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Here we inform you about measures in the region that restrict tourist activities in the Saxon Switzerland vacation region. >> FAQs (please scroll down)
County-wide ban on forest access lifted
From Sunday (07.08.2022), the ban on entering the forest in the district of Sächsische Schweiz-Osterzgebirge will be lifted. BUT: for the operational area in the "Hintere Sächsische Schweiz! continues to apply a ban on entering the forest. To the general decree and the map of the area of operation.
- Avoid the area of the national park "Hintere Sächsische Schweiz" in order not to hinder the emergency services in their work!
- All rescue routes are to be kept free urgently!
- Firing and smoking is strictly prohibited - fire endangers nature - not only during drought!
- The federal road 172 is closed from Bad Schandau (junction to the Kirnitzschtal) in the direction of the border crossing Schmilka.
- The Kirnitzschtalstraße is closed up to the junction to Ottendorf.
- The Kirnitzschtalbahn has stopped running to prevent onlookers from traveling to the forest fire fighting operation area.
- The ferries in Schöna and Schmilka operate only for urgently needed trips of the emergency forces.
- The ferry connection between Postelwitz and Krippen will not be operated due to the deployment of the firefighting helicopters.
Here you will of course still find alternative ideas for your vacation day in and around Saxon Switzerland and current hiking recommendations.
Status: 11th august | 9.45 am
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
No, there is no legal basis for free cancellation, unless you have booked a package tour. If only overnight stays are booked, it is generally not possible to cancel free of charge as long as the accommodation is accessible and habitable without health risk.
Please contact the owner of your accommodation to possibly rebook for a later date.
A small area of the forest area of Saxon Switzerland is affected by forest fires. The sources of the fires are located in the German-Czech border area between Schmilka and Hrensko and in the Rear Saxon Switzerland.
The link to the map of the forest fires was provided to us by the Sächsische Zeitung. Newsblog Saxon Newspaper
By triggering the emergency alarm, a better coordination of the emergency forces can be made possible and the access to further emergency forces for necessary fire-fighting work can be ensured. The emergency forces are subordinated to the existing technical command and supported by the disaster control authority of the district office.
Emergency alarm does not mean evacuation!
Holidaymakers are still allowed to stay in the village just like the residents.
Currently, the following stages of the Malerweg can not be hiked:
- 4th stage
- 5th stage
- 6th stage (limited, from Reinhardtsdorf-Schöna)
Other stages are not affected and can be walked.
Yes. There are no restrictions from 7th august on.
Yes, the events will take place. Please pay attention to the current smoking ban on the way to the Felsenbühne Rathen.
Yes, the Königstein Fortress is open. Feel free to use the fortress express from Reisiger Platz in Königstein or park in the parking garage at Königstein. In any case, you can also use public transport.
The Kirnitzschtalstraße is closed from Bad Schandau to the junction Ottendorf. Travel to Hinterhermsdorf will be diverted via Sebnitz - Ottendorf. Bus line 241 (Bad Schandau - Hinterhermsdorf) through the Kirnitzsch Valley remains in operation, i.e. residents can use the connection. The B172 is still closed in Bad Schandau from the Hotel Lindenhof direction Schmilka/boarder. Hiking from or to the Kirnitzschtal is currently not possible. The Kirnitzschtalbahn has ceased operation until further notice. The parking lots are closed.
With the exception of the restaurants, which are located directly in the forest in the "Hintere Sächsische Schweiz", all restaurants are open. Among others temporarily closed are the mining huts (Bergbauden) at the Kuhstall and Zeughaus.
No. The road to Schmilka from Bad Schandau (junction to Kirnitzschtal Hotel) is only open for residents. The ferry from Schmilka-Hirschmühle to Schmilka may also only be used by residents and emergency services. Consequently, the border crossing to the Czech Republic is also closed.
The "Wanderschiff" operates from 30.07.2022 according to a special timetable from Bad Schandau to Kurort Rathen and back.
Alternatively, round trips are offered from/to Dresden Terrassenufer and the "Elbtallinie" from Pirna.
Yes, there are no restrictions on the Elbe Cycle Route. For the border crossing from Germany to the Czech Republic, we recommend the left side of the Elbe.
Information about Corona-related restrictions
04.04.2022
Dear guests,
most of the Corona rules have been suspended in Saxony since 03 April 2022. Instead, only a number of basic protection measures apply.
Basic protection includes the FFP2 mask obligation in local public transport.
- Please find the current Corona regulations that apply in the State of Saxony on the following link:
Link: Corona regulations in Saxony - On the following link you find the current Corona incidence data for the district of Saxon Switzerland /Eastern Ore Mountains (Sächsische Schweiz Osterzgebirge)
Link: Current Data
Best regards from Germany's most beautiful Switzerland
The Tourism Association Team
Public Transport Information
Please find information about public transport including trains, regional trains (S-Bahn), buses, ferries and Kirnitzschtalbahn Tram on these links:
Verkehrsverbund Oberelbe (Upper Elbe Transport Network)
Regionalverkehr Sächsische Schweiz-Osterzgebirge GmbH (RVSOE) (Saxon Switzerland/Eastern Ore Mountains regional transport network)
For information about timetables and reservations with the Sächsische Dampfschifffahrt (Saxon Steamship Company) please click here
Road Construction Sites
The Landratsamt Sächsische Schweiz District Council provides current information about road construction sites in Saxon Switzerland district on its website:
Landratsamt Sächsische Schweiz (Saxon Switzerland District Council)