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Best trail running trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park

Best trail running trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park

4.4(80 reviews)

·

Germany
: 
#1 of 16 national parks

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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 - Polenztalwee - Neuweg - Halbenweg

    4.5 (31)·Moderate·5.8 mi·Est. 3.5–4 hr
    Popular loop in the Saxon Switzerland National Park, Saxony. One highlight follows the next on this varied loop through the Saxon Switzerland National Park. The Polenztal valley, known nationwide for its natural beauty, marks the start of the circular hike. From the set off at the car park at the Pension & Gasthaus Polenztal, the route passes several impressive viewpoints and wild rock formations such as the Hocksteinaussicht and the Grautschgrotte. The route follows idyllic paths...

  2. #2 - Uttewalder Grund

    4.2 (16)·Moderate·5.5 mi·Est. 2.5–3 hr
    The Uttewalder Grund in Saxon Switzerland offers a unique hike through an impressive rocky landscape. A visit takes you through narrow gorges and past high sandstone formations. Particularly worth seeing is the Uttewalder Felsentor, a natural arch made of rock, which is a popular photo motif. The path, which is often shady and cool, runs alongside the Uttewalder stream and is lined with mosses and ferns, which give the gorge an almost fairytale atmosphere. Sturdy footwear is recommended on...

  3. #3 - Elbsandstein Cross from Neumannmühle

    4.4 (3)·Hard·24.3 mi·Est. 12.5–14 hr
    Demanding trail running route in Saxon Switzerland, Saxony. Starting at the Neumannmühle in the Kirnitzschtal, this round is a demanding trail running round. It leads over the Großer and Kleiner Zschand, the Schmilkaer area, the Schramm- and Affensteine, as well as the Wildensteiner area. Excellent vantage points are the Goldsteinaussicht, the Kuhstall and the Hohe Liebe. The dark and damp Richter and Spitzstein gorges, as well as the Flößersteig, also offer an impressive natural...

  4. #4 - Polenztalweg

    4.7 (2)·Moderate·8 mi·Est. 3.5–4 hr
    A scenic section of the route in Hohnstein, Saxony. This tour takes you to Reichenbach and starts in Russigmühle - the bus stop and parking lot are both available. The tour offers you many beautiful views of the local natural landscapes. Refreshments can also be found on the route. Highlights of the hike: - Wonderful prospects - Diverse natural landscape - Local flora and fauna

  5. #5 - Rathen-Kriesgrund-Bastei-Schwedenlöcher-Wehlen [CLOSED]

    4.3 (22)·Hard·9.9 mi·Est. 5–5.5 hr
    This hike leads through the heart of the Saxon Switzerland National Park and connects the spa town of Rathen with the historic town of Wehlen. The trail leads up to the famous Bastei Bridge, a sandstone bridge built in 1851, which offers spectacular views of the Elbe valley and the table mountains such as the Lilienstein. A special experience is the descent through the Schwedenlöcher, a gorge-like ravine with over 700 steps, which served as a refuge for farmers from Swedish soldiers during...

  6. #6 - Um Hinterhermsdorf [CLOSED]

    4.5 (6)·Hard·13.8 mi·Est. 6.5–7 hr
    A varied circular route through the Saxon Switzerland National Park. This tour starts in Hinterhermsdorf. This route takes you through Saxon Switzerland, where wonderful views of the varied natural landscapes await you. Highlights of the hike: - Wonderful prospects - Diverse natural landscape - Local flora and fauna - Saxon Switzerland

  7. #7 - 4 Mountain Loop from Rathen [CLOSED]

    Strenuous·25.2 mi·Est. 13.5–15 hr
    Demanding alpine tour from Rathen. This route is a challenging alpine tour that includes a technical via ferrata and is not a normal hiking trail. A complete via ferrata set (helmet, harness, via ferrata brake) is mandatory. This challenging tour connects several peaks in Saxon Switzerland via a series of climbs. The highlight, the Hänteschelstiege, is a via ferrata with a difficulty level of C, which leads up a vertical rock face via iron stirrups, pins and ladders. The route is extremely...
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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 hiking trail for running in Saxon Switzerland National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best hiking trail for running in Saxon Switzerland National Park is Polenztalwee - Neuweg - Halbenweg, which has a 4.5 star rating from 31 reviews. This trail is 5.8 mi long with an elevation gain of 1,640 ft.

What is the longest running trail in Saxon Switzerland National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest running trail in Saxon Switzerland National Park is 4 Mountain Loop from Rathen [CLOSED]. This trail is estimated to be 25.2 mi long.

How many running trails are in Saxon Switzerland National Park?

There are 7 running trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park.These running trails have an average 4.4-star ratingfrom 80 AllTrails community reviews.

Which running trail has the most elevation gain in Saxon Switzerland National Park?

4 Mountain Loop from Rathen [CLOSED] has the most elevation gain for running trails with 5,744 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Elbsandstein Cross from Neumannmühle, which has 5,147 ft of elevation gain.

Activities

Attractions

Suitability

Points of interest