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Best long trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park

Best long trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park

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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 - Bastei Loop in Saxon Switzerland

    4.6 (294)·Moderate·6 mi·Est. 2.5–3 hr
    Varied 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...

  2. #2 - Malerweg Stage 4: Altendorf - Neumannmühle

    4.7 (222)·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...

  3. #3 - Schrammsteine - Carolafelsen - Wilde Hölle

    4.7 (236)·Moderate·8.2 mi
    This 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. #4 - Malerweg Stage 1: Pirna-Liebethal - Stadt Wehlen

    4.7 (243)·Moderate·7.3 mi·Est. 3–3.5 hr
    This 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...

  5. #5 - Bastei - Schwedenlöcher -Polenztalweg [CLOSED]

    4.8 (175)·Hard·8.9 mi·Est. 5.5–6 hr
    This moderately difficult hike leads through the heart of the Saxon Switzerland National Park, which offers many beautiful views. You’ll pass the Bastei and Wehlsteinaussicht viewpoints, the Schwedenlöcher and Amselgrund, the Hockstein and Gamrig. There are places to stop for refreshments along the way. At the start, it is nescessary to cross the Elbe by ferry (check the ferry timetable and fares). On sunny days, the ferries can get very busy. PLEASE NOTE! The Schwedenlöcher are currently...

  6. #6 - Malerweg Stage 3: Hohnstein - Altendorf

    4.5 (212)·Moderate·8.7 mi·Est. 4.5–5 hr
    This 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...

  7. #7 - Bad Schandau - Schrammsteine - Hohe Liebe

    4.5 (121)·Moderate·9.6 mi·Est. 5–5.5 hr
    Popular, 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...

  8. #8 - Lichtenhainer Wasserfälle - Nasser Grund - Wilde Höhle

    4.6 (162)·Moderate·7.3 mi·Est. 4–4.5 hr
    Exciting 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...

  9. #9 - Malerweg Stage 5: Neumannmühle - Schmilka

    4.4 (147)·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...

  10. #10 - From Wehlen to the Bastei

    4.7 (93)·Moderate·6.4 mi·Est. 3–3.5 hr
    Popular, 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...
Showing results 1–10 of 124
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Visitor info

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Open 24 hours
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Every day • Open 24 hours
Phone
04903 5022
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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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