Walking the Malerweg with children

All applicable guest taxes are NOT included in the travel price and must be paid on-site.

Please note the information sheet for informing the traveler about a package tour according to § 651a of the German Civil Code

• For organisational reasons, this hiking tour can only be booked up to 10 days before the arrival date.
• For the tours, we recommend sturdy, ankle-high hiking boots as well as a small rucksack for provisions and waterproof clothing.
• A good basic level of fitness, sure-footedness and a head for heights are required for this hiking holiday.
• The complete overview of the accommodation booked is stated on the travel confirmation/invoice and will only be sent to the guest by the tour operator together with the travel documents after the trip has been booked.
• Communication during the trip is possible in the following language: German
• This trip is not suitable for guests with reduced mobility.
• German nationals require valid identity documents. All other travellers should observe the applicable passport and visa requirements and deadlines. Your embassy will be pleased to provide further information.
• Please also note the information in the Terms and Conditions of the tour operator CORSO …die reiseagentur
• The Saxon Switzerland Tourism Association acts solely as an intermediary for this trip.

• Day 1: Independent journey to Bad Schandau
  Travel independently by train or car to Bad Schandau. Visit the National Park Centre to prepare for the hike and obtain tips on experiencing Saxon Switzerland National Park. The exhibitions on nature and culture, projects and events present the concerns, responsibilities and special features of the Saxon Switzerland National Park region in an engaging and vivid manner.
  Overnight stay in Bad Schandau
• Day 2: Circular tour from/to Bad Schandau  (approx. 9 or 13 km)
  The historic passenger lift takes you quickly and directly from Bad Schandau to the Ostrau plateau (reduced fare with a guest card). The Malerweg trail leads you past the Falkenstein to the Great Schramm Gate and the impressive Schrammstein viewpoint, where you can enjoy magnificent views across the Vorderer and Hinterer Saxon Switzerland regions and as far as Dresden. For the shorter day hike (approx. 9 km), descend from the Schrammsteine to the Zeughausweg and continue through the Nasser Grund into the Kirnitzsch Valley. If you prefer the slightly longer day stage (approx. 13 km), continue following the Malerweg signs into the bizarre rocky landscape of the Affensteine and proceed via the Sandloch and the lower Affensteinweg into the Kirnitzsch Valley. A historic tram, the Kirnitzschtalbahn, provides a convenient return journey to Bad Schandau (included with the mobile guest card).
  Overnight stay in Bad Schandau
• Day 3: Bad Schandau - Hohnstein  (approx. 11 km)
  To ensure that children can also complete the hike from Bad Schandau to Hohnstein at a relaxed pace, a short minibus transfer (approx. 10 minutes) takes you from Bad Schandau to the starting point. The transfer is already included in the tour price. Follow the Malerweg through the wildly romantic Kohlichtgraben and along the Mühlweg to the picturesque village of Waitzdorf. The Waizdorfer Schänke, with its beer garden and dining room, is located in the centre of the village. Before ascending the Brand, you must first cross the Tiefer Grund. Upon reaching the Brand viewpoint, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views. To reach Hohnstein, follow the Malerweg past the Gautsch Grotto. Hohnstein's impressive castle complex, perched high above the Polenz Valley, now houses a natural history and local history museum as well as the castle hotel. The town is also known for its Hohnstein hand puppets with carved wooden heads.
  Overnight stay in Hohnstein
• Day 4: Hohnstein - Kurort Rathen  (approx. 9 km)
