Malerweg Stage 8: Weißig - Pirna
40% of reviewers say this trail is moderate
8.6miLength
1,335ftElevation gain
4–4.5hrEstimated time
Point to point
This route is the 8th and final stage of the Malerweg, a long-distance hiking trail through the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. This section runs from Weißig to its endpoint in the historic old town of Pirna. Highlights include the ridge trail across the Rauenstein plateau, offering impressive panoramic views, as well as the stretch along former quarries to the Königsnase. The trail eventually runs along the Elbe River and via the Canalettoweg to Pirna’s market square.
Accommodations are available in the numerous hotels and guesthouses in Pirna; camping is prohibited in the national park. Drinking water can be easily replenished in the towns along the Elbe. Both locations have excellent connections to the S-Bahn network and regional buses; timetables at https://www.vvo-online.de.
For the complete 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
Kapphöhle
Cave
Rauensteinkopf
Peak
Pudelstein
Peak
Rauenstein
Peak
Nonne
Peak
Zielpunt: Adventure-for-you
Beach
alter Steinbruch
Cliff
Wanderhütte Obervogelgesang
Hut
Abgetrennte Wand
Attraction
Biwak Vogelgesang
Campsite
St. Mary's Church
Church
Schloss Sonnenstein
Castle
Panoramascheibe
Peak
Rauensteinturm
Peak
Gedenkstätte Sonnenstein
Building
Struppengrundhöhle
Cave
Höhle an der Königsnase
Cave
"Oberes Tor" der ehem. Stadtmauer
Ruins
Elbleite
Viewpoint
Terrassengärten
Garden
Weißer Turm
Ruins
Rauensteinwächter
Peak
Königsnase
Viewpoint
Steuppengrundhöhle
Cave
Pilzwand
Peak
Ratsleitenturm
Peak
Fechelsgrund
Valley
Dreifreundestein
Peak
Rauensteinkegel
Peak
Rauensteinspitze
Peak
Khedive
Peak
Histor. Feuerwehrhaus
Building
Top sights
Kapphöhle
Cave
Rauensteinkopf
Peak
Pudelstein
Peak
Rauenstein
Peak
Nonne
Peak
Zielpunt: Adventure-for-you
Beach
alter Steinbruch
Cliff
Wanderhütte Obervogelgesang
Hut
Abgetrennte Wand
Attraction
Biwak Vogelgesang
Campsite
St. Mary's Church
Church
Schloss Sonnenstein
Castle
Panoramascheibe
Peak
Rauensteinturm
Peak
Gedenkstätte Sonnenstein
Building
Struppengrundhöhle
Cave
Höhle an der Königsnase
Cave
"Oberes Tor" der ehem. Stadtmauer
Ruins
Elbleite
Viewpoint
Terrassengärten
Garden
Weißer Turm
Ruins
Rauensteinwächter
Peak
Königsnase
Viewpoint
Steuppengrundhöhle
Cave
Pilzwand
Peak
Ratsleitenturm
Peak
Fechelsgrund
Valley
Dreifreundestein
Peak
Rauensteinkegel
Peak
Rauensteinspitze
Peak
Khedive
Peak
Histor. Feuerwehrhaus
Building
Popular times
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Frequently asked questions
What’s helpful to know about this trail?
Discover this 8.6-mile point-to-point trail near Rathen, Saxony. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 4 h 1 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. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas.
What is the expected weather this week for Malerweg Stage 8: Weißig - Pirna?
Expected weather for Malerweg Stage 8: Weißig - Pirna for the next 5 days is:
- Sun, September 20 - 61 degrees/drizzle
- Mon, September 21 - 60 degrees/clear
- Tue, September 22 - 65 degrees/clear
- Wed, September 23 - 62 degrees/clear
- Thu, September 24 - 61 degrees/foggy
Where is Malerweg Stage 8: Weißig - Pirna located?
Malerweg Stage 8: Weißig - Pirna is a trail located in Saxon Switzerland National Park.
How hard is Malerweg Stage 8: Weißig - Pirna?
Malerweg Stage 8: Weißig - Pirna is considered a moderate hike that covers 8.6 mi, with an elevation gain of 1,335 ft. It takes about 4–4.5 hr to complete. Moderate trails often feature gradual climbs or obstacles like rocks or roots.
What is the elevation gain for Malerweg Stage 8: Weißig - Pirna?
Malerweg Stage 8: Weißig - Pirna is considered a moderate hike that covers 8.6 mi, with an elevation gain of 1,335 ft. It takes about 4–4.5 hr to complete. Moderate trails often feature gradual climbs or obstacles like rocks or roots.
Is Malerweg Stage 8: Weißig - Pirna a point to point trail?
Malerweg Stage 8: Weißig - Pirna is a point to point trail that covers 8.6 mi, with an elevation gain of 1,335 ft. It takes about 4–4.5 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 8: Weißig - Pirna?
Malerweg Stage 8: Weißig - Pirna is a point to point trail that covers 8.6 mi, with an elevation gain of 1,335 ft. It takes about 4–4.5 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 8: Weißig - Pirna?
Yes, dogs are allowed on Malerweg Stage 8: Weißig - Pirna. Double check regulations about going off leash.
When is the best time of year to hike Malerweg Stage 8: Weißig - Pirna?
Malerweg Stage 8: Weißig - Pirna is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
How busy is Malerweg Stage 8: Weißig - Pirna?
According to trailgoers, Malerweg Stage 8: Weißig - Pirna is usually busy. Malerweg Stage 8: Weißig - Pirna is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
Are there beaches at Malerweg Stage 8: Weißig - Pirna?
Yes, Malerweg Stage 8: Weißig - Pirna is near Zielpunt: Adventure-for-you.
Are there scenic views at Malerweg Stage 8: Weißig - Pirna?
Yes, according to trailgoers, Malerweg Stage 8: Weißig - Pirna features multiple scenic viewpoints. Some of the viewpoints include Elbleite and Königsnase.
Is camping allowed at Malerweg Stage 8: Weißig - Pirna?
Camping is allowed on Malerweg Stage 8: Weißig - Pirna 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 8: Weißig - Pirna?
Backpacking is allowed on Malerweg Stage 8: Weißig - Pirna. 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.
Is Malerweg Stage 8: Weißig - Pirna paved?
Yes, according to trailgoers, Malerweg Stage 8: Weißig - Pirna is partially paved.
Are there forests at Malerweg Stage 8: Weißig - Pirna?
Yes, Malerweg Stage 8: Weißig - Pirna is a forest trail in Saxon Switzerland National Park.
Are there wildflowers at Malerweg Stage 8: Weißig - Pirna?
Yes, trailgoers have reported a variety of wildflower types on Malerweg Stage 8: Weißig - Pirna, though the specific types can vary from month to month.
Is there wildlife at Malerweg Stage 8: Weißig - Pirna?
Yes, many trailgoers have spotted wildlife at Malerweg Stage 8: Weißig - Pirna in Saxon Switzerland National Park. Always observe wildlife from a safe distance.
Last updated on September 19, 2026 at 3:03 am GMT+0