Best forest 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 (563)·Moderate·4.6 mi·Est. 2.5–3 hrPopular hiking trail in Saxon Switzerland National Park, Saxony. In addition to the Bastei, the Schrammsteine are probably the most well-known motif in Saxon Switzerland. Together with the adjacent Affensteinen, the Schrammsteine form unique wild rock formations in the center of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. This route takes you through the complex rock labyrinth of hiking trails and via ferratas and partly over ladders and slippery rocks. In winter and on rainy days, parts of the trail can...
- 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 (224)·Hard·11.5 mi·Est. 6–7 hrThis 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...
- 4.5 (263)·Moderate·2.8 miAdventurous hiking trail with many highlights in the Saxon Switzerland National Park, Saxony. This adventurous year-round hike leads to the Kuhstall viewing plateau and the Lichtenhain waterfall in the popular Kirnitzschtal valley. The Kuhstallstrasse and the Kuhstall are particularly popular. The starting and finishing point is at the Kirschnitz Valley Railway "Lichtenhainer Wasserfall". (Bus journey possible) You will pass the largest rock gate in Saxon Switzerland. To the cowshed, the...
- 4.7 (236)·Moderate·8.2 miThis popular circular trail with scenic views starts at the Ostrau parking lot and leads to the Schrammsteine and the Carolafelsen. Wearing sturdy shoes is strongly recommended, as in addition to sections along roads, the trail leads over interesting paths (such as the Wildschützensteig), up steep stairs and ladders—and through narrow, damp, and slippery crevices. Your efforts will be rewarded with magnificent views of Saxon Switzerland.
- 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 (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...
- 4.5 (121)·Moderate·9.6 mi·Est. 5–5.5 hrPopular, scenic hiking trail in the Saxon Switzerland National Park, Saxony. The tour starts at the market square in Bad Schandau. You can either use one of the parking lots there or take the bus. The ferry landing stage is also not far away. The hike leads to the ladders of the Schrammsteine, along striking rocks and along narrow paths. In addition to numerous fantastic views, the route also offers fairytale gorges and natural monuments. The first highlight of the tour is the fascinating...
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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 forest trail to hike in Saxon Switzerland National Park?
According to users from AllTrails.com, the best forest trail to hike in Saxon Switzerland National Park is Schrammsteine Loop, which has a 4.7 star rating from 563 reviews. This trail is 4.6 mi long with an elevation gain of 1,102 ft.
What is the longest forest trail in Saxon Switzerland National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest forest trail in Saxon Switzerland National Park is Malerweg [CLOSED]. This trail is estimated to be 71.3 mi long.
How many forest trails are in Saxon Switzerland National Park?
There are 186 forest trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park.These forest trails have an average 4.5-star ratingfrom NaN AllTrails community reviews.
Which forest trail has the most elevation gain in Saxon Switzerland National Park?
Malerweg [CLOSED] has the most elevation gain for forest trails with 14,806 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Dichter-Musiker-Maler-Weg (without Prebischtor) [CLOSED], which has 8,412 ft of elevation gain.
Activities
- Backpacking trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
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- Via ferrata trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- Walking trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
Attractions
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Suitability
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