  The stage from Hohnstein to Rathen begins with an ascent through the narrow rocky crevice of the Wolfsschlucht. Upon reaching the Hockstein, a beautiful view opens up over the canyon-like Polenz Valley. You will soon reach the small village of Rathewalde. Passing the Rathewalde Mill, descend through the Amselgrund to the Amselloch and Amselfall waterfall. At this point, the water of the Grünbach is dammed and plunges over the sandstone rocks as a waterfall. From the Amselfall, follow the merrily babbling Grünbach to the signpost indicating the Schwedenlöcher. The varied path through the gorge-like ravine leads over steps and walkways, through small caves and narrow rocky crevices. At the exit of the Schwedenlöcher, a breathtaking view awaits you across the Raaber Kessel towards the Bastei Bridge, with the Lilienstein in the distance and the mountains of Bohemian Switzerland on the horizon. Follow the signs via the Gansweg and past the Bastei Cross to the famous Bastei viewpoint. From here, you can look more than 190 metres down into the Elbe Valley and enjoy the unique panorama across the table mountains of Saxon Switzerland. The 76-metre-long Bastei Bridge takes you to the medieval Neurathen rock castle. The short, stepped descent leads directly to the spa resort of Rathen.
  Overnight stay in Kurort Rathen
• Day 5: Kurort Rathen - Königstein / Kurort Rathen  (approx. 9 km)
  The day's stage initially takes you past the Rauenstein to Thürmsdorf. Shortly before Thürmsdorf, the Malerweg Chapel stands at the so-called Thiele viewpoint, offering panoramic views across the Elbe Valley towards the Lilienstein and Königstein. Just a few metres from Thürmsdorf Palace, visitors of all ages with a sweet tooth will find plenty to enjoy at the chocolate manufactory. Once refreshed, nothing stands in the way of conquering Königstein Fortress. You should allow the entire afternoon for this. There is much to discover behind the thick walls of the former fortress complex, with its more than fifty buildings and fortifications. In addition to a replica of Augustus the Strong's giant wine barrel, it is also home to Saxony's deepest well, which is over 150 metres deep. Interesting activities are available for children, including a special audio guide for exploring Königstein Fortress. Return journey by suburban train to Rathen (ticket not included)
  Overnight stay in Rathen
• Day 6: Kurort Rathen / Königstein - Kurort Gohrisch  (approx. 8 km)
  In the morning, take the suburban train to Königstein (ticket not included). Leaving Königstein, the Malerweg leads to Pfaffendorf and the Quirl. Saxon Switzerland's largest cave, the Diebskeller, is located on this table mountain. Upon reaching the Pfaffenstein, follow the gentle ascent. On the table mountain's plateau, covered with wild blueberries and heather, the narrow path leads over flights of steps and through rocky crevices to the legendary “Barbarine”. According to legend, this rock pinnacle is a maiden turned to stone. The Pfaffenstein offers fantastic views across the “Realm of Stones”. There are two different routes to choose from for the descent from the Pfaffenstein. The steep descent, with its many steps and ladders, leads through the Nadelöhr. Those wishing to avoid this route should take the same gentle path used for the ascent and then follow the narrow hiking trail along the field to the left around the Pfaffenstein. Distinctive table mountains such as the Papststein, Gohrisch and Kleinhennersdorfer Stein define the landscape around the municipality of Gohrisch. You will soon reach the spa resort of Gohrisch via the Heideberg.
  Overnight stay in Kurort Gohrisch
• Day 7: Kurort Gohrisch - Bad Schandau (approx. 9 km)
  The hiking trail initially leads via the Muselweg to the Gohrisch and, shortly afterwards, to the Papststein. Here, you have the opportunity to stop for refreshments at one of the region's most beautiful mountain inns. After descending from the Papststein, the short detour from the route to the Lichterhöhle is well worthwhile. The Malerweg continues to Papstdorf and through Kleinhennersdorf to the Elbe at Krippen. As early as 100 years ago, the small village on the Krippenbach was a popular travel destination with 32 summer residences. Follow the sundial trail and discover the village's twelve sundials, or linger by the Krippenbach, where, with a little luck, you may spot the rare white-throated dipper, kingfisher or grey wagtail. Upon reaching the banks of the Elbe, views open up across the river towards the silhouette of Bad Schandau, while to the east you can see the imposing Schrammstein massif. Cross the Elbe by ferry and pass the distinctive Ostrau passenger lift on the river's right bank.
  Overnight stay in Bad Schandau
• Day 8: Independent return journey from Bad Schandau