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Best wildflower trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park

Best wildflower trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park

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Germany
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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 - Schrammsteine - Carolafelsen - Wilde Hölle

    4.7 (236)·Moderate·8.2 mi
    This popular circular trail with scenic views starts at the Ostrau parking lot and leads to the Schrammsteine and the Carolafelsen. Wearing sturdy shoes is strongly recommended, as in addition to sections along roads, the trail leads over interesting paths (such as the Wildschützensteig), up steep stairs and ladders—and through narrow, damp, and slippery crevices. Your efforts will be rewarded with magnificent views of Saxon Switzerland.

  2. #2 - Malerweg Stage 1: Pirna-Liebethal - Stadt Wehlen

    4.7 (244)·Moderate·7.3 mi·Est. 3–3.5 hr
    This 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...

  3. #3 - Malerweg Stage 3: Hohnstein - Altendorf

    4.5 (212)·Moderate·8.7 mi·Est. 4.5–5 hr
    This route is stage 3 of the Malerweg, a long-distance hiking trail through the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. This section leads from the castle town of Hohnstein to Altendorf. Highlights include the famous Brandaussicht viewpoint, offering sweeping views over the Polenztal valley, and the descent via 800 steps into the Tiefen Grund. The trail continues through the wild and romantic Kohlichtgraben and along the Sebnitz River to the end of the stage. Overnight stays are available at guesthouses...

  4. #4 - Bad Schandau - Schrammsteine - Hohe Liebe

    4.5 (121)·Moderate·9.6 mi·Est. 5–5.5 hr
    Popular, 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...

  5. #5 - Lichtenhainer Wasserfälle - Nasser Grund - Wilde Höhle

    4.7 (163)·Moderate·7.3 mi·Est. 4–4.5 hr
    Exciting 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...

  6. #6 - Malerweg Stage 5: Neumannmühle - Schmilka

    4.4 (149)·Hard·8.7 mi·Est. 5.5–6 hr
    This route is stage 5 of the Malerweg, a long-distance trail through the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. This segment leads from the Neumannmühle in the Kirnitzsch Valley to the border village of Schmilka. Highlights include the Arnstein rock and the steep climb through the Wolfsschlüchte to the Großer Winterberg, the second-highest mountain in Saxon Switzerland, before descending into the organic village of Schmilka with its historic water mill. Overnight stays are available in guesthouses and...

  7. #7 - Schwedenlöcher

    4.7 (31)·Moderate·1.5 mi·Est. 0.5–1 hr
    Eventful 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...

  8. #8 - Schrammsteine und Hohe Liebe

    4.7 (80)·Moderate·7 mi·Est. 4–4.5 hr
    Popular circular hiking trail in the Saxon Switzerland National Park, Saxony This round east of Bad Schandau is one of the most beautiful in the Saxon Switzerland National Park. Extremely varied paths lead past numerous impressive rock formations for which the region is so famous. From different vantage points, including the "Schrammsteinaussicht" platform, there are always new views of the striking rock formations. There are several iron ladders and stairs to overcome, so sturdy shoes, a...

  9. #9 - Obere Schleuse from Hinterjermsdorf

    4.6 (97)·Moderate·5.1 mi·Est. 2.5–3 hr
    Idyllic hike in the Saxon Switzerland National Park, Saxony. This route starts at the Buchenparkhalle and leads to the German-Czech border first along a gravel path to the upper lock. From there the path leads along the banks of the river. Here you can marvel at the plants and animals along the shore. It is also possible to take a boat ride along the river. From the dam, continue on foot to Hermannseck. There, along a sharp right, the path leads back to the starting point. Shortly before the...

  10. #10 - Beuthenfall - Wilde Hölle Loop

    4.4 (59)·Moderate·3.5 mi·Est. 2–2.5 hr
    Family-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...
Showing results 1–10 of 90
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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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