Circular Hiking Tour in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains

All incurred guest taxes are NOT included in the travel price and are to be paid on site.

Please note the Information Sheet for Travelers on Package Tours according to § 651a of the German Civil Code

• For organizational reasons, this hike can only be booked up to 7 days before the arrival date.
• We recommend sturdy ankle-high hiking boots for the tours, as well as a small backpack for provisions and rain protection.
• Good basic fitness, sure-footedness and no fear of 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 mail from the tour operator after the trip is booked.
• Communication during the trip is possible in the following languages: German and English.
• The trip is unsuitable for guests with reduced mobility.
• The current identification documents apply to German citizens. All other persons should please pay attention to the respective passport and visa deadlines. Your embassy will be happy to provide you with information on this.
• Please also note the information in the terms and conditions of Augustus Tours.
• The Saxon Switzerland Tourism Association is only an intermediary for this trip.

• Day 1: Individual Arrival in Bad Schandau
  Upon your arrival in Bad Schandau, either by car or by train, you can take a small tour of the town. The massive Protestant St. John's Church with its octagonal west tower has stood in its current form since 1679 and is located directly at the market. Together with the numerous hotels that flank the Elbe River and the two Elbe bridges, St. John's Church forms the city silhouette of Bad Schandau.
  Overnight stay in Bad Schandau
• Day 2: Bad Schandau - Kurort Rathen (approx. 18 km, approx. 5.5 h)
  You start your first hiking tour with an ascent. At the summit, you will be presented with a breathtaking panoramic view. From here, you walk over the approximately 800 Brand Steps to Brand, which is also known as the "Balcony of Saxon Switzerland." Your next hiking destination is the impressive Hohnstein Castle. The castle's history dates back to 1444 when the town of Hohnstein was granted its town charter. The last part of your hiking tour today leads you through idyllic valleys and forests, past the wonderful Amsel Lake, and to the tranquil spa town of Rathen.
  Overnight stay in Rathen
• Day 3: Circular Hike Kurort Rathen (approx. 11 km, approx. 4 h)
  The third day of your hiking trip begins with the ascent to the famous Bastei Rock. Here, at an elevation of 300 meters, you can enjoy the view over the Elbe and the green surroundings. From the Bastei, you continue hiking over the Höllengrund and the Wehlener Grund to the town of Wehlen. In this charming resort town, you have the opportunity to see the Herbrig Organ in the St. Michael's Church. You cross the Elbe by ferry (additional cost) and walk on the left side of the Elbe over the Rauenstein Table Mountain back to Rathen.
  Overnight stay in Rathen
• Day 4: Kurort Rathen - Gohrisch (approx. 17 km, approx. 5.5 h)
  After an overnight stay in Rathen, you ascend via Weißig to Königstein Fortress, the largest fortress complex in Europe. After crossing the town of Königstein, you reach Pfaffenstein via comfortable forest paths, with its famous Barbarine rock needle. This over 42-meter-high rock is the most well-known freestanding rock in the German part of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains and is considered a landmark of Saxon Switzerland. Then your hiking tour takes you further along the Pfaffenstein Path up to the summit of Pfaffenstein with its impressive view of Lilienstein. You continue on the Muselweg to the spa town of Gohrisch, originally called "dorffe Gorusch."
  Overnight stay in Gohrisch
• Day 5: Kurort Gohrisch - Bad Schandau/Krippen (approx. 9 km, approx. 3 hrs)
  After sufficiently enjoying the region around Gohrisch, sometimes affectionately called "the Kingdom of Stones," your hiking tour continues through the Elbe Sandstone Mountains to Gohrisch (448 m) and Papststein (451 m). From both rocks, you have a beautiful view of the rocky landscape of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. The further path leads you through the adventurous Kleinhennersdorf Caves over the Liethener Valley to Krippen, a district on the left side of the Elbe belonging to Bad Schandau, or Bad Schandau itself.
  Overnight stay in Bad Schandau or Krippen
• Day 6: Bad Schandau/Krippen – Lichtenhainer Waterfall (approx. 13 km, approx. 4.5 hrs)
  By ferry, you cross the Elbe to the starting point of the last hiking tour. You begin with a somewhat arduous ascent to the Schrammsteine—but don't worry, the effort is worth it, as you will be rewarded with a breathtaking expansive view over the entire Elbe Sandstone Mountains. You then follow the forest path along the Affensteig and reach the Lichtenhainer Waterfall. From here, you take the bus or the famous Kirnitzschtalbahn (additional cost) back to Bad Schandau.
  Overnight stay in Bad Schandau
• Day 7: Individual Departure