Stage eight is a treat for hiking enthusiasts! The trails are not too challenging, the scenery is breathtaking, a famous Impressionist invites you to his studio, and at the destination lies a historic old town with romantic alleys and
From the starting point Weißig, the Malerweg trail leads to the elongated table mountain Rauenstein. The ridge path traverses the entire, nearly one-kilometer-long mountain ridge, offering 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 House in Struppen-Naundorf, the most important art museum in Saxon Switzerland, is a must. Subsequently, follow the Malerweg markings along the upper edge of former quarries to reach the viewpoint Königsnase.
From the S-Bahn station Obervogelgesang, walk along the Elbe Cycle Path and via the Canalettoweg to Pirna. The endpoint is the Canaletto House at the market.
Here, you can present the stamped Malerweg hiking pass at the Pirna Tourist Information and receive a certificate. Congratulations!
The 8th stage of the Painter's Way is 13.8 kilometers long and a pleasant end to the complete Painter's Way hiking tour.
Approximately five hours should be planned for the last stage. Detours and breaks are not included.
UPHILL. The eighth stage is considered one of the moderately challenging sections of the Painter's Path. This means it is quite manageable for occasional hikers with average conditions.
DOWNHILL. On the final stage of the Painter's Path, you descend to the level of the Elbe three times.
Connecting path to the Malerweg from Kurort Rathen (2.5 km | 1 h)
Ferry crossing to Oberrathen, direction Bärensteine
Arrival at Stage 8 of the Painter's Way
Train S1 Kurort Rathen; Bus line Line 246 (Mon.–Fri.) Station: Weißig, hiking trail to Rauenstein
Bus line 241 Station: Thürmsdorf, Abzw. Weißig
Departure from Stage 8 of the Painter's Way
S-Bahn S1 and S2 Station: Pirna
various buses, station: ZOB Pirna
Good to know: The guest card mobile, including the use of buses, trains, and ferries in the VVO fare zones, as well as numerous benefits for leisure experiences, is available to you as an overnight guest in most places in the region.
More information
TouristService Pirna
Canalettohaus
Am Markt 7
01796 Pirna
Tel.: +49 3501 556446 or +49 3501 556447
An alternative route to the Rauenstein is a southern bypass of the massif on the forestry road (initially marked with a red line) and the Pudelstein geotope.
Robert Sterl House
The interest of artists in Saxon Switzerland does not wane with the end of Romanticism. This can be experienced, for example, at the Robert Sterl House in Naundorf. In the original preserved residence of the significant Impressionist, alongside changing special exhibitions with works from Sterl's extensive estate, works by contemporary artists are also displayed.
Gallery Workshop Ansichtssache in Pirna
Gallery Workshop Pirna Painting, Graphics, and more: Heike Küchler and Claudia Pinkau have created a space for art and creativity with their gallery workshop "Ansichtssache" in Pirna.
At Kirchplatz 5, next to St. Mary's Church, they display works from the Malerweg and offer courses in landscape painting. Every Friday from 2 PM to 6 PM and from April to December also on Saturday from 10 AM to 2 PM, they invite interested individuals to the open workshop.
Which well-known artists of the past were traveling on the 8th Malerweg stage and which motif of the collectible postcards you can take for free, you can find out here:
Yes, that's possible! There are various campsites along the Malerweg. They are not always located directly on the Malerweg. We recommend the following:
Stage 8:
Stage start: Hostel on the Kulm or tent meadow at Hinterland Hostel (approx. 1 km, about 1 hour on foot)
Stage destination: Camping Pirna (about 50 min on foot or by bus line G/L)
Editorial Tips
Recommendations for Stage 8 of the Painter's Path
Here you will find all hosts along this stage who have been awarded the »Hiker-friendly on 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 packages if you would prefer not to organise anything yourself and would like the tour operator to arrange your accommodation and luggage transfers between stages.
