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Family Vacation

in Saxon Switzerland

Experience nature, explore caves, go boating, storm peaks, be inventive: children are guaranteed not to get bored in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains.

The diverse landscape of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains is an ideal area for adventurers of all ages. From very young to very old, from easy to extremely difficult - there is something for every "taste." Steep paths lead to high peaks and deep caves, past bizarre rock formations and damp mossy gorges. Is the rock pinnacle Barbarine actually an enchanted maiden? Do plants from the Ice Age really grow here? These questions await clarification. And those seeking variety can get creative. Spinning, felting, candle-making: At offers for traditional craft techniques, small and large Saxon Switzerland vacationers can let their creativity run free.

Ein Erwachsener und ein Kind spielen im Wald, eines springt von einem Baumstamm, das andere schaut zu.
Nature Experiences with the Family
Ein Kind mit erhobenen Händen sitzt in einer Achterbahn und lächelt vor Freude.
Family Excursion Destinations
Junge klettert fröhlich durch eine gelbe Spielgerüststruktur im Kindertobeland des Solivital Sebnitz
Sport & Play & Creative

FAMILY EXCURSION DESTINATIONS

in Saxon Switzerland

What child doesn't dream of being a knight or princess in a medieval castle? In reconstructed castles and palaces or among the remains of former robber baron castles, children can let their imagination run wild in Saxon Switzerland. Meanwhile, adults embark on an educational journey through history.

© Czech Vibes
Ein Mann schüttet einen Becher mit Wasser in das Brunnenloch, während im Hintergrund mehrere Personen zuschauen.
© Anna Meurer

Castles and Palaces

Excitingly real!

The Königstein Fortress is perhaps the most beautiful and thrilling mountain fortress in Europe. High walls, numerous loopholes, and cannons testify to the turbulent history of the once invincible defensive structure. Truly a crazy castle is Weesenstein in the Müglitz valley. Because it was built from top to bottom around a rock. These two and several other exciting castles and palaces are waiting to be discovered in Saxon Switzerland.

Castles and Palaces

Amusement Parks

Loads of Action

There's always something going on in the themed leisure parks of the region. In Elbe-Freizeitland Königstein, you can get lost in the adventure maze or slide down Germany's highest freefall slide. In Urzeitpark Sebnitz, children meet 400 prehistoric creatures and Oskarshausen in Freital offers weather-independent leisure fun for the whole family.

In the miniature park landscape Kleine Sächsische Schweiz in the village of Wehlen, naturally reproduced from sandstone, you get a wonderful overview of the entire region with its sights.

Amusement Parks
Ein Kind sitzt in einer grünen Achterbahn und lächelt, während es eine steile Abfahrt hinunterfährt.
© Sebastian Thiel
Zwei Kinder betrachten ein Modell der Semperoper Dresden, welches auf einem Tisch steht.
© Anna Meurer

Museums and Exhibitions

Where history becomes an adventure to join in

Excitingly diverse are the exhibitions in the museums of Saxon Switzerland. At the NationalparkZentrum Bad Schandau, children learn how the Elbe Sandstone Mountains were formed through thrilling interactive exhibitions. In the Richard-Wagner-Stätten in Graupa, you can learn more about the great composer and his work.

At the Marie Louise Stolln visitor mine in Berggießhübel, you can experience mining history up close and even go on a treasure hunt. And if you want to know what an originally furnished school classroom looked like in the GDR, you can find this and much more at the DDR-Museum Pirna.

Museums and Exhibitions

Robber Baron Castles

On the Trails of the Past

The robber nests and rock castles are witnesses to the adventurous knightly era in Saxon Switzerland, even though only ruins remain of the former fortifications. The Winterstein, the so-called "Hintere Raubschloss", is considered the oldest major castle complex in the region, which served as a refuge for knights around 1440. On the other hand, the Goßdorfer Raubschloss, also known as Burg Schwarzberg, was intended to protect a trade route.

Robber Baron Castles and Labyrinths
Verfallene Ruine umgeben von grünen Bäumen und dichter Vegetation.
© Yvonne Brückner
Gruppe von Menschen sitzt auf einem kleinen Zug im Miniaturpark Kleine Sächsische Schweiz, umgeben von grünen Pflanzen.
© Sebastian Thiel

Rail Experiences

Eldorado for young and old railroad fans

Whether it's detailed miniature railway layouts like those in the Railway Worlds in Rathen, the Model Railway Show Layout in Sebnitz, the Feldbahnmuseum Herrenleite, or the historic Kirnitzschtalbahn, not only children's eyes light up here.

Every year on the last weekend of April, the Rail Experience Days take place. Then all railway attractions of the Saxon Switzerland invite visitors to explore and are fun for the whole family.

Rail Experience Days

FOLLOWING NATURE'S TRACKS

"Let nature be your teacher," advises the English poet William Wordsworth in his poem "The Tables Turned," published in 1798. His suggestion: Let books simply be books and feel and receive with an open heart outdoors, in a free environment. More than two hundred years later, media offerings may have changed, but the principle remains: There is nothing better than experiencing something outdoors in nature itself. What a beautiful plan for vacation time! 

© Yvonnen Brückner
Wanderer gehen einen schmalen Pfad durch einen Wald mit hohen Bäumen und Felsen.
© Anna Meurer

Hiking Tours

Hiking with Little Ones and Adults

In the Saxon Switzerland region, there are dreamy routes of all difficulty levels that can be easily managed with strollers, buggies, balance bikes, and by little legs. Pure adventure is promised, for example, by the rock labyrinth in Langenhennersdorf: Following numbered stations in the natural rock labