Malerweg Stage 5
Here, you will gain an insight into the region's rich milling heritage, climb the second-highest mountain in Saxon Switzerland and discover a village offering numerous organic products and services!
Route description
From the Neumannmühle industrial monument, the Malerweg initially leads upstream through the Kirnitzsch Valley to the Buschmühle.
Here, turn left towards Arnstein, follow the Neuer Weg to the Kleinstein junction and continue to the road. Walk along or parallel to the road as far as the Räumichtmühle.
From here, cross to the opposite side of the road and ascend through the Mühlschlüchte until the route descends to the Kirnitzsch and continues to the Zeughaus, before climbing through the Wolfsschlüchte, via Rosssteig and Katzenstein, to the summit of the Großer Winterberg (556 metres).
You have made it! From now on, the route is entirely downhill. The destination for this stage is the “Schmilka Organic and National Park Retreat”, picturesquely situated in the Elbe Valley.
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View from Arnstein -
Arnstein -
Kleinstein Cave -
Kleinstein -
View of the Großer Pohlshorn -
Great Pohlshorn -
Altes Zeughaus Restaurant -
Großer Winterberg -
Goldstein Viewpoint -
Kipphorn View in Winter -
Schmilka Mill Ensemble
Stage 5 in figures
13.6 km
The fifth stage of the Painters’ Way is 13.6 kilometres long. There are no places to stop for food or drink along the way.
7 hours
Allow approximately seven hours for Stage 5 of the Malerweg. Additional time should be allowed for detours or breaks.
587 m
UPHILL. The fifth stage is challenging and requires a good level of fitness. It includes an ascent of the Großer Winterberg, the second-highest mountain in Saxon Switzerland.
676 m
DOWNHILL. This stage includes several descents. The most strenuous is the descent from the Großer Winterberg to Schmilka.
Good to know
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Connecting route to the Malerweg from Hinterhermsdorf to Mühlschlüchte (2.7 km | 1 hr) Hinterhermsdorf/village square – Oberer Hirschewaldweg (green line) – Mühlschlüchte (green line) – Malerweg.
Connecting route to the Malerweg from Sebnitz to Neumannmühle (8 km |3 hrs) Sebnitz, market square – Hertigswalder Straße – Hubenberg – Sauers Ruh – Panoramaweg to the »1. Kurve« junction (red line) – then follow the yellow dot to Lichtenhain – (green dot) – Knechtsbach – Knechtsbach valley (yellow line) – Flößersteig to Neumannmühle – Malerweg.
Note: The stage is extended accordingly to 16.3 km (from Hinterhermsdorf) and 21.6 km (from Sebnitz).
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Travel to stage 5 of the Malerweg
Bus route 241, stop: NeumannmühleDeparture from stage 5 of the Malerweg
Bus route 252, stop: Schmilka, Grenzübergang
Schmilka ferry; S-Bahn S1, National Park Railway U28, stop: Schmilka-Hirschmühle
Hiking ferryGood to know: As an overnight guest in most locations across the region, you will receive the mobil guest card, which includes travel by bus, train and ferry within the VVO fare zones, as well as numerous benefits for leisure activities.
More information -
Hinterhermsdorf Tourist Information
Haus des Gastes
Weifbergstr. 1
01855 Sebnitz, Hinterhermsdorf districtTel.: +49 35974 5210
Bad Schandau Tourist Service
at the Hotel ELBRESIDENZ
Markt 1-11
01814 Bad SchandauTel.: +49 35022 90050
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This stage should not pose a problem with a dog.
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Find out here which famous artists of the past travelled along stage 5 of the Painters’ Way and which collectible postcard design you can pick up here free of charge:
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Yes, this is possible! There are various campsites along the Malerweg. They are not always located directly on the Malerweg. We recommend the following:
Stage 5:
Start of the stage: Camping Thorwaldblick Hinterhermsdorf (approx. 6.6 km away | approx. 2 hours on foot | recommendation: bus route 241 to the Hinterhermsdorf Zeltplatz stop)
End of the stage: no campsite in the immediate vicinity
Editors’ tips
Recommendations for stage 5 of the Malerweg
“Zeughaus” National Park information centre
The old armoury is another national park information point. It focuses on the history of hunting capercaillie, lynx, wolves and deer. The former district forester’s office also houses a public toilet.
“Zeughaus” National Park Information Point
Zeughausstraße
01855 Sebnitz, Ottendorf district
open all year round
open in April and October: 10:00–16:00
open from May to September: 10:00–18:00
Free admission
“Schmilka” National Park information point
Stage 5 ends in Schmilka. Upon reaching the first houses in the village, you will find a National Park information centre on the right, offering useful information about mountaineering in Saxon Switzerland. After all, the Elbe Sandstone Mountains were where climbing was first pursued as a sport and can claim to be the birthplace of free climbing. The exhibition explains how this balancing act can be reconciled with nature conservation.
“Schmilka” National Park Information Point
Schmilka No. 53
01814 Bad Schandau, Schmilka district
open all year round
October and April: 10:00–16:00
May to September: 10:00–18:00
Admission free
Accommodation & dining along the Malerweg
Here you will find all accommodation providers on this stage that have been awarded the »Hiker-friendly on the Malerweg« distinction. They cater specifically for Malerweg hikers and accept guests for just 1 overnight stay.
Take a look at our hiking-without-luggage packages if you do not want to worry about anything and would prefer the tour operator to arrange your accommodation and transfer your luggage between stages.
Detours and highlights along the Malerweg
On stage 5 of the Malerweg, worthwhile detours include the Arnstein, an ancient rock castle offering superb views, and the Kleinstein Cave, the second-largest rock arch in Saxon Switzerland. The Goldstein viewpoint also offers an impressive panoramic view of the Saxon-Bohemian Switzerland National Park.