Hiking

The small town of Dohna at the gateway to Saxon Switzerland is excellent for relaxed half-day tours. The Königsweg leads along historical paths through the surroundings, while the walk through the castle park and Röhrsdorfer Grund is scenically attractive and family-friendly. Those who want to explore the rural side of the region can discover Dohna's villages on a leisurely circular hike — ideal for a quiet afternoon away from the rocks.

On the northern edge of Saxon Switzerland lies Dürrröhrsdorf-Dittersbach — known as the place where the famous architect Gottfried Semper worked. Hikers follow his trails through Lieblingstal to Schöne Höhe and Teufelskanzel, passing scenic views over the table mountains. The tours combine cultural history with a nature experience and offer quiet, less-frequented paths through forests and over ridges.

The spa town of Gohrisch is nestled between table mountains and is the starting point for various hikes in the heart of Saxon Switzerland. On the Gohrischstein and Papststein, rocky ascents await with a grand panoramic view over the Elbe valley. Family tours such as the Little Cave Explorers inspire young hikers, while the ground trail conveys geological knowledge along the way. The Falkenschlucht and Folgenweg lead through enchanted gorges and quiet forests. Gohrisch is also a station on the Malerweg (stages 6 and 7) and the Forststeig. Barrier-free paths, winter hikes to Gohrischstein and cycle tours to Cunnersdorf with Katzstein and Rotstein make the place an all-year-round hiking destination.

From Heidenau, cycle tours start through the Front Saxon Switzerland and along the Elbe. The Castles Tour connects the magnificent estates of the region on a culturally rich bike round trip. Via the D4 Middle Land Route, cyclists reach Neustadt in Sachsen and the Lusatian Mountain Range. Those who want to cycle in a relaxed manner will find a family-friendly route with views of the Elbe on the tour through the Front Saxon Switzerland.

Hinterhermsdorf is the easternmost village in Saxony and the starting point for hikes into the tranquil Hintere Sächsische Schweiz. The boat trip on the Obere Schleuse is one of the region's most popular nature experiences and can be ideally combined with a hike. Children play on the Waldhusche and the forest adventure trail, while those seeking panoramic views climb the Weifberg and Wachberg mountains. In winter, the heights around the Weifberg transform into a cross-country skiing area with several trails of varying lengths. Cyclists explore the Bohemian Switzerland starting from Hinterhermsdorf on cross-border tours.

The fortress town of Hohnstein towers high above the Polenz Valley and is a hub for over 30 hiking tours in Saxon Switzerland. The Brand View — often referred to as the "Balcony of Saxon Switzerland" — offers one of the most iconic views of the region. Tours for all levels lead through the wildly romantic Polenz Valley, past the Hockstein and through deep gorges like the Tiefer Grund. Families hike on the Hohnsteiner Kasperpfad, ambitious hikers combine castles, rocks and the Bastei on day trips. The Geopfad in Goßdorf imparts geological knowledge, the Halbenweg leads over quiet forest paths to the Brand View. Barrier-free handbike tours through the Schwarzbachtal, winter walks to the Gautschgrotte and Nordic Walking trails complete the extensive tour portfolio.

The Kirnitzsch Valley is one of the wildest and most pristine gorges in Saxon Switzerland. Hikes along the Kirnitzsch lead to the famous Kuhstall Cave, through the Kirnitzsch Gorge to the Königplatz, and following the trails of robber barons and raftsmen through the narrow valley. The Flößersteig tells the story of historical timber rafting, while the Felsentor-Kuhstall Trail reveals its particular charm in winter. Cyclists follow the Kirnitzsch Bike Path, which is also suitable for family tours. Barrier-free tours open up the Wildwiese in the Kirnitzsch Valley, and scenic high trails connect Sebnitz with the rock formations in the valley.

The fortress town of Königstein lies at the foot of the eponymous fortress — one of the largest mountain fortresses in Europe. The hiking tours lead up to Lilienstein, the only right-Elbe table mountain in the national park, and to the striking Bärensteine and Pfaffenstein with its Nadelöhr. The fortress itself can be experienced on a family-friendly exploration tour. The Forststeig leads as a multi-day trekking tour through the forests near Königstein, while the Quirl with its bizarre rock overhangs is an insider tip. Cyclists use the Festungsradweg and tours to Hohen Schneeberg. Barrier-free paths, winter hikes to Pfaffenstein and the Nikolsdorfer Wände with their rock labyrinth complement the offer.

Rathen spa resort is the tourist heart of Saxon Switzerland — and for good reason: The Bastei Bridge, the Schwedenlöcher and the Amselgrund are among the most visited natural wonders of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. The Great Bastei Loop connects the highlights on a scenic day tour, while the Knotenweg leads over steps and through crevices. Panoramic views of the Elbe can be enjoyed from Rauenstein, and the Polenz Valley invites visitors to admire the spring snowdrop bloom. Barrier-free paths to Amselsee, winter hikes over Bastei to Wehlen, and the Caspar David Friedrich Trail make Rathen a year-round starting point for hikes of all difficulty levels.

In Liebstadt, on the edge of the Saxon Switzerland, a circular hike begins through the gentle hills of the Osterzgebirgsvorland — ideal for anyone wishing to discover the quiet, rural side of the region.

From Lohmen, hikers reach the Bastei via the historic access route: past the Stone Table, a princely rest stop from the 18th century, and through the Schwedenlöcher down to Rathen. The Ferdinand Viewpoint and the Canapé offer quiet panoramic spots away from the hustle and bustle of visitors. Barrier-free tours to the Bastei viewpoint and the Stone Table make Lohmen particularly attractive for families with strollers and guests with mobility impairments. In winter, a recommended tour leads via the Uttewalder Felsentor down to Wehlen.

