Gemütliche Wanderrunde um Hohnstein

• Partial closure: Due to a severe storm, the second stage of the Malerweg has been closed in some sections since July 31, 2026. However, the detour still leads to the Bastei viewpoint. More information: https://www.saechsische-schweiz.de/en/tour/detour-on-stage-2-of-the-malerweg-due-to-a-forest-closure-starting-august-3-2026 Moderately difficult hike. For all fitness levels. Predominantly easy paths. Sure-footedness required. The route starts in Hohnstein at the market and follows the yellow line markings (Pechhüttenweg) below the market, heading north through the village. It soon enters the forest and follows the slope on the Kälbersteig. After a while, the route comes to a small stream, branches off to the left and leads down into the Polenztal valley (yellow line). At the Polenztal road, the trail turns left (red dot) and continues along the road for a while until the next crossroads. Turn right again, cross the bridge and immediately turn left again (red dot). In the deep, canyon-like Polenztal valley, you may be lucky enough to spot the dipper. It is the only songbird capable of diving in running water: The brown bird with the white breast patch hops from stone to stone, dives, runs upstream under water with its wings slightly spread and searches for small aquatic animals. The trail continues along the Polenz for a while to the Polenztal restaurant. Shortly after the inn, turn left and walk up the Schindergraben (blue line, diagonal green line). On the way, you will pass the remains of the former bear garden. The remains of the wall were originally part of a bear enclosure, set up to breed and care for bears that were used for hunts at the Saxon court - in the royal seat, in the castle courtyard, on the Altmarkt and in the Großsedlitz garden. Bears broke out again and again. The garden existed until 1756. At the top, the route turns left, again passing the remains of the walls of the bear garden and finally arriving at the first houses in Hohnstein. At the next fork in the road, the route turns left and leads uphill to the market square. The tour is suitable for children and dogs. Starting point: Hohnstein market square Arrival by public transport: Take the S1 to Pirna, from here take bus 237 (direction Sebnitz) to Markt, Hohnstein