The most beautiful hiking tours

The small town of Dohna, at the gateway to Saxon Switzerland, is ideal for relaxing half-day tours. The Königsweg follows historic paths through the surrounding area, while the walk through the castle park and the Röhrsdorfer Grund offers scenic landscapes and is suitable for families. Those wishing to discover the region’s rural side can explore Dohna’s villages on a leisurely circular walk — ideal for a peaceful afternoon away from the cliffs.

Dürrröhrsdorf-Dittersbach lies on the northern edge of Saxon Switzerland and is renowned as a place where the famous architect Gottfried Semper worked. Here, walkers follow in his footsteps through the Lieblingstal valley to Schöne Höhe and Teufelskanzel, passing picturesque views of the table mountains. The tours combine cultural history with an experience of nature and offer peaceful, less frequented paths through forests and across ridges.

The spa resort of Gohrisch lies nestled between table mountains and is the starting point for a wide variety of walks in the heart of Saxon Switzerland. Rocky ascents on the Gohrischstein and Papststein offer magnificent panoramic views over the Elbe Valley. Family walks such as the Little Cave Explorers delight young hikers, while the soil nature trail provides geological insights along the way. The Falkenschlucht and Folgenweg routes lead through enchanting gorges and tranquil forests. Gohrisch is also a stop on the Malerweg (stages 6 and 7) and the Forststeig. Accessible paths, winter walks to the Gohrischstein and cycle tours to Cunnersdorf via the Katzstein and Rotstein make the village a year-round hiking destination.

Cycle tours from Heidenau lead through the Vorderer Sächsische Schweiz region and along the Elbe. The Castles Tour links the region’s magnificent estates on a circular cycling route rich in cultural attractions. Cyclists can reach Neustadt in Saxony and the Lusatian Highlands via the D4 Central Uplands Route. Those seeking a leisurely ride will find a family-friendly route with views of the Elbe on the tour through the Vorderer Sächsische Schweiz region.

Hinterhermsdorf is Saxony’s easternmost village and a starting point for hikes through the tranquil rear part of Saxon Switzerland. The boat trip on the Upper Lock is one of the region’s most popular nature experiences and can be ideally combined with a hike. Children can let off steam at the Waldhusche forest playground and along the forest adventure trail, while those seeking panoramic views can climb the Weifberg and Wachberg hills. In winter, the uplands around Weifberg are transformed into a cross-country skiing area with several trails of varying lengths. Cyclists can explore Bohemian Switzerland from Hinterhermsdorf on cross-border tours.

The castle town of Hohnstein towers high above the Polenz Valley and serves as a hub for more than 30 hiking routes in Saxon Switzerland. The Brand viewpoint — often referred to as the “Balcony of Saxon Switzerland” — offers one of the region’s most iconic views. Routes catering to all levels lead through the wildly romantic Polenz Valley, past the Hockstein and through deep valleys such as the Tiefer Grund. Families can hike along the Hohnstein Punch Trail, while ambitious hikers can combine castles, rock formations and the Bastei on day tours. The geological trail near Goßdorf provides insights into geology, while the Halbenweg leads along tranquil forest paths to the Brand viewpoint. Accessible handcycle tours through the Schwarzbach Valley, winter hikes to the Gautsch Grotto and Nordic walking trails round off the extensive range of tours.

The Kirnitzsch Valley is one of the wildest and most unspoilt gorges in Saxon Switzerland. Hikes along the Kirnitzsch lead to the famous Kuhstall Cave, through the Kirnitzsch Gorge to Königsplatz and through the narrow valley in the footsteps of robber barons and timber rafters. The Flößersteig trail recounts the history of traditional timber rafting, while the Felsentor-Kuhstall trail reveals its particular charm in winter. Cyclists can follow the Kirnitzsch cycle route, which is also suitable for families. Accessible tours provide access to the Wildwiese meadow in the Kirnitzsch Valley, while panoramic high-level trails connect Sebnitz with the rock formations in the valley.

