Stage 4: Altendorf - Neumannmühle

    4.7 (223)·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...

  2. #2 - Malerweg Stage 5: Neumannmühle - Schmilka

    4.4 (149)·Hard·8.7 mi·Est. 5.5–6 hr
    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...

  3. #3 - Über den Wildschützensteig zur Schrammsteinaussicht

    4.7 (63)·Moderate·4 mi·Est. 2.5–3 hr
    Moderately difficult hike. Good basic fitness required. Predominantly easy paths. Sure-footedness required. The route starts at the Neumannmühle mill in the Kirnitzschtal valley and follows the yellow line markings. It leads between steep, green overgrown walls into the Großer Zschand. At the next major fork in the trail, at the junction to Zeughausstraße - marked with a red line, turn right and after a few minutes left (red line) to Winterstein, also known as Hinters Raubschloss. After a...

  4. #4 - Falkenstein - Schrammsteingrat - Wilde Hölle - Carolafelsen

    4.6 (51)·Hard·10 mi
    Versatile hike in Saxon Switzerland, Saxony. This is a moderate route over the Schrammsteine and through the Wilde Hölle and Höllentor on the Carolafelsen. The car park at Ostrauer Mühle is a good starting point for this tour through Saxon Switzerland. However, you can also reach the starting point by public transport. The round tour is characterized by smaller and larger hills and mountains and combines various attractions of Saxon Switzerland such as the Falkenstein viewpoint,...

  5. #5 - Schrammstein Loop

    4.5 (23)·Moderate·6.4 mi·Est. 3.5–4 hr
    Panoramic circular hike in Saxon Switzerland, Saxony. You start at the parking lot at the Hotel Forsthaus. There is also the Forsthaus bus stop to arrive by bus. First a piece on the Flößersteig it goes on the Mühlweg. Finally, turn left and reach the wild meadow with a bench that invites you to rest. After the rest, it goes to the impressive Schrammsteinen: a piece between the rocks and then south along the Schrammsteinweg with a detour to the famous Schrammstein viewpoint. The...

  6. #6 - Auf dem historischen Flößersteig an der Kirnitzsch

    4.3 (32)·Moderate·5.2 mi·Est. 2.5–3 hr
    Moderately difficult hike. Good basic fitness required. Easily accessible paths. No special skills required. This hike begins at the Beuthenfall stop in the Kirnitzschtal valley along historic paths. If you have time, you can take the Kirnitzschtalbahn - a moving monument that has been transporting hikers since 1898. The line is 8 kilometers long and the smallest line in Saxony. After crossing the Kirnitzsch, which is one of the cleanest rivers in Saxony, follow the Flößersteig nature trail...

  7. #7 - From Mitteldorf to Schrammtor

    4.8 (26)·Moderate·7 mi·Est. 4–4.5 hr
    Varied hike in the Saxon Switzerland National Park, Saxony. The tour takes you through a varied landscape accompanied by impressive panoramas of the Winterberg massif and the Schrammstein chain. For this it goes high up above the Kirnitzschtal on the Panoramaweg in Saxon Switzerland. There "throne" some villages like Mitteldorf, where the tour begins. The hike starts in the south of the village in a southerly direction to the Schrammsteinen and the Schrammtor. Once there, the highest point...

  8. #8 - Bad Schandau - Kuhstall - Ostrau

    4.1 (18)·Hard·18.2 mi·Est. 8.5–9.5 hr
    Varied hike from Bad Schandau, Saxony. This scenic bike tour through the Saxon Switzerland National Park begins and ends in Bad Schandau. From there you cycle for a good half of the route along the Kirnitzschtalstrasse, following the course of the river of the same name. A detour to the Lichtenhainer waterfall can be planned on the route. Another detour follows to the cowshed. A bit of perseverance is required here. It goes steeply uphill and is rewarded with a magnificent view. Back to...

  9. #9 - Ostrauer Mühle - Dompfeiler - Affensteinpromenade - Schießgrundscheibe

    4.3 (9)·Hard·8.6 mi·Est. 5–5.5 hr
    Versatile circular route in the Saxon Switzerland National Park, Saxony. This hike begins not far from Bad Schandau. The highlights on this path are the cathedral pillar, cathedral kerb, promenade tower, the monkey stones, the Schrammsteine and the shooting base. The starting and ending point is at the Ostrauer Mühle, where you can either use the parking spaces or travel by public transport. The construction path leads slightly but steadily uphill to the sand hole and the cathedral pillar....

  10. #10 - From Sebnitz via the Panorama Trail to Bad Schandau

    4.7 (15)·Moderate·9.7 mi·Est. 4.5–5 hr
    Scenic route between Bad Schandau and Sebnitz, Saxony, Germany This marvellous hike leads through panoramic villages with unique views of the Schrammsteine and Affensteine rock formations. Before reaching Sebnitz, a fascinating view of Lichtenhain can be enjoyed. The start is in the "silk flower town" of Sebnitz, right by the railway station. Artificial flowers are still traditionally handmade in the town today. Sturdy shoes and some provisions are recommended, as some of the paths are...
Showing results 1–10 of 27
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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 trail to hike for camping in Saxon Switzerland National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best trail to hike for camping in Saxon Switzerland National Park is Malerweg Stage 4: Altendorf - Neumannmühle, which has a 4.7 star rating from 223 reviews. This trail is 11.5 mi long with an elevation gain of 2,440 ft.

What is the longest camping trail in Saxon Switzerland National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest camping trail in Saxon Switzerland National Park is Dichter-Musiker-Maler-Weg (without Prebischtor) [CLOSED]. This trail is estimated to be 44.7 mi long.

How many camping trails are in Saxon Switzerland National Park?

There are 27 camping trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park.These camping trails have an average 4.4-star ratingfrom 657 AllTrails community reviews.

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

Dichter-Musiker-Maler-Weg (without Prebischtor) [CLOSED] has the most elevation gain for camping trails with 8,412 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is From Bad Schandau to Hinterhermsdorf, which has 5,889 ft of elevation gain.

Activities

Attractions

Suitability

Points of interest