Malerweg Stage 7
The wild and romantic rock world of a rugged table mountain and Germany's most beautiful mountain fortress are the highlights on stage seven of the Malerweg.
Directions
From the starting point in Weißig, the Malerweg leads you to the elongated table mountain Rauenstein. The ridge path spans the entire, almost one-kilometer-long mountain ridge, accompanied by a magnificent 360-degree panorama of rocks, table mountains, the Elbe valley, forests, fields, and villages.
For those interested in culture, a detour to the Robert-Sterl-Haus in Struppen-Naundorf, the most important art museum in Saxon Switzerland, is a must. Afterwards, follow the Malerweg marking along the upper edge of former quarries to the Königsnase viewpoint. From the S-Bahn stop Obervogelgesang, walk on the Elbe cycle path and the Canalettoweg to Pirna. The endpoint is the Canaletto-Haus at the market.
Here you can present the stamped Malerweg hiking pass at the Pirna tourist information and receive a certificate. Congratulations!
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View of Pfaffenstein -
View from the Pfaffenstein -
Trail around the Quirl -
View from the Pfaffenstein -
View of the church and town of Königstein -
Town and Church of Königstein -
Königstein Church -
Königstein Fortress -
Thürmsdorf Castle -
Malerweg Chapel -
View of Weißig
Stage 7 in numbers
16,6 km
On the seventh stage of the Painter's Way, you will hike 16.6 km without detours.
6:15 Hours
You should plan for six and a quarter hours for the 7th stage of the Painter's Way. A brief visit to the Barbarine and the Königstein Fortress is also recommended!
568 hm
UPHILL. The seventh stage is classified as "demanding." Tight and especially two steeper ascents to the two mesa hills must be overcome.
639 hm
DOWNHILL. The lowest point on this stage is reached in Königstein on the Elbe. In total, three major sections lead downhill.
Good to know
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Arrival at the 7th stage of the Malerweg
Bus lines 244 stop: Kurort Gohrisch, parking lotDeparture for the 7th stage of the Malerweg
S-Bahn S1 Kurort Rathen; Bus line 246 (Mon.– Fri.), stop: Weißig, hiking trail to Rauenstein
Bus line 241 stop: Thürmsdorf, Abzw. WeißigGood to know: The guest card mobile including 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 places in the region.
More information -
Tourist information at Treff-Punkt Königstein
Pirnaer Str. 2
01824 KönigsteinTel.:+49 35021 68261
Tourist information at the Festung Königstein parking garage
Am Königstein 1a
01824 Königstein
Tel.: +49 35021 99541Tourist information at Kurort Gohrisch
House of the Gohrisch Municipal Administration
Neue Hauptstraße 116b
01824 Kurort GohrischTel.:+49 35021 66166 or +49 35021 6610
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A barrier is formed by the relatively steep, stair-filled, and occasionally narrow ascent of Pfaffenstein through the "Needle's Eye," which also includes climbing iron ladders. Here, hikers with dogs should better choose the comfortable ascent, which also consists of stone and wooden steps but does not include ladders and is not as steep.
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Which famous artists of the past traveled on the 7th stage of the Painter's Way and which motif of the collectible postcards you can take with you for free, you can find out here:
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Yes, that's possible! There are various campsites along the Painter's Way. They are not always located exactly on the Painter's Way. We recommend the following:
7th Stage:
Stage start: Caravan Camping in Gohrisch or at the Heymannbaude in Kleinhennersdorf
Stage destination: Lodging on the Kulm or tent meadow at the Hinterland Hostel (approx. 1 km, about 1 hour on foot)
Editor's Tips
Recommendations on the 7th stage of the Painter's Way
Mountain Inn Pfaffenstein
Freshly prepared meals with many regional products are on the menu. Organic meat, organic milk, and organic cheese are well-chosen ingredients. You can also enjoy vegetarian or vegan meals here. The location in the middle of the mighty Pfaffenstein with an observation tower and exhibition rooms is optimal for a first break on the 7th stage of the Painter's Way.
Mountain Inn Pfaffenstein
On the Pfaffenstein
01824 Königstein OT Pfaffendorf
Phone: +49 35021 59410
Königstein Fortress
Königstein Fortress – A recommendation for every season. Covering an area of 13 soccer fields, the complex is one of the largest mountain fortresses in Europe. Standing 247 meters high above the Elbe, it offers the perfect combination of culture and nature. Exhibitions, tours, and an audio guide tell tales of garrison life from times past. Interactive activities, events, and experiential gastronomy complete the offering.
Especially popular is the 1.7-kilometer circular path along the fortress wall with a fantastic panoramic view.
Festung Königstein GmbH
01824 Königstein
Phone: +49 35021 64607
Accommodation & dining along the Malerweg
Here you will find all hosts along this stage who have been awarded the »Hiker-friendly accommodation along the Malerweg« quality mark. They cater specifically to Malerweg hikers and also accept guests for single-night stays.
Take a look at our hiking without luggage packages if you prefer everything to be taken care of, with the tour operator arranging your accommodation and luggage transfers between stages.
Detours and Highlights on the Painter's Path
The 7th stage of the Painter's Path offers highlights such as the Pfaffenstein with the Barbarine, the table mountain Quirl, and the impressive Königstein Fortress. Other highlights include the view of the Lilienstein from the Johann-Alexander-Thiele viewpoint, Thürmsdorf Castle, and the Painter's Path Chapel.