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Best via ferrata trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park

Best via ferrata trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park

4.4(263 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 - Falkenstein - Schrammsteingrat - Wilde Hölle - Carolafelsen

    4.6 (51)·Hard·10 mi
    Versatile hike in Saxon Switzerland, Saxony. This is a moderate route over the Schrammsteine and through the Wilde Hölle and Höllentor on the Carolafelsen. The car park at Ostrauer Mühle is a good starting point for this tour through Saxon Switzerland. However, you can also reach the starting point by public transport. The round tour is characterized by smaller and larger hills and mountains and combines various attractions of Saxon Switzerland such as the Falkenstein viewpoint,...

  2. #2 - Schmilka - Rübezahlturm - Carolafelsen - Schrammsteine

    4.5 (52)·Hard·10.7 mi
    Popular loop in the Saxon Switzerland National Park, Saxony. Several highlights are hiked along this route. The can start at the car park, which is subject to a charge, or at the "Grenzüberfahrt" bus stop in Schmilka. The tour alternates between more manageable and strenuous sections, and overall, the time is quite demanding. The effort is rewarded with great views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. From the starting point, the route leads entirely pleasantly uphill via the root path...

  3. #3 - Klettersteigtour zur Häntzschelstiege

    4.2 (20)·Hard·3.8 mi
    This tour takes you along the most famous staircase in Saxon Switzerland, the Häntzschelstiege. Just a few years ago, the entire staircase was re-secured, so that a sturdy steel cable runs almost the entire length. The Häntzschelstiege is therefore ideal for beginners, but should not be underestimated. The highlight of the tour is the view from the Affensteine, offering an excellent vista of the Falkenstein. The descent leads through the Wilde Hölle. The tour starts at the Nasser Grund...

  4. #4 - Kuhstall - Idar Cave

    4.6 (26)·Hard·3.9 mi
    This spectacular route leads through the heart of Saxon Switzerland and connects two of the most impressive rock formations in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. The trail usually starts at the Lichtenhain waterfall and opens up the area around the Neuer Wildenstein. It runs along a challenging mixture of historic hiking trails, steep rock steps (stairs) and narrow, rooty forest paths. A central highlight is the mighty Kuhstall rock gate, the second largest natural gate in the mountains, as well...

  5. #5 - Schmilka Rock Area - Kleiner Falknerturm and Jungfer

    4.0 (42)·Hard·5.4 mi
    Popular hiking trail in Saxon Switzerland, Saxony. This route in Saxon Switzerland leads to the Schmilkaer rock area. This circular hike takes you from the car park to the famous Schrammstein rock formations, including the Schrammstein viewpoint, and to the Kleiner Falknerturm and Jungfer climbing areas. For optional climbing you should bring experience and bring your own equipment with you. Breathtaking views await, such as the Breite-Kluft view. At the beginning it goes straight uphill....

  6. #6 - Schrammstein Loop in Dietrichsgrund to Frienstein

    4.6 (37)·Hard·5.9 mi
    Adventurous hiking trail in the Saxon Switzerland National Park, Saxony. This route leads through the Dietrichsgrund and makes an interesting loop through the impressive rock formations of Saxon Switzerland. The hike can be started at the Beuthenfall car park, which is subject to a fee. There is also a bus stop there. There are several via ferratas on the route, which are signposted for experienced climbers, so you should bring sufficient experience and your climbing equipment with...

  7. #7 - Schmilka - Carolafelsen - Bauerlochturm

    4.7 (20)·Hard·11.2 mi
    This scenic hike offers many beautiful views of the local natural landscapes, and above all, it is a varied route. Part of the route is an easy via ferrata; equipment is recommended. In some sections, the route is quite steep. The hiking route is as follows: Schmilka - Rotkehlchenstiege - Upper Terrace Trail - Wildschützensteig - Schrammstein Lookout - Schrammsteingrat Trail - Carolafelsen - Wilde Hölle - Hätzschelstiege - Lehnsteig - Schmilka

  8. #8 - Schrammsteine: Müllerstein, Saurier, Lehnhorn

    3.9 (15)·Hard·3.6 mi
    Varied hike in the Saxon Switzerland National Park, Saxony. There are several possible climbing routes on this tour, ranging from easy to very difficult. There are a number of possible ascents on the Müllerstein alone: on the valley side, the day tour (VIIIb), Schildbürgeriß (VIIIa), Müllerstein Kante (Xb) and Circus Maximus (XIb). There are also climbing opportunities on the Schrammsteinen and on the Lehnhorn. The tour is not suitable for children. The Saxon climbing rules apply in this...
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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 trail to hike for via ferrata in Saxon Switzerland National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best trail to hike for via ferrata in Saxon Switzerland National Park is Falkenstein - Schrammsteingrat - Wilde Hölle - Carolafelsen, which has a 4.6 star rating from 51 reviews. This trail is 10.0 mi long with an elevation gain of 2,047 ft.

What is the longest via ferrata trail in Saxon Switzerland National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest via ferrata trail in Saxon Switzerland National Park is Schmilka - Carolafelsen - Bauerlochturm. This trail is estimated to be 11.2 mi long.

How many via ferrata trails are in Saxon Switzerland National Park?

There are 8 via ferrata trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park.These via ferrata trails have an average 4.4-star ratingfrom 263 AllTrails community reviews.

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

Schmilka - Carolafelsen - Bauerlochturm has the most elevation gain for via ferrata trails with 3,458 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Schmilka - Rübezahlturm - Carolafelsen - Schrammsteine, which has 3,011 ft of elevation gain.

Activities

Attractions

Suitability

Points of interest