Best dog-friendly 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
- 4.7 (244)·Moderate·7.3 mi·Est. 3–3.5 hrThis 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...
- 4.5 (212)·Moderate·8.7 mi·Est. 4.5–5 hrThis route is stage 3 of the Malerweg, a long-distance hiking trail through the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. This section leads from the castle town of Hohnstein to Altendorf. Highlights include the famous Brandaussicht viewpoint, offering sweeping views over the Polenztal valley, and the descent via 800 steps into the Tiefen Grund. The trail continues through the wild and romantic Kohlichtgraben and along the Sebnitz River to the end of the stage. Overnight stays are available at guesthouses...
- 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...
- 4.7 (17)·Hard·11 mi·Est. 7–7.5 hrPanoramic hiking trail in the Saxon Switzerland National Park, Saxony. This route through Saxon Switzerland leads to the highlights Carolafelsen, Elbleitenweg and Goldsteinaussicht. You hike through the core area of Saxon Switzerland through wild rock formations of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains and have wonderful views from different vantage points. From the starting point, the ferry landing stage in Schmilka, the path initially leads steeply uphill via the mountain climb to what is...
- 4.6 (305)·Moderate·6.8 mi·Est. 3.5–4 hrThis route is stage 2 of the Malerweg, a long-distance trail through the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. This segment leads from Stadt Wehlen across the world-famous Bastei to Hohnstein. Highlights include the iconic Bastei Bridge with expansive views, Lake Amsel, and the spectacular Wolf's Gorge (Wolfsschlucht) in the Polenz Valley before the path ends at Hohnstein Castle. Overnight stays are available in guesthouses and hotels in Stadt Wehlen or Hohnstein; camping is prohibited within 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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- Birding trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- Camping trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- 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
- Cave trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- Easy trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- Forest trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- Hard trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- 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
- Short trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- Trails with historic sites in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- Trails with no dogs in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- Trails with views in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- Waterfall trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- Wildflower trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- Wildlife trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
Suitability
- Dog-friendly trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- Kid-friendly trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- Partially paved trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- Stroller-friendly trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- Trails for leashed dogs in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- Wheelchair-friendly trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park