Malerweg Stage 5
Here you will get an impression of the rich milling culture of the region, climb the second highest mountain of Saxon Switzerland, and experience Germany's first organic village!
Directions
From the technical monument Neumannmühle, the Malerweg first leads upstream along the Kirnitzsch Valley to the Buschmühle.
Here, head left towards Arnstein, follow the Neuen Weg to the Kleinstein junction and continue to the road. You walk on or parallel to the road until you reach the Räumichtmühle.
Here on the opposite side of the road, ascend via the Mühlschlüchte until it descends to the Kirnitzsch and continues to the Zeughaus, then upwards through the Wolfsschlüchte, over Rosssteig and Katzenstein, up to the summit of the Großer Winterberg (556 meters).
Done! From now on, you'll only be hiking downhill. The stage destination is the lovely Bio- and National Park Refuge Schmilka, located in the Elbe Valley.
Stage 5 in Numbers
13.6 km
The fifth stage of the Painter's Path is 13.6 kilometers long. There are no refreshment options along the way.
7 hours
For the 5th stage of the Malerweg, one should plan approximately seven hours. Detours or breaks should be added.
587 m elevation
UPHILL. The fifth stage is demanding and requires good physical condition. By conquering the Großer Winterberg, you conquer the second highest mountain in the Saxon Switzerland.
676 m elevation
DOWNHILL. This stage includes several downhill areas. The most strenuous descent is from the Großer Winterberg to Schmilka.
Good to Know
Connection path to the Malerweg from Hinterhermsdorf to Mühlschlüchte (2.7 km | 1 h) Hinterhermsdorf/Village Square – Upper Hirschewaldweg (green line) – Mühlschlüchte (green line) – Malerweg.
Connection path to the Malerweg from Sebnitz to Neumannmühle (8 km | 3 h) Sebnitz, Marketplace – Hertigswalder Street – Hubenberg – Sauers Ruh – Panorama path up to the junction »1st Curve« (red line) – now follow the yellow dot to Lichtenhain – (green dot) – Knechtsbach – Knechtsbach valley (yellow line) – Floß path to Neumannmühle – Malerweg.
Note: The stage extends accordingly to 16.3 km (from Hinterhermsdorf) and 21.6 km (from Sebnitz).
Arrival at Stage 5 of the Malerweg
Busline 241 Stop: Neumannmühle
Departure from Stage 5 of the Malerweg
Busline 252 Stop: Schmilka, Border Crossing
Schmilka Ferry; S-Bahn S1, National Park Railway U28 Stop: Schmilka-Hirschmühle
Hiking Boat
Good to know: The guest card mobile includes the use of buses, trains, and ferries in the VVO tariff zones as well as numerous advantages for leisure experiences, available to overnight guests in most places in the region.
More information
Tourist Information Hinterhermsdorf
House of the Guests
Weifbergstr. 1
01855 Sebnitz OT Hinterhermsdorf
Tel.: +49 35974 5210
Tourist Service Bad Schandau
at the Hotel ELBRESIDENZ
Markt 1-11
01814 Bad Schandau
Tel.: +49 35022 90050
This stage should not be a problem with a dog.
Find out which renowned artists of the past traveled the 5th stage of the Painter's Path and which postcard motif you can take with you for free here:
Yes, it is possible! Various campsites are located along the Painter's Way. They are not always situated directly on the Painter's Way. We recommend the following:
5th stage:
Stage start: Camping Thorwaldblick Hinterhermsdorf (approx. 6.6 km | approx. 2 hours on foot | Recommendation: Bus line 241 to the Hinterhermsdorf Campsite stop)
Stage destination: no campsite in the immediate vicinity
Editorial Tips
Recommendations for the 5th Stage of the Painters' Way
National Park Information Center "Zeughaus"
The old armory is another national park information point. It is dedicated to the historical hunting of capercaillie, lynx, wolf, and deer. By the way, the former forest ranger's office also houses a public toilet.
National Park Information Center "Zeughaus"
Zeughausstraße
01855 Sebnitz OT Ottendorf
open year-round
Open from April to October: 10 am – 4 pm
Open from May to September: 10 am - 5 pm
Free admission
National Park Information Point "Schmilka"
The 5th stage ends in Schmilka. Upon encountering the first houses of the village, you will find on the right-hand side a national park information center offering insights about mountain sports in the Saxon Switzerland region. It was in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains that climbing was first undertaken out of sporting ambition, marking the birthplace of free climbing. Learn how this delicate balance with nature conservation is achieved in the exhibition.
National Park Information Point "Schmilka"
Schmilka Nr. 53
01814 Bad Schandau OT Schmilka
Open all year round
October to April: 10 AM - 4 PM
May to September: 10 AM - 6 PM
Free admission
Accommodation & Gastronomy on the Painter's Path
Hosts on this page hold the designation "Hiker-Friendly on the Painter's Path." They are well-equipped for Painter's Path hikers. The following are all Painter's Path Partner Accommodations for the 5th stage of the Painter's Path.
Detours and Highlights on the Painter's Path
On Stage 5 of the Painter's Path, detours to Arnstein, an old rock castle with great views, and to the Kleinsteinhöhle, the second-largest rock arch in Saxon Switzerland, are worthwhile. The Goldstein Viewpoint also offers an impressive panorama of the Saxon-Bohemian Switzerland National Park.