Best waterfall 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
- 4.7 (221)·Hard·11.5 mi·Est. 6–7 hrThis 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...
- 4.5 (261)·Moderate·2.8 miAdventurous hiking trail with many highlights in the Saxon Switzerland National Park, Saxony. This adventurous year-round hike leads to the Kuhstall viewing plateau and the Lichtenhain waterfall in the popular Kirnitzschtal valley. The Kuhstallstrasse and the Kuhstall are particularly popular. The starting and finishing point is at the Kirschnitz Valley Railway "Lichtenhainer Wasserfall". (Bus journey possible) You will pass the largest rock gate in Saxon Switzerland. To the cowshed, the...
- 4.5 (157)·Moderate·4.8 mi·Est. 2.5–3 hrPopular hiking trail in Saxon Switzerland National Park, Saxony. The Amselgrund, through which the Grünbach flows, begins south of Rathenwalde and ends at the Amselsee in the spa town of Rathen, where this route begins at the free Rosengarten car park. Since no cars are allowed in the health resort of Rathen, the place can only be reached via the small ferry. On the other side of the Elbe, the hike to the delightful place begins. First you reach the Amselsee, from where the path leads...
- 4.6 (162)·Moderate·7.3 mi·Est. 4–4.5 hrExciting 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...
- 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...
- 4.8 (95)·Hard·6.1 mi·Est. 3.5–4 hrPanoramic hiking trail in the Saxon Switzerland National Park, Saxony. Excellent views can be expected on this quite demanding tour. The route leads through the famous Affensteine and up the 458m high Carolafelsen. Starting at the Am Beuthefall car park, which is subject to a charge, it goes through the rock massifs of the Dietrichsgrund until you reach the impressive rock marbles along the Oberen Affenstein Promenade. Via the sand hole, it finally goes up to the small Prebischtor and onto...
- 4.4 (58)·Moderate·3.5 mi·Est. 2–2.5 hrFamily-friendly short hike in Bad Schandau, Saxony. The beautiful tour starts at the Beuthefall car park, which is subject to a charge. There is also a bus stop with the same name right by the parking lot. From there it goes through the Dietrichsgrund to the scenic route along the Langen Horn. This rising path finally leads over the Carolafelsen to a highlight of the tour - the Wilde Hölle. The path leads through the adventurous, wild and romantic gorge. Slightly descending, we proceed in...
- 4.8 (48)·Moderate·4.1 mi·Est. 2.5–3 hrChallenging and varied circular hike in the Saxon Switzerland National Park near Sebnitz, Saxony. This scenic circular hike starts at the "Nasser Grund" hiking car park in the Kirnitzsch Valley and leads via the "Kleinen Dom" and "Großen Winterberg" up to the "Carolafelsen". Here you can take a break and enjoy the fantastic panoramic view. We continue into the wildly romantic gorge "Wilde Hölle". Increased alertness, a head for heights and sure-footedness are required here - iron hooks were...
- 4.6 (51)·Hard·10 miVersatile 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,...
- 4.6 (43)·Moderate·8.6 mi·Est. 5–5.5 hrFabulous circular hike in the Saxon Switzerland National Park, Saxony. This fantastic excursion can begin at the Lichtenhain Waterfall car park, which is subject to a fee. You can also take an 80-year-old tram, the Kirnitzschtalbahn, from Bad Schandau to Beuthenfall. There the spectacular Lichtenhain waterfall can be visited. Continue to the popular "Kuhstall" where you can take a break - but be aware that it can get very crowded. Then it goes on to the Neuen Widerstein and via the...
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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 waterfall trail to hike in Saxon Switzerland National Park?
According to users from AllTrails.com, the best waterfall trail to hike in Saxon Switzerland National Park is Malerweg Stage 4: Altendorf - Neumannmühle, which has a 4.7 star rating from 221 reviews. This trail is 11.5 mi long with an elevation gain of 2,440 ft.
What is the longest waterfall trail in Saxon Switzerland National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest waterfall trail in Saxon Switzerland National Park is Perlen der Sächsischen Schweiz 2021 (50 km). This trail is estimated to be 30.8 mi long.
How many waterfall trails are in Saxon Switzerland National Park?
There are 83 waterfall trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park.These waterfall trails have an average 4.5-star ratingfrom NaN AllTrails community reviews.
Which waterfall trail has the most elevation gain in Saxon Switzerland National Park?
From Bad Schandau to Hinterhermsdorf has the most elevation gain for waterfall trails with 5,889 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is City of Wehlen - Koenigstein - Hohnstein, which has 5,823 ft of elevation gain.
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Suitability
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