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Malerweg Stage 2

A touch of Bella Italia wafts over the marketplace of Stadt Wehlen. Here, stage two begins its leisurely start.

Route Description 

ATTENTION: A severe storm caused significant damage in the resort town of Rathen on Friday evening. The Amselgrund area—including Amselsee Lake and the Wanderrast rest stop—as well as the Rathen Rock Theater were particularly affected. There is a risk to life due to fallen trees, falling or loose branches, and other hazardous areas. Therefore, the FOREST IS CLOSED in the Amselgrund AREA between Bastei, Rathen, Hohnstein, and the Polenztal valley. The Malerweg trail from Wehlen to Bastei is passable. Please walk directly from Bastei via Basteistraße and Kirschallee or the Rathewalde footpath to Rathewalde. Since the Schindergraben trail in the Polenztal valley, which leads up to Hohnstein, is currently closed, please follow the “green line” trail markers from the Polenztal Inn up to Hohnstein Castle.

First, the trail leads upstream the Elbe River, then up the Schwarzbergweg to the rest area "Steinerner Tisch." The table-bench combination made of local rock is surprisingly old. Elector Augustus the Strong (1670-1733) personally had this picnic spot constructed for a hunting excursion!
The Malerweg now follows the Fremdenweg to the famous Bastei. Via the Basteiweg with its several steps, you descend to the spa town Rathen. A detour into the town is recommended for a stop at one of the numerous restaurants.
Back in the Amselgrund, the trail passes the entrance to the Felsenbühne Rathen, along the Amselsee, the Amselfall, and continues to Rathewalde. After the village, the path runs parallel to the road towards the Hockstein parking lot. From Hockstein, the stage destination Hohnstein can already be seen on the other side of the Polenz Valley.
You reach it by descending the narrow Wolfsschlucht steps, along a section of the Polenz, and ascending through the wildly romantic Schindergraben. Highlights in Hohnstein include the traditional Hohnsteiner Kasper, Max Jacob Theater, and the castle.

  • A woman sits at the Stone Table in the forest, writing in a notebook, with apples and a water bottle in front of her.
  • View of the Elbe, surrounded by green hills and trees, beneath a clear sky.
  • Viewing platform at the Bastei with railings, overlooking a landscape with mountains and a river in the background.
  • Woman with a rucksack looking at the Bastei rock formations and the Lilienstein in the background.
  • Hiker on a rocky path, surrounded by trees and green foliage.
  • Green trees on the shore of the tranquil Amselsee Lake, with a distinctive rock formation in the background.
  • Wooden house beside a rock face, surrounded by trees, with a terrace in the foreground.
  • Two people walk along a narrow path through a forest, with sunlight and trees in the background.
  • A woman leans against a tree in the forest, enjoying nature and holding a cup.
  • The Devil's Bridge at Hockstein, with its stone wall, is surrounded by trees and shrubs and leads to a staircase.
  • Flowing water cascading over moss-covered stones, surrounded by green plants and an old stone arch.
  • A young woman with a rucksack walks along a path through a green landscape, with rocky scenery in the background.
  • A woman with a rucksack looks out over the town of Hohnstein from the Hockstein viewpoint.
  • Hiker with a backpack in Wolf's Gorge, surrounded by high rock faces.
  • Hiker on a narrow path through a green forest with lush vegetation.
  • Flowing water cascading over moss-covered stones, surrounded by green plants and an old stone arch.
  • Two colourful wooden puppets of the Original Hohnstein Kasper, wearing blue hats and chequered clothing, smile cheerfully.
  • Twilight view of Hohnstein Castle and town, with rock formations and a church beneath a blue and orange sky.
Map of the second stage of the Malerweg from Stadt Wehlen to Hohnstein
Stage profile: Stage 2

Stage 2 in Numbers

10,9  km

The second stage of the Malerweg is 10.9 kilometers long. Even though it is shorter than the first one, more time is required due to the difference in altitude.

4:45  Hours

The 2nd stage of the Malerweg takes an average of four and three-quarter hours. This does not include detours or breaks.

499  m

UPHILL. The second stage is classified as moderately difficult. This means it is easily achievable if you occasionally hike and possess average fitness. There are steps and iron staircases on this section.

345  m

DOWNHILL. The lowest point on this stage is reached in Amselgrund. Later, it descends again into the Polenz Valley before ascending to Hohnstein.

Good to know

Editorial Tips

Recommendations on the 2nd Stage of the Malerweg

The rock stage nestled in a natural setting, surrounded by trees, with a large audience and colourful lights.

Rathen Open-Air Stage

In the heart of the Saxon Switzerland National Park lies the Felsenbühne Rathen. Surrounded by wild beauty and a unique rocky landscape, a one-of-a-kind theater experience awaits you – the Felsenbühne Festival. Enjoy impressive highlights from musicals, opera, and theater against a romantic and wild backdrop. Experience the fascination of the Felsenbühne Rathen as the finale of your Malerweg adventure!

(Detour distance: 0.5 km)

Box Office: kasse@landesbuehnen-sachsen.de | +49 351 8954214
3D Journey to Felsenbühne Rathen: www.landesbuehnen-sachsen.de/felsenbuehne-rathen/#3DReise

Felsenbühne Rathen
Amselgrund
01824 Kurort Rathen

Wooden hut of the Steinerner Tisch mountain inn in the forest, with windows, tables and colourful outdoor toys.

Forest Restaurant and Mountain Lodge "Steinerner Tisch"

The history of the "Stone Table" dates back to 1710. At that time, Elector Frederick Augustus I of Saxony laid the foundation for a forest economy. Initially, simple accommodations were built for hunting parties, before the first permanent buildings—including a wooden house and a refreshment hall—were constructed at the end of the 18th century. In 1925, a substantial new building followed, whose foundation walls remain to this day.

After World War II, the property became the possession of a Dresden family and was later operated by the trade organization of the GDR. Over the decades, the inn underwent several expansions and renovations.

Since 2017, nature and mountain sports enthusiasts from Dresden have been dedicated to renovating the historic inn and breathing new life into it.

Forest Inn and Mountain Economy Stone Table
Alte Wehlstraße 39
01847 Lohmen
Phone: +49 175 1100186 

Accommodation & Dining along the Malerweg

Here you will find all accommodation providers on these stages that have been awarded the »Hiker-Friendly on the Malerweg« quality seal. They cater specifically to Malerweg hikers and accept guests for stays of just one night.
Take a look at our luggage-free hiking packages if you prefer not to worry about anything and would like the tour operator to arrange your accommodation and transport your luggage between stages.

Detours and Highlights on the Malerweg

Between the magnificent views of the Elbe in Stadt Wehlen, the Bastei with its famous rock bridge, and Hohnstein Castle, numerous detours and highlights await, perfectly combining culture and natural pleasure.

Atelierhaus Anne Kern

Stadt Wehlen

Bastei bridge

Lohmen

Gamrig

Kurort Rathen

Hohburkersdorf panoramic view

Hohnstein

Schwedenlöcher Gorge

Lohmen

Stolpen Castle

Stolpen