Best short 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...
- 4.7 (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...
- 4.7 (31)·Moderate·1.5 mi·Est. 0.5–1 hrEventful walk in Saxon Switzerland, Saxony. The Schwedenlöcher are a popular destination in Saxon Switzerland. This rather short route leads down into the adventurous, gorge-like gorge, starting from the Bastei car park, which is subject to a fee. The path leads over the goose path to the Schwedenlochen, where it continues through rocky alleys, over 700 steps and some iron ladders. At the Schwedenturm you turn around and go back the same way. A certain level of fitness is required, but 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...
- 4.6 (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 (6)·Easy·1.6 mi·Est. 0.5–1 hrThe hike begins at the market square in Hohnstein, below the castle (bus stop; parking limited to 60 minutes). If you’re coming by car, it’s best to use the paid “Eiche” parking lot at the entrance to town. From the market square, the trail leads through the village to the hiking path, offering views of the castle. You’ll pass through the historic “Bärengarten.” Halfway along the trail, the path leads comfortably through the forest to a viewpoint with a railing and then on to the...
- 4.9 (16)·Moderate·2.2 mi·Est. 1–1.5 hrFamily-friendly tour in Saxon Switzerland, Saxony. This short hike through the Teufelsgrund and to the Heringshöhle is ideal for a leisurely afternoon and family outing. Especially children will have a lot of fun here. You can take the bus to the Karl-Marx-Platz bus stop or park in one of the nearby parking lots. The hike goes partly through the Teufelsgrund, following the sign Teufelsgrund Rundweg. It gets adventurous in the Teufelsschlucht and sometimes you can only move forward while...
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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