Malerweg Stage 5: Neumannmühle - Schmilka
55% of reviewers say this trail is moderate
8.7miLength
2,509ftElevation gain
5.5–6hrEstimated time
Point to point
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 hotels in Schmilka; camping is strictly prohibited within the national park. Potable water should be carried in sufficient quantities, as springs on the mountain are rare. Both locations are accessible by bus or S-Bahn; schedules at https://www.vvo-online.de.
For the full route and all stages, see https://www.alltrails.com/lists/malerweg - Official AllTrails List.
This text has been translated.
Part of a multi-day route
Malerweg [CLOSED]
Top sights
Erlsgrund
Valley
Großer Winterberg
Peak
Kleinsteinhöhle
Cave
Goldbachtal
Valley
Germane
Peak
Meldenschlüchte
Valley
Schwarze Schlüchte
Valley
Katzenstein
Peak
Försterloch
Valley
Sturmbauers Eck
Viewpoint
Kirnitzsch
River
Monolith
Peak
Kleinsteinwand
Peak
Arnstein
Peak
Städelschlüchteturm
Peak
Städelschlüchte
Valley
Grünling
Peak
Großer Teichstein
Peak
Böses Horn
Peak
Teichsteinwächter
Peak
Buschmühlenturm
Peak
Dorfbachgrund
Valley
Hauptmannsschlüchte
Valley
Großes Pohlshorn
Peak
Tägers Wonne
Viewpoint
Ilmenquelle
Spring
Mühlschlüchte
Valley
Wand am Kipphorn
Peak
Hinterer Spätling
Peak
Vorderer Spätling
Peak
Eremit
Peak
Pechschlüchte
Valley
Waldgeist
Peak
Meilerstein
Peak
Goldstein
Peak
Goldlochschlüchte
Valley
Hraničář
Peak
Teichsteinnadel
Peak
Bärenfangwände
Peak
Taubenkropf
Peak
Kleines Pohlshorn
Peak
Meilerschlüchte
Valley
Gebundholzschlüchte
Valley
Schäferstein
Peak
Scheunenschlüchte
Valley
Top sights
Erlsgrund
Valley
Großer Winterberg
Peak
Kleinsteinhöhle
Cave
Goldbachtal
Valley
Germane
Peak
Meldenschlüchte
Valley
Schwarze Schlüchte
Valley
Katzenstein
Peak
Försterloch
Valley
Sturmbauers Eck
Viewpoint
Kirnitzsch
River
Monolith
Peak
Kleinsteinwand
Peak
Arnstein
Peak
Städelschlüchteturm
Peak
Städelschlüchte
Valley
Grünling
Peak
Großer Teichstein
Peak
Böses Horn
Peak
Teichsteinwächter
Peak
Buschmühlenturm
Peak
Dorfbachgrund
Valley
Hauptmannsschlüchte
Valley
Großes Pohlshorn
Peak
Tägers Wonne
Viewpoint
Ilmenquelle
Spring
Mühlschlüchte
Valley
Wand am Kipphorn
Peak
Hinterer Spätling
Peak
Vorderer Spätling
Peak
Eremit
Peak
Pechschlüchte
Valley
Waldgeist
Peak
Meilerstein
Peak
Goldstein
Peak
Goldlochschlüchte
Valley
Hraničář
Peak
Teichsteinnadel
Peak
Bärenfangwände
Peak
Taubenkropf
Peak
Kleines Pohlshorn
Peak
Meilerschlüchte
Valley
Gebundholzschlüchte
Valley
Schäferstein
Peak
Scheunenschlüchte
Valley
Popular times
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Frequently asked questions
What’s helpful to know about this trail?
Head out on this 8.7-mile point-to-point trail near Reinhardtsdorf-Schöna, Saxony. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 5 h 19 min to complete. This is a very popular area for backpacking, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
What is the expected weather this week for Malerweg Stage 5: Neumannmühle - Schmilka?
Expected weather for Malerweg Stage 5: Neumannmühle - Schmilka for the next 5 days is:
- Mon, September 21 - 61 degrees/chuvisco
- Tue, September 22 - 63 degrees/claro
- Wed, September 23 - 65 degrees/claro
- Thu, September 24 - 64 degrees/claro
- Fri, September 25 - 71 degrees/claro
Where is Malerweg Stage 5: Neumannmühle - Schmilka located?
Malerweg Stage 5: Neumannmühle - Schmilka is a trail located in Saxon Switzerland National Park.