The fortified town of Königstein lies at the foot of the fortress of the same name — one of the largest hilltop fortresses in Europe. The hiking routes lead up to Lilienstein, the only table mountain on the right bank of the Elbe in the national park, and to the striking Bärenstein rocks and Pfaffenstein with its Needle's Eye. The fortress itself can be explored on a family-friendly discovery tour. The Forststeig is a multi-day trekking route through the forests near Königstein, while the Quirl, with its bizarre rock overhangs, is an insider tip. Cyclists can enjoy the Fortress Cycle Route and tours to Děčínský Sněžník. Accessible trails, winter hikes to Pfaffenstein and the Nikolsdorf rock faces with their rock labyrinth complement the range of activities.

The spa resort of Rathen is the tourist heart of Saxon Switzerland — and for good reason: the Bastei Bridge, the Schwedenlöcher gorge and the Amselgrund valley are among the most visited natural wonders of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. The Grand Bastei Circuit links the highlights on a scenic day hike, while the Knotenweg leads over stepped trails and through narrow crevices. The Rauenstein offers panoramic views of the Elbe, while the Polenztal valley invites visitors to admire the spring snowflakes in bloom. Accessible paths to Lake Amsel, winter hikes via the Bastei to Wehlen and the Caspar David Friedrich Trail make Rathen a year-round starting point for hikes of every level of difficulty.

In Liebstadt, on the edge of Saxon Switzerland, a circular hiking route leads through the gentle hills of the Eastern Ore Mountains foothills — ideal for anyone wishing to discover the region’s tranquil, rural side.

From Lohmen, hikers can reach the Bastei via the historic route: passing the Steinerner Tisch, an 18th-century princely resting place, and descending through the Schwedenlöcher to Rathen. The Ferdinandaussicht and Kanapee offer peaceful panoramic viewpoints away from the crowds. Accessible routes to the Bastei viewpoint and the Steinerner Tisch make Lohmen particularly attractive for families with pushchairs and visitors with limited mobility. In winter, a recommended route leads through the Uttewalder Felsentor down to Wehlen.

The Weesenstein circular trail in the Müglitz Valley runs around the imposing Weesenstein Castle and combines culture and nature on the south-western edge of Saxon Switzerland — a rewarding excursion for enthusiasts of castles and gardens.

Neustadt in Saxony is the gateway to the Hintere Sächsische Schweiz and the Hohwald. From the Götzinger Höhe, the view extends across table mountains and forests, while the Unger, the local mountain, offers far-reaching vistas. Hikers can follow the mills of the Polenz Valley on a romantic circular walk, while cyclists can set off along the D4 Mittelland Route or the circular cycle route through the Hohwald. The Sandstone to Granite Route combines the region’s geological contrasts on an impressive tour to the Elbe and back.

Pirna, the sandstone town on the River Elbe, is the official starting and finishing point of the Painters' Way and the departure point for more than 20 hiking and cycling tours. The Canaletto Trail follows in the footsteps of the famous painter through the historic old town, while the Path of Inspiration combines art and landscape. Visitors can hike through the Liebethal Valley to the world's largest Richard Wagner monument. From Pirna, cyclists can follow the Elbe Cycle Route towards Děčín, explore Pirna's surrounding countryside or take the road cycling circuit through the Vorderer Saxon Switzerland region. Families can combine a cycle tour with a visit to the Feldbahn Museum, while nature enthusiasts can discover the Zuschendorf Circular Trail and the nature trail near Graupa.

From Rathmannsdorf, a hiking trail leads via Goßdorf to Kohlmühle in the Sebnitz valley — through tranquil forests and with views of the table mountains. The accessible route on the Rathmannsdorfer Höhe offers a panoramic view across the Elbe valley and is also suitable for wheelchair users.

Reinhardtsdorf-Schöna is located in the far south-east of Saxon Switzerland, directly on the Bohemian border. From here, hikes lead to the Kaiserkrone and Zirkelstein — two distinctive volcanic cones offering panoramic views — as well as to the imposing Zschirnstein peaks, the highest elevations in the region. Nature-oriented routes through the tranquil Gelobtbach valley and to the Ziska spring take visitors well away from the main tourist trails. Reinhardtsdorf-Schöna is also the starting point of the Forststeig, a multi-day trekking route through the forests of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. Accessible panoramic trails, winter hikes to the Kaiserkrone and across the Wolfsberg, as well as a woodland discovery trail, offer varied touring options throughout the year.