The Weesensteiner circular trail in the Müglitz Valley leads around the imposing Schloss Weesenstein and combines culture and nature on the southwestern edge of Saxon Switzerland — a rewarding excursion for castle and garden lovers.

Neustadt in Saxony is the gateway to the Hintere Sächsische Schweiz and the Hohwald. From the Götzinger Höhe, the view sweeps over table mountains and forests, the Unger offers extensive views as a local mountain. Hikers follow the Polenztal mills on a romantic circular tour, cyclists start on the D4-Mittelland route or the cycle path around the Hohwald. The route from sandstone to granite connects the geological contrasts of the region on an impressive tour to the Elbe and back.

Pirna, the sandstone city on the Elbe, is the official starting and ending point of the Painter's Way and the starting point for over 20 hiking and cycling tours. The Canaletto Trail leads through the historic old town following the footsteps of the famous painter, while the Path of Inspiration connects art and landscape. Visitors wander through Liebethaler Grund to the world's largest Richard Wagner monument. Cyclists start from Pirna on the Elbe Cycle Route towards Děčín, explore the Pirna hinterland, or take the racing bike tour through the Front Saxon Switzerland. Families combine a cycling tour with a visit to the field railway museum, while nature lovers discover the Zuschendorf circular trail and the nature trail in Graupa.

From Rathmannsdorf, a hike leads via Goßdorf to the Kohlmühle in the Sebnitz Valley — through quiet forests and with views of the table mountains. The barrier-free tour on the Rathmannsdorf Heights offers a panorama over the Elbe Valley and is also accessible by wheelchair.

Reinhardtsdorf-Schöna is located in the far south-east of Saxon Switzerland, right on the Bohemian border. From here, hikes start to the Kaiserkrone and Zirkelstein — two striking volcanic cones with panoramic views — as well as to the mighty Zschirnsteine, the highest elevations in the region. Natural tours lead through the quiet Gelobtbachtal and to the Ziskaquelle, far from the tourist paths. Reinhardtsdorf-Schöna is also the starting point of the Forststeig, which runs as a multi-day trekking route through the forests of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. Barrier-free panoramic trails, winter hikes to Kaiserkrone and over Wolfsberg, as well as a forest adventure trail offer varied tour options all year round.

The Bielatal is the climbing paradise of Saxon Switzerland — and also offers hikers spectacular rock scenery. The Hercules pillars and Johanniswacht tower as bizarre sandstone towers from the forest, Schweizermühle is an idyllic starting point. Tours lead to the Border Plateau and the Hoher Schneeberg in the Bohemian Switzerland, the Seven Ponds hike delights with tranquil forest ponds. Cyclists use the bicycle bus tour to Rosenthal and the barrier-free handbike trail through the Bielatal. In winter, the hike to the snowy Border Plateau is worthwhile, and the Tyssaer Wände 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 Kessel, stairways lead over ladders and through narrow rock crevices into the Hintere Sächsische Schweiz. Via the Großer Winterberg, hikers reach the Kuhstall and the Lichtenhainer Waterfall on a day trip. The Kipphorn viewpoint offers a magical view of snow-covered rocks in winter. Schmilka is a stop on the Malerweg (Stages 5 and 6), the Elbe Cycle Path passes directly by the village, and Lilienstein on the opposite side of the Elbe can be reached via Prossen and Bad Schandau.

Sebnitz, the town of artificial flowers on the edge of the national park, is the largest hiking base in Saxon Switzerland with over 50 tours. From here, the Hintere Sächsische Schweiz and the Kirnitzschtal can be explored in all their diversity: The Idagrotte and Raubschloss in Kleiner Zschand, Kuhstall, Felsentor at Neuer Wildenstein and Affensteine are among the most spectacular destinations. Panoramic paths to Altendorf and Bad Schandau offer extensive views, while the rocky path at Khaa leads into the Bohemian Switzerland. Cyclists can choose between Kirnitzschtal cycle path, gravel tour and the big bike round trip. In winter, cross-country skiing trails around Weifberg and Hinterhermsdorf attract visitors, as well as winter hikes to Pohlshörnern, Kleinstein and Arnstein. Barrier-free tours to Waldhusche and Affensteine make Sebnitz an attractive starting point for mobility-impaired guests too.

The town of Wehlen is picturesquely situated on the banks of the Elbe and serves as a starting point for hikes to the Bastei Bridge, the Uttewalder Grund, and the Rauenstein. The family day tour on the Malerweg, the Fairy Tale Realm, and the Devil's Gorge enchant young hikers. From the Wilke viewpoint, panoramic views of the rocky landscape open up, while the Elbe trail to Rathen connects two of the region's most popular destinations. Cyclists can take the tour to the Bastei or start on the Rockhead gravel path. Barrier-free paths through the Uttewalder Grund and the winter hike to the Steinrücken castle ruins complement the offerings for every season.

The town of Stolpen, on the northern edge of Saxon Switzerland, combines history and hiking. Stolpen Castle, known as the prison of Countess Cosel, is the starting point for circular walks and strolls through the historic old town. In spring, the famous Märzenbecher meadows in the Polenz Valley attract nature lovers, while the craft trail over the Großen Berg offers insights into regional craftsmanship. Cyclists start from Stolpen on the purple Rockhead gravel route towards Stadt Wehlen.

From Struppen, guests hike via Thürmsdorf on panoramic trails with views of Königstein Fortress and Lilienstein. The final Malerweg stage (Stage 8) leads from Weißig via the Struppener Höhen back to Pirna. In winter, it is worth hiking to the Thiele-Aussicht and to the Rauenstein near Weißig. Barrier-free paths in Thürmsdorf make the region accessible for wheelchair users as well.