No dog in the world needs to be denied the impressive landscape of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. Dogs are hiking fans. And just as each human hiker finds his or her ideal route in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains, there are lots of options for the four-legged friends to actively explore the area with their masters or mistresses and find well-earned relaxation together in one of the dog-friendly places to stay overnight at the end of the day.

However, you should well prepare such a tour to be safe when you explore nature together with your four-pawed friend. Primarily, it is essential to bring enough food and water for your dog. Leashes are compulsory in the National Park to prevent danger to passers-by and wildlife in the woods. Dogs can only be transported in buses and trains with a muzzle and leash.

However, in some places bridges and ladders have to be overcome and in rough terrain it may be necessary to carry the dog. If the owners dare to do this, they will be rewarded with an unforgettable hiking experience. For more difficult sections of the Malerweg, there are always alternatives that have also been tested for their suitability for dogs.   

If you are confident enough to overcome one or two bridges and ladders with your dog, and even to carry him on rough terrain if necessary, you can explore the Malerweg together with him. For more difficult stages of the Malerweg, there are good and easy alternatives that provide enough exercise and paw-friendly experiences and have been tested for their suitability for dogs.

Stage 1 (11.5 km / 4 hours / 135 metres in altitude)
From Liebethal (Pirna) to Stadt Wehlen
This stage of the Malerweg should be easily manageable with a dog.

Stage 2 (13.2 km / 5 hours / 632 metres in altitude)
From Stadt Wehlen to Hohnstein
Bypass the Wolfsschlucht gorge via the nature trail.

Stage 3 (11.7 km / 5 hours / 412 metres in altitude)
From Hohnstein to Altendorf
This stage of the Malerweg is also easy with a dog.

Stage 4 (17.6 km / 7 h / 464 m altitude difference)
From Altendorf to Neumannmühle
From Altendorf, descend through the Dorfbachklamm gorge and take the turnoff to the left. This makes for an easy hike to the Ostrau mill. The Malerweg leads uphill via the Mühlweg and Bauweg onto the Elbleitenweg into the Schrammsteine. The Jägersteig ascent is bypassed via the Elbleitenweg and Zeughausweg. The stage ends at the Lichtenhain waterfall with a connection point to the Kirnitzschtalbahn railway.

Stage 5 (13.6 km / 7 hours / 625 metres altitude difference)
From Neumannmühle to Schmilka
Hiking with dogs is possible on this stage.

Stage 6 (16.7 km / 7 hrs. / 602 m difference in altitude)
From Schmilka to the spa town of Gohrisch
On the 6th stage, too, there are only difficulties for the four-legged companion on the Gohrischstein. To avoid the iron ladders, it is recommended to bypass the Gohrisch, which is possible in both directions.

Stage 7 (15.4 km / 6 h / 462 m difference in altitude)
From the spa town of Gohrisch to Weißig
From the spa town of Gohrisch, the Muselweg, the Jagdsteig, the Königsweg and the Alte Schulweg lead hiking enthusiasts to Pfaffendorf. To climb the Paffenstein, an alternative to the "eye of a needle" ascent should be chosen at this point. Once you have reached the Pfaffenstein, you can enjoy a view of the legendary Barbarine, a landmark of Saxon Switzerland.

You can descend in the direction of the Quirl via the Klammweg. On the north-east side of the Quirl there is a large accessible cave, called Diebeshöhle, which is worth exploring. The nearby Latzweg trail leads to the foot of Königstein Fortress, which is also worth visiting with a dog, but you should allow a little more time. Follow the old fortress road and the Kanonenweg (cannon trail) via Thürmsdorf to Weißig, where you can take bus line 243 (Pirna-Königstein).

Stage 8 (12.4 km / 5 h / 225 m difference in altitude)
From Weißig to Pirna
On the last stage of the Malerweg, the massif of the Rauenstein can be bypassed on the forest path. This takes you to Wehlen-Pötzscha and Naundorf. In the centre of Naundorf, the Malerweg leads to the Königsnase (King's Nose) via former quarries and on to Obervogelgesang. At this point you can board the suburban railway. From there, follow the Elbe cycle path in the direction of Pirna, then turn right to join the Canaletto Trail, which leads into the centre of Pirna.

Even off the Malerweg, the Elbe Sandstone Mountains offer countless opportunities for four-legged friends and their owners to let off steam and experience the breathtaking landscape. A multitude of further hiking suggestions can be found in the Barrier-free section, where many hiking tours without steps are described in detail.