Experience Water

The classic way to experience the Elbe and the Elbe Sandstone Mountains is a trip on a historic paddle steamer. As early as 1837, a steamship departed from Dresden for the first time with Rathen as its destination. To this day, the tour is one of the highlights in the summer schedule of the Saxon Steam Navigation Company, the oldest and largest paddle steamer fleet in the world. The landscape experience here is complemented by an encounter with historic technology.

Relaxing day trips through the Saxon Switzerland region with onboard catering are also offered by Oberelbe Passenger Shipping with the MS »Sächsische Schweiz«, built in 1979, and MS »Bastei«, built in 1983. From early May to late October, there is a daily scheduled trip from Tuesday to Saturday from Pirna to Hřensko (Herrnskretschen) and back.

Even the shady gorges and valleys of Saxon Switzerland, the moss-green realms of eternal twilight, are full of secrets. The most mystical of all gorges in Saxon Switzerland is the Kirnitzsch Gorge near Hinterhermsdorf, which can be experienced during a boat ride from the hiking destination Obere Schleuse. On both sides, steep, high rock walls rise up. Curious rock formations covered with mosses and lichens, as well as trees clinging to the rock wall with their roots, inspire the imagination. The canoeing season at the Obere Schleuse runs from Easter to the end of October.

The hiking boat follows the Elbe for ten kilometers. Each docking point is an attractive starting point for hikes. It runs up to four times a day from Bad Schandau via Krippen/Postelwitz and Schmilka to Hřensko (Herrnskretschen) and back.

In Sebnitz, Polenz or Kirnitzsch, trout, grayling or small salmon fry live everywhere. In addition to the existing fishing license, a permit is required, which can be obtained in the region.