The short hike on the Malerweg takes you past sandstone needles, over rocky reefs, through pristine beech forests, and across babbling wild streams. Discover part of the Malerweg on four diverse daily stages totaling approximately 55 km. You hike directly from accommodation to accommodation, which are located in close proximity to or directly on the Malerweg. On the first stage from Bad Schandau to Hohnstein, you reach the magnificent Brandaussicht, also known as the "Balcony of Saxon Switzerland." Passing Hohnstein Castle and through the Wolf Gorge, the well-developed trail leads into the untouched gorge of the Schwedenlöcher. From the end of the Schwedenlöcher, it is just a stone's throw to the Bastei and the spa town of Rathen. After crossing to the opposite side of the Elbe, the Malerweg passes by the Königstein Fortress to the Pfaffenstein, from which you have an overwhelming view over the Kingdom of Stones.
The SMALL Hike on the Painter's Path
Tour Operator: CORSO... the travel agency
Owner: Michael Corso
Jagdsteig 25 * 01662 Meissen
Services and Prices
Validity period: 04/01/2026 - 10/31/2026
Total length: 65 km
Difficulty level: medium
Minimum participants: 2 people
(for solo travelers, the additional charge below applies)
- 5 overnight stays in hiking-friendly accommodations of the desired category
- 5 x breakfast buffet
- Luggage transport from accommodation to accommodation
- 1x CORSO water bottle per person
- Detailed description for each daily stage
- Maps and informational materials
- 24-hour phone service during the trip
Hiking Season
04/01/2026 - 04/30/2026
Category A
(Guesthouses and 3- and 4-star hotels)
Double Room 610.00 € per person
Single Room 795.00 € per person
Category B
(Guesthouses and mid-range hotels)
Double Room 560.00 € per person
Single Room 695.00 € per person
Single Traveler Surcharge 70.00 € per person
Main Hiking Season
05/01/2026 - 10/10/2026
Category A
(Guesthouses and 3- and 4-star hotels)
Double room 635.00 € per person
Single room 820.00 € per person
Category B
(Guesthouses and mid-range hotels)
Double room 585.00 € per person
Single room 720.00 € per person
Surcharge for single travelers 70.00 € per person
Hiking Season
10/11/2026 - 10/31/2026
Category A
(Guesthouses and 3- and 4-star hotels)
Double room 610.00 € per person
Single room 795.00 € per person
Category B
(Guesthouses and mid-range hotels)
Double room 560.00 € per person
Single room 695.00 € per person
Surcharge for single travelers 70.00 € per person
All applicable guest taxes are NOT included in the travel price and must be paid on site.
Please note the Information Sheet for the Traveler for a Package Tour according to § 651a of the German Civil Code
Requirements
- For organizational reasons, this hike can only be booked up to 10 days before the arrival date.
- We recommend sturdy ankle-high hiking boots and a small backpack for provisions and rain protection for the tours.
- A good basic fitness level, sure-footedness, and a head for heights are required for this hiking trip.
- The complete overview of booked accommodations is noted on the travel confirmation/invoice and will be sent to the guest by the tour operator along with the documents after booking the trip.
- Communication during the trip is possible in the following languages: German
- The trip is unsuitable for guests with limited mobility.
- For German citizens, current identification documents apply. All other individuals, please observe the respective passport and visa deadlines. Your embassy will be happy to provide information on this.
- Please also note the information in the GTCs of the tour operator CORSO ...die reiseagentur
- The Saxon Switzerland Tourism Association is only a mediator of this trip.
Tour Description
- Day 1: Individual Arrival in Bad Schandau
You arrive individually in Bad Schandau. If you arrive early, you can already hike a round trip from/to Bad Schandau on the day of arrival - Day 2: Bad Schandau - Hohnstein (approx. 17 km)
From Bad Schandau, you hike along the Panoramaweg to Altendorf and continue to the GoĂźdorf Robber Castle. Through the picturesque village of Waitzdorf, the path continues into Tiefen Grund, where the Brand Steps lead to the "Balcony of Saxon Switzerland." On BrandstraĂźe, you reach the fortress town of Hohnstein. - Day 3: Hohnstein - Kurort Rathen (approx. 9 km)
The short stage takes you down into the Polenz Valley and then back uphill through the Wolfsschlucht to the Hockstein Viewpoint. It continues leisurely with a beautiful distant view of the Lilienstein. Via Rathewalde, the tour leads through the Amselgrund valley and then through the rock gorge Schwedenlöcher to the Bastei. The Bastei viewpoint and the impressive Bastei Bridge high above the Elbe Valley offer magnificent views. The descent leads over the Bastei Bridge to Kurort Rathen. - Day 4: Kurort Rathen - Kurort Gohrisch (approx. 17 km)
The tour leads over Weißig and Thürmsdorf to Königstein. A magnificent view from the Pfaffenstein with the Barbarine rock needle rewards the steady ascent from Königstein. On the Königsweg, you now enter the "Realm of Stones." - Day 5: Kurort Gohrisch - Bad Schandau (approx. 9 km)
The last stage of the hiking trip leads over the Gohrisch rock and the Papststein. After the descent, the tour continues through Kleinhennersdorf to Krippen with a view of the silhouette of Bad Schandau and the mighty rock massif of the Schrammsteine. - Day 6: Individual Departure from Bad Schandau
Impressions from the Hiking Trip
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