Painter's Path Stage 4
A spectacular view, an artificial waterfall, and the largest rock arch in Saxon Switzerland await hikers on the fourth stage of the Painter's Path.
Route description
From Altendorf, the path initially leads through the Dorfbachklamm down into the Kirnitzschtal and continues along the Flößersteig to the Ostrauer Mühle.
Here, it ascends again via the Mühl- and Bauweg to the Elbleitenweg into the Schrammsteine, an elongated, picturesque rock formation. The Jägersteig ascent leads over iron ladders to the Schrammsteingratweg, where a detour to the impressive Schrammstein vantage point is recommended.
A shorter but more challenging alternative for the ascent is the Wildschützensteig. Via the Zurückesteig, you walk through the Kleiner Dom to the Sandloch, then further on the Zeughausweg and Unterer Affensteinweg to the Lichtenhainer waterfall at the terminus of the Kirnitzschtalbahn. From here, it ascends to the impressive Kuhstall rock cave at Neuen Wildenstein.
Via the Himmelsleiter, you reach another viewpoint. Afterwards, you descend again into the valley to the Neumannmühle technical monument.
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Signpost on the Malerweg Trail -
Great Schramm Gate -
Hiking trail on the Malerweg -
Bloßstock -
Small Pravčice Gate -
Schrammstein Viewpoint -
Schrammsteine -
Malerweg Stage 4 Jägersteig -
View from the Malerweg -
Rock Formations on the Malerweg Trail -
Kirnitzschtal Tramway -
Cowshed -
Stairway to Heaven at the Kuhstall -
View at Wildenstein -
Lichtenhain Waterfall -
Neumannmühle Museum
Stage 4 in Numbers
18,3 km
The fourth stage of the Malerweg is 18.3 kilometers long and is therefore significantly longer than the previous stages.
7:15 Hours
For the 4th stage of the Painter's Path, one should plan seven and a quarter hours without detours or breaks.
553 hm
UPHILL. The fourth stage is classified as demanding primarily due to its duration and length. Good physical condition and surefootedness are prerequisites. The Schrammsteingratweg is the highlight of this section.
662 elevation gain (hm)
DOWNHILL. Twice, this stage descends to the level of the Kirnitzsch. At times, the path goes over ladders and steps.
Good to know
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Connecting path to the Malerweg from Bad Schandau via Ostrau (5 km | 1.5 h)
Market Bad Schandau – Elbe – Ostrauer Elevator – Ostrau – Falkensteinstraße – Malerweg -
Arrival at the 4th stage of the Malerweg
U28 National Park Railway stop: Goßdorf-Kohlmühle, station
Bus line 260 stop: Altendorf, ErbgerichtDeparture from the 4th stage of the Malerweg
Bus line 241 stop: NeumannmühleGood to know: The guest card mobile, which includes the use of buses, trains, and ferries in the VVO tariff zones as well as numerous advantages for leisure experiences, is available to overnight guests in most towns in the region.
More information -
Tourist Information Altendorf
Sebnitzer Str. 2
01855 Sebnitz OT AltendorfTel.: +49 35022 42774
Tourist Service Bad Schandau
in the Hotel ELBRESIDENZ
Markt 1-11
01814 Bad SchandauTel.: +49 35022 90050
Tourist Information Hinterhermsdorf
Neue Hauptstr. 116 b
01855 Sebnitz OT Hinterhermsdorf
Tel.: +49 35974 5210 -
The Dorfbach Gorge can be bypassed via a convenient hiking trail to the Ostrauer Mühle, which branches off to the left before the Dorfbach Gorge.
The bypass of the Jägersteig is possible via the Elbleiten and Zeughausweg.
An alternative route to the ladder at Kuhstall is accessible via the Hinterer Kuhstallweg (red stripe).
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Which renowned artists of the past traveled on the 4th stage of the Painter's Path and which motif of the collectible postcards you can take for free here, you will find out here:
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Yes, that's possible! There are various campsites along the Painter's Path. They are not always located directly on the path. We recommend the following:
4th stage:
Stage start: Campsite Ostrauer Mühle (approx. 1.7 km | about 45 minutes walk away)
Stage end: Camping Thorwaldblick Hinterhermsdorf (approx. 6.6 km | about 2 hours walk away | Recommendation: Bus line 241 to the Hinterhermsdorf Campsite stop)
Editorial Tips
Recommendations on the 4th stage of the Painter's Path
Mountain Inn Kuhstall
Directly at the largest rock arch of the Saxon Switzerland, the historic mountain lodge offers a snack bar with hearty soups. After a long Malerweg hike, this is the perfect place for a substantial snack, to quench your thirst, or to enjoy an ice cream. There are also some options for vegetarians and vegans on the menu.
Mountain Inn "Am Kuhstall"
Kuhstall 1
01814 Bad Schandau
Phone: +49 35971 838610
By Kirnitzschtalbahn to the Painter's Way
From Bad Schandau, you can take a historic tram through the Kirnitzsch Valley. Here, you will encounter the Malerweg at the "Ostrauer Mühle" (11 min) or the "Lichtenhainer Waterfall" (30 min). The Kirnitzschtalbahn is the smallest tram system in Germany and the only one to cross a national park. The one-meter gauge tram has been transporting guests since 1898.
Accommodation & dining along the Malerweg
Here you will find all hosts along these stages who have been awarded the »Hiker-friendly along the Malerweg« distinction. They cater specifically to Malerweg hikers and also accept guests for just one overnight stay.
Take a look at our hiking without luggage offers if you would prefer everything to be taken care of, with the tour operator arranging your accommodation bookings and luggage transfers between stages.
Detours and Highlights on the Painter's Way
One highlight follows another! From the most beautiful valley in Saxon Switzerland, the Kirnitzsch Valley, to the famous Schrammsteinaussicht, up to the Kuhstall and the Himmelsleiter. The stage concludes with the Lichtenhain Waterfall and a former wood-cutting mill that is now a museum.