Best partially-paved 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
- 4.6 (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 (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 (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...
- 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...
- 4.6 (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...
- 4.5 (15)·Easy·0.5 mi·Est. 0.5–1 hrFamily-friendly panoramic walk in Saxon Switzerland, Saxony. It goes to one of the most famous rock formations in Saxon Switzerland, from which you have a unique view of the Elbe valley and the large table mountains. In the Swiss House you can learn a lot about artists and their representation of Saxon Switzerland. Accessibility: the route is suitable for wheelchair users. However, you cannot get to the long Bastei bridge. The small stone island just before the Bastei viewpoint should be...
- 4.7 (35)·Moderate·6.7 mi·Est. 3.5–4 hrOn this loop hike, you’ll climb the Lilienstein, probably the most famous table mountain in Saxon Switzerland and a landmark of the national park. The Elbe winds picturesquely around it, and from the top, you’ll be treated to a variety of beautiful views. There’s also a mountain restaurant at the summit. The return route through the forest follows partly the Sellnitzgrundweg and partly the Lottersteig. The tour starts at the train station in Rathmannsdorf; drivers can use the parking lots in...
- 4.6 (25)·Moderate·1.8 mi·Est. 0.5–1 hrBarrier-free hike in Saxon Switzerland, Saxony. The tour leads to one of the famous motifs of the romantic painters of the 18th/19th century. The route to the Uttenwalder Felsentor is charming and varied. A comfortable journey by train is possible. From the town of Wehlen, the route then leads along the edge of the forest down to Uttewalder Grund. The route follows the markings of the Malerweg trail. Fallen trees and boulders lie across the trail, countless ferns hang from the rocks and...
- 4.6 (51)·Moderate·7.3 mi·Est. 4–4.5 hrPopular and panoramic hike from Bad Schandau, Saxony. This beautiful route begins in Bad Schandau and leads via the Obrigensteig to the Schrammsteinen. On the other side of the Elbe there are already wonderful vantage points. There are many stairs/steps on the Obrigensteig, which enable a quick ascent. Once at the top you can enjoy the breathtaking view of the picturesque rock formations of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. It continues on the Glattweg and the Schrammsteinweg through Saxon...
- 4.7 (34)·Hard·10.6 mi·Est. 5–5.5 hrDemanding circular hiking trail in the Saxon Switzerland National Park, Saxony. This circular hike in Saxon Switzerland offers a good balance between quiet sections of the trail and popular attractions. For example, it can get extremely crowded around the famous Bastei or the Schwedenlöcher, especially on summer weekends. The route starts in Uttewalde at the Bruno monument, which can be easily reached by bus. From there, it is a fairly relaxed walk to the junction in Amselgrund. From there,...
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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 partially-paved trail to hike in Saxon Switzerland National Park?
According to users from AllTrails.com, the best partially-paved trail to hike in Saxon Switzerland National Park is Bastei Loop in Saxon Switzerland, which has a 4.6 star rating from 294 reviews. This trail is 6.0 mi long with an elevation gain of 961 ft.
What is the longest partially-paved trail in Saxon Switzerland National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest partially-paved trail in Saxon Switzerland National Park is Perlen der Sächsischen Schweiz 2021 (50 km) [CLOSED]. This trail is estimated to be 30.8 mi long.
How many partially paved trails are in Saxon Switzerland National Park?
There are 52 partially paved trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park.These partially paved trails have an average 4.4-star ratingfrom NaN AllTrails community reviews.
Which partially paved trail has the most elevation gain in Saxon Switzerland National Park?
4 Mountain Loop from Rathen [CLOSED] has the most elevation gain for partially paved trails with 5,744 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Perlen der Sächsischen Schweiz 2021 (50 km) [CLOSED], which has 4,990 ft of elevation gain.
Activities
- Backpacking trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- Bike touring trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- 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