Best cave 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
- 4.5 (179)·Moderate·1.5 mi·Est. 0.5–1 hrScenic 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...
- 4.6 (294)·Moderate·6 mi·Est. 2.5–3 hrVaried 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...
- 4.7 (163)·Moderate·7.3 mi·Est. 4–4.5 hrExciting 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...
- 4.4 (149)·Hard·8.7 mi·Est. 5.5–6 hrThis 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...
- 4.7 (93)·Moderate·6.4 mi·Est. 3–3.5 hrPopular, promising hike in the Saxon Switzerland National Park, Saxony. The tour starts at the train station in Wehlen. Then you have to take the ferry to the other side of the Elbe (note prices and timetable). From there it goes uphill via Wehlen Castle. Follow the "Red Dot" markings through the Wehlener Grund, Zscherregrund and Höllengrund to the Steinernen Tisch and on to the Bastei. The secret, quiet highlight of the hike, however, is the ascent through the typical U-shaped grounds. You...
- 4.7 (147)·Moderate·2.2 mi·Est. 1–1.5 hrPanoramic hiking trail in the Saxon Switzerland National Park, Saxony. From the Lilienstein hiking car park, which is subject to a fee, the path leads to the Lilienstein. But instead of the longer, strenuous hike from the north side, this route leads over the south side. The imposing Table Mountain is located in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains and is a tourist attraction, which is why the route is well frequented. However, this path offers very rewarding views. The southern ascent to the...
- 4.4 (114)·Moderate·5.1 mi·Est. 3–3.5 hrPanoramic hiking tour in Bad Schandau, Saxony. This tour starts at the parking lot at the ferry landing stage in Schmilka. The hike leads along challenging and sometimes steep forest paths up to the Verborgenes Horn. A head for heights is required for some passages. The effort is rewarded with fantastic views. This route is accessible all year round and also makes for a lovely winter walk. The route is only suitable for dogs to a very limited extent, as it is partly over steep metal...
- 4.6 (89)·Hard·3.4 mi·Est. 2–2.5 hrPopular and promising circular hike to the Lilienstein - the landmark of the Saxon Switzerland National Park, near Königstein. The hike begins in Königstein at the train station. The tour can be reached by bus and train (with the S-Bahn to Königstein). From there you take the ferry to Halbestadt and follow the path towards Lilienstein. After the first ascent you reach levelness and from there you continue to the plateau of Table Mountain. In an almost complete loop, the Elbe circles the...
- 4.6 (123)·Hard·12.1 mi·Est. 6–7 hrPopular circular route in the Saxon Switzerland National Park, Saxony. This route in Saxon Switzerland leads past some of the most spectacular rock formations in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. As the name of the path suggests, the route passes not only the Falkenstein and the Großer Winterberg but also the Schrammsteine, a rock group characterized by dramatic chasms east of Bad Schandau. This tour begins at the free hiker's car park in Falkenstein Hütten. From there it goes partly very up to...
- 4.6 (70)·Moderate·5.2 mi·Est. 2–2.5 hrFamily-friendly hike to the Uttewalder Felsentor in Saxon Switzerland, Saxony. This hike can be reached by bus and train (Uttewald bus stop). Paid parking is available at the starting point for those arriving by car. Well suited for families with children, this hike leads through the impressive rock world and fairytale gorges of the Uttewalder Grund. From the Bruno monument it goes via the Schleifgrund to the Uttewalder Grund until you reach the adventurous circular route through the...
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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- Via ferrata trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
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Attractions
- Beach trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
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- Lake trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- Long trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
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- River trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
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- 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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Suitability
- Dog-friendly trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
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