Malerweg Stage 1
An enchanting valley, a theatrical monument, a decaying mill: Even in the overture, the Malerweg reveals itself as a romanticist!
Directions
The path begins in Pirna-Liebethal at the entrance of the Liebethal Valley. It follows the clear little river Wesenitz up to the Daubemühle. A surprise along the way is the imposing Richard Wagner Monument, created in 1933 by Richard Guhr. In fact, Richard Wagner visited this place several times. The Lochmühle, where he composed parts of Lohengrin in the summer of 1846, is just a few steps further. At the Daubemühle, the Malerweg crosses the Wesenitz again and ascends towards Mühlsdorf.
Continuing along the Alte Lohmstraße and later along the edge of the forest, it goes on to the coordinate stone 51° N 14° E. The Querweg, Brückwaldweg, and Schleifgrund lead back down into the shady coolness of a valley—this time into the mystical Uttewalder Grund with its legendary rock gate. Once, the famous Romantic artist Caspar David Friedrich spent a day here alone.
Rocks line the path to the town of Wehlen, where the remains of one of the oldest castles in the region can be discovered. In the town, a lovingly designed plant garden with a small local museum and the church invite visitors to stop by.
Stage 1 by the numbers
11.5 km
The first stage of the Malerweg is 11.5 kilometers long, providing a good introduction to the entire Malerweg hike.
3:30 hours
The duration of the 1st stage of the Malerweg is approximately 3 1/2 hours on average. Side trips or breaks are not included.
110 hm
UPHILL. The first stage is relatively comfortable. Some small inclines and steps are along the path.
141 hm
DOWNHILL. You reach the lowest point of this stage at the Elbe.
Good to know
Connection path to the Malerweg from Pirna (7 km | 2 h)
Yellow dot: Pirna-Copitz, Posta, Mockethal, Doberzeit, Daube, Liebethaler Grund/Richard-Wagner-Memorial
Arrival at the 1st stage of the Malerweg
Bus line G/L stop: Pirna Liebethaler Grund
Departure from the 1st stage of the Malerweg
Ferry + S-Bahn S1 Stadt Wehlen
Bus line 238 stop: Stadt Wehlen / Karl-Marx-Platz
Good to know: The guest card mobil, including the use of buses, trains, and ferries in the VVO fare zones, as well as numerous benefits for leisure activities, is available to overnight guests in most places in the region.
More information
Tourist Information Wehlen
Markt 7
01829 Stadt Wehlen
Tel.: +49 35024 70414
Tourist Service Pirna
Canaletto-House
Am Markt 7
01796 Pirna
Tel.: +49 3501 556447
This stage of the Malerweg should be manageable with a dog.
Molière artdesign in Lohmen
Visit Andrea Molière in her studio in Lohmen, directly on the Malerweg, and be enchanted by her "individual art with heart." Enjoy the magnificent studio view of Lohmen Castle and the romantic surroundings of the Wesenitztal.
Do you want to get creative yourself? In individually tailored individual or group courses, Andrea Molière invites you to her studio or will engage in artistic activities with you along the Malerweg.
Gallery Workshop Ansichtssache in Pirna
Gallery Workshop Pirna Painting, Graphics and more: Heike Küchler and Claudia Pinkau have created a space for art and creativity with their gallery workshop "Ansichtssache" in Pirna.
At Kirchplatz 5, next to the Church of St. Mary, they showcase works from the Malerweg and offer landscape painting courses. Every Friday from 2 to 6 PM and from April to December also on Saturdays from 10 AM to 2 PM, they invite interested visitors to the open workshop.
Which famous artists from the past traveled on the 1st stage of the Malerweg and which postcard collection motif you can take for free, you'll find out here:
Yes, that is possible! Along the Malerweg, there are various campsites. They are not always located directly on the trail. We recommend the following:
1st stage:
Stage start: Camping Pirna (about 50 mins away on foot or Bus Line G/L)
Stage destination: Hostel on the Kulm (about 50 mins away on foot) or Tenting area at Hinterland Hostel (about 1 hour away on foot or S-Bahn S1 from Stadt Wehlen to Kurort Rathen)
Editorial Tips
Recommendations on the 1st Stage of the Painter's Way
Guesthouse Forest Idyll
Directly on the Malerweg trail, just after the Uttewalde rock gate, the rustic tavern welcomes hikers.
Traditional cuisine with predominantly Saxon dishes or regional homemade specialties from game are gladly served. Refreshing drinks or a cup of coffee or tea are, of course, also on the menu.
Inn Waldidylle
Grundstrasse 2
01847 Uttewalde (Saxony)
Phone: +49 35024 79846
Miniature Park "The Little Saxon Switzerland"
In Dorf Wehlen, not only do the hearts of railway enthusiasts beat faster! The miniature park "The Little Saxon Switzerland" showcases the national park region in an ultra-compact format over 8,000 square meters—featuring numerous attractions lovingly replicated from Elbe Sandstone. The individual scenes are brought to life by a variety of moving vehicles. There is even a park train touring the area!
(Detour distance 2.6 km | 1 h)
Miniature Park "The Little Saxon Switzerland"
Schustergasse 8
01829 Dorf Wehlen
Phone: +49 35024 70631
Accommodation & Dining on the Painter's Way
Hosts on this site bear the label "Hiker-Friendly on the Painter's Way". They cater to Painter's Way hikers. Following are all Painter's Way partner accommodations of the 1st stage of the Painter's Way.
Detours and Highlights on the Painter's Way
Between the Liebethal Valley, the Uttewalde Gorge, and magnificent views of the Elbe in Stadt Wehlen, numerous detours and highlights await that perfectly combine romance and nature enjoyment.