Best wildlife 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 (561)·Moderate·4.6 mi·Est. 2.5–3 hrPopular hiking trail in Saxon Switzerland National Park, Saxony. In addition to the Bastei, the Schrammsteine are probably the most well-known motif in Saxon Switzerland. Together with the adjacent Affensteinen, the Schrammsteine form unique wild rock formations in the center of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. This route takes you through the complex rock labyrinth of hiking trails and via ferratas and partly over ladders and slippery rocks. In winter and on rainy days, parts of the trail can...
- 4.7 (223)·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 (263)·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...
- 4.7 (244)·Moderate·7.3 mi·Est. 3–3.5 hrThis 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...
- 4.5 (212)·Moderate·8.7 mi·Est. 4.5–5 hrThis 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...
- 4.7 (163)·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...
- 4.4 (149)·Hard·8.7 mi·Est. 5.5–6 hrThis 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...
- 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...
- 4.4 (114)·Moderate·5.1 mi·Est. 3–3.5 hrPanoramic hiking tour in Bad Schandau, Saxony. This tour starts at the parking lot at the ferry landing stage in Schmilka. The hike leads along challenging and sometimes steep forest paths up to the Verborgenes Horn. A head for heights is required for some passages. The effort is rewarded with fantastic views. This route is accessible all year round and also makes for a lovely winter walk. The route is only suitable for dogs to a very limited extent, as it is partly over steep metal...
- 4.6 (123)·Hard·12.1 mi·Est. 6–7 hrPopular circular route in the Saxon Switzerland National Park, Saxony. This route in Saxon Switzerland leads past some of the most spectacular rock formations in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. As the name of the path suggests, the route passes not only the Falkenstein and the Großer Winterberg but also the Schrammsteine, a rock group characterized by dramatic chasms east of Bad Schandau. This tour begins at the free hiker's car park in Falkenstein Hütten. From there it goes partly very up to...
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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 wildlife trail to hike in Saxon Switzerland National Park?
According to users from AllTrails.com, the best wildlife trail to hike in Saxon Switzerland National Park is Schrammsteine Loop, which has a 4.7 star rating from 561 reviews. This trail is 4.6 mi long with an elevation gain of 1,102 ft.
What is the longest wildlife trail in Saxon Switzerland National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest wildlife trail in Saxon Switzerland National Park is Malerweg [CLOSED]. This trail is estimated to be 71.3 mi long.
How many wildlife trails are in Saxon Switzerland National Park?
There are 55 wildlife trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park.These wildlife trails have an average 4.6-star ratingfrom NaN AllTrails community reviews.
Which wildlife trail has the most elevation gain in Saxon Switzerland National Park?
Malerweg [CLOSED] has the most elevation gain for wildlife trails with 14,806 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Perlen der Sächsischen Schweiz 2021 (50 km) [CLOSED], which has 4,990 ft of elevation gain.
Activities
- Backpacking trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- Bike touring trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- Birding trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- Camping trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- Rock climbing trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- Via ferrata trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- Walking trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
Attractions
- Beach trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- Cave trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- Easy trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- Forest trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- Hard trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- Lake trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- Long trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- Moderate trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- River trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- Short trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- Trails with historic sites in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- Trails with no dogs in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- Trails with views in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- Waterfall trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- Wildflower trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- Wildlife trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
Suitability
- Dog-friendly trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- Kid-friendly trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- Partially paved trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- Stroller-friendly trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- Trails for leashed dogs in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- Wheelchair-friendly trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park