The Bielatal valley is Saxon Switzerland’s climbing paradise — and also offers hikers spectacular rock scenery. The Hercules Columns and Johanniswacht rise from the forest as bizarre sandstone towers, while the Schweizermühle is an idyllic starting point. Routes via the Grenzplatte and Děčínský Sněžník lead into Bohemian Switzerland, while the Seven Ponds hike delights visitors with tranquil woodland ponds. Cyclists can take the cycle-bus tour to Rosenthal and follow the accessible handcycle trail through the Bielatal valley. In winter, the hike to the snow-covered Grenzplatte is particularly rewarding, while the Tisá Walls on the Bohemian side complement the touring area with labyrinthine rock formations.

The small mill village of Schmilka on the Elbe is the starting point for some of the most impressive hikes in Saxon Switzerland. From the Schmilka basin, climbing trails lead over ladders and through narrow rock crevices into the Hintere Sächsische Schweiz region. Hikers can reach the Kuhstall and the Lichtenhain Waterfall via the Großer Winterberg on a day hike. In winter, the Kipphorn viewpoint offers a magical vista of snow-covered rocks. Schmilka is a stop on the Painters' Way (stages 5 and 6), the Elbe Cycle Route passes directly by the village, and the Lilienstein on the opposite bank of the Elbe can be reached via Prossen and Bad Schandau.

Sebnitz, the town of silk flowers on the edge of the national park, is the largest hiking base in Saxon Switzerland, offering more than 50 tours. From here, visitors can explore the full diversity of the Hintere Sächsische Schweiz and the Kirnitzsch Valley: the Ida Grotto and the Raubschloss in Kleiner Zschand, the Kuhstall, the rock arch at Neuer Wildenstein and the Affensteine are among the most spectacular destinations. The panoramic trails to Altendorf and Bad Schandau offer sweeping views, while the rock trail near Khaa leads into Bohemian Switzerland. Cyclists can choose between the Kirnitzsch Valley cycle route, a gravel tour and the extensive circular cycling route. In winter, cross-country ski trails around Weifberg and Hinterhermsdorf beckon, complemented by winter hikes to the Pohlshörner, Kleinstein and Arnstein. Accessible tours to the Waldhusche and the Affensteine also make Sebnitz an attractive starting point for visitors with limited mobility.

Stadt Wehlen lies picturesquely on the banks of the Elbe and serves as a starting point for hikes to the Bastei Bridge, the Uttewalder Grund valley and the Rauenstein. The family day hike along the Painters’ Way, the Märchenreich and the Teufelsgrund delight young hikers. Panoramic views of the rocky landscape unfold from the Wilke viewpoint, while the Elbe path to Rathen links two of the region’s most popular destinations. Cyclists can take the route to the Bastei or set off along the Rockhead gravel trail. Accessible paths through the Uttewalder Grund valley and the winter hike to the Steinrücken castle ruins complete the range of activities available throughout the year.

The castle town of Stolpen on the northern edge of Saxon Switzerland combines history with hiking. Stolpen Castle, renowned as the prison of Countess Cosel, is the starting point for circular hikes and walks through the historic old town. In spring, the famous spring snowflake meadows in the Polenz Valley attract nature enthusiasts, while the artisans' trail across the Großer Berg offers insights into regional craftsmanship. Cyclists can set off from Stolpen on the purple Rockhead gravel trail stage towards Stadt Wehlen.

From Struppen, visitors can hike via Thürmsdorf along panoramic trails overlooking Königstein Fortress and the Lilienstein. The final stage of the Malerweg (Stage 8) leads from Weißig across the Struppen heights and back to Pirna. In winter, walks to the Thiele viewpoint and up the Rauenstein near Weißig are particularly rewarding. Accessible paths near Thürmsdorf also enable wheelchair users to experience the region.