Those who dare to cross bridges, ladders, or grates with their dog, or even carry them through rough terrain if necessary, can explore the Malerweg together. For more challenging stages of the Malerweg, there are good and easy alternatives providing ample exercise and paw-friendly experiences that have been tested for their suitability for dogs.
1st Stage (11.5 km / 4 hrs.)
From Liebethal (Pirna) to Stadt Wehlen
This stage of the Malerweg should be easily manageable with a dog.
2nd Stage (13.8 km / 5.5 hrs.)
From Stadt Wehlen to Hohnstein
Bypass the Wolfsschlucht via the Hohnstein learning trail.
3rd Stage (14 km / 5.5 hrs.)
From Hohnstein to Altendorf
This stage of the Malerweg is also unproblematic with a dog.
4th Stage (19 km / 7.5 hrs.)
From Altendorf to Neumannmühle
From Altendorf, descend through the Dorfbachklamm (Attention: Detour) and take the left turn. This allows for a comfortable hike to the Ostrauer Mill. The Malerweg continues uphill via the Mühlweg and Bauweg to the Elbleitenweg in the Schrammsteine. The ascent on the Jägersteig can be bypassed via the Elbleiten- and Zeughausweg. The end of the stage is the Lichtenhainer Waterfall with a connection to the Kirnitzschtalbahn.
5th Stage (13.6 km / 7 hrs.)
From Neumannmühle to Schmilka
Hiking with a dog is possible on this stage.
6th Stage (17.6 km / 7 hrs.)
From Schmilka to Kurort Gohrisch
Even on the 6th stage, the only difficulties for the four-legged companion occur on the Gohrischstein. To avoid the iron ladders, it is advisable to bypass the Gohrisch, which is possible in both directions.
7th Stage (17.3 km / 6.5 hrs.)
From Kurort Gohrisch to Weißig
From Kurort Gohrisch, the Muselweg, Jagdsteig, Königsweg, and Alte Schulweg lead hiking enthusiasts to Pfaffendorf. To ascend the Paffenstein, an alternative to the "Needle's Eye" ascent should be chosen at this point. Once on the Pfaffenstein, the owner and dog are presented with a view of the legendary Barbarine, a landmark of the Saxon Switzerland.
In the direction of Quirl, one can descend via the Klammweg. On the northeast side of the Quirl, there is a large walkable cave called Diebeshöhle, which is worth exploring. Via the nearby Latzweg, one can reach the foot of the Königstein Fortress, also worth visiting with a dog, though a bit more time should be planned. You then proceed along the old fortress road and the Kanonenweg through Thürmsdorf to Weißig, where bus line 243 (Pirna-Königstein) can be used.
8th Stage (13.6 km / 5 hrs.)
From Weißig to Pirna
On the last stage of the Malerweg, the Rauenstein massif can be bypassed on the forest path. This way, you reach Wehlen-Pötzscha and Naundorf. In the center of Naundorf, the Malerweg leads to the Königsnase via former quarries and continues to Obervogelgesang. Here, you can board the S-Bahn. From there, follow the Elbe cycle path towards Pirna, and then turn right to reach the Canalettoweg, which leads to the center of Pirna.
Even off the Malerweg, the Elbe Sandstone Mountains offer countless opportunities for four-legged friends and their owners to explore the breathtaking landscape by hiking. A variety of other hiking suggestions can be found in the Barrier-Free section, where many step-free hiking tours are described in detail.