How hard is Malerweg Stage 5: Neumannmühle - Schmilka?
Malerweg Stage 5: Neumannmühle - Schmilka is considered a hard hike that covers 8.7 mi, with an elevation gain of 2,509 ft. It takes about 5.5–6 hr to complete. Hard trails usually cover longer distances, and may have long or steep climbs or more difficult obstacles.
What is the elevation gain for Malerweg Stage 5: Neumannmühle - Schmilka?
Malerweg Stage 5: Neumannmühle - Schmilka is considered a hard hike that covers 8.7 mi, with an elevation gain of 2,509 ft. It takes about 5.5–6 hr to complete. Hard trails usually cover longer distances, and may have long or steep climbs or more difficult obstacles.
Is Malerweg Stage 5: Neumannmühle - Schmilka a point to point trail?
Malerweg Stage 5: Neumannmühle - Schmilka is a point to point trail that covers 8.7 mi, with an elevation gain of 2,509 ft. It takes about 5.5–6 hr to complete. Point-to-point routes have a different starting point and endpoint. The length of the trail refers to one-way travel on this route. Don't forget to plan for transportation when exploring point-to-point routes!
How long is Malerweg Stage 5: Neumannmühle - Schmilka?
Malerweg Stage 5: Neumannmühle - Schmilka is a point to point trail that covers 8.7 mi, with an elevation gain of 2,509 ft. It takes about 5.5–6 hr to complete. Point-to-point routes have a different starting point and endpoint. The length of the trail refers to one-way travel on this route. Don't forget to plan for transportation when exploring point-to-point routes!
Are dogs allowed on Malerweg Stage 5: Neumannmühle - Schmilka?
Dogs may be allowed on Malerweg Stage 5: Neumannmühle - Schmilka. Be sure to check regulations before heading out.
When is the best time of year to hike Malerweg Stage 5: Neumannmühle - Schmilka?
Malerweg Stage 5: Neumannmühle - Schmilka is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
How busy is Malerweg Stage 5: Neumannmühle - Schmilka?
According to trailgoers, Malerweg Stage 5: Neumannmühle - Schmilka is usually very busy. Malerweg Stage 5: Neumannmühle - Schmilka is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
Are there scenic views at Malerweg Stage 5: Neumannmühle - Schmilka?
Yes, according to trailgoers, Malerweg Stage 5: Neumannmühle - Schmilka features multiple scenic viewpoints. Some of the viewpoints include Sturmbauers Eck and Tägers Wonne.
Are there rivers at Malerweg Stage 5: Neumannmühle - Schmilka?
Yes, Malerweg Stage 5: Neumannmühle - Schmilka is near Kirnitzsch.
Is camping allowed at Malerweg Stage 5: Neumannmühle - Schmilka?
Camping is allowed on Malerweg Stage 5: Neumannmühle - Schmilka in Saxon Switzerland National Park. Camping accommodations vary, and can include campsites, dispersed camping, huts, or in-town accommodations. You should always double check if a permit is required.
Is backpacking allowed at Malerweg Stage 5: Neumannmühle - Schmilka?
Backpacking is allowed on Malerweg Stage 5: Neumannmühle - Schmilka. Backpacking trails are typically longer and are often point-to-point trails. Camping accommodations vary, and can include campsites, dispersed camping, huts, or in-town accommodations. You should always double check if a permit is required.
Are there forests at Malerweg Stage 5: Neumannmühle - Schmilka?
Yes, Malerweg Stage 5: Neumannmühle - Schmilka is a forest trail in Saxon Switzerland National Park.
Are there wildflowers at Malerweg Stage 5: Neumannmühle - Schmilka?
Yes, trailgoers have reported a variety of wildflower types on Malerweg Stage 5: Neumannmühle - Schmilka, though the specific types can vary from month to month.
Is there wildlife at Malerweg Stage 5: Neumannmühle - Schmilka?
Yes, many trailgoers have spotted wildlife at Malerweg Stage 5: Neumannmühle - Schmilka in Saxon Switzerland National Park. Always observe wildlife from a safe distance.
Is Malerweg Stage 5: Neumannmühle - Schmilka rocky?
Yes, according to trailgoers, Malerweg Stage 5: Neumannmühle - Schmilka includes rocky terrain. Watch your footing and wear footwear with good traction.
Last updated on September 21, 2026 at 2:23 am GMT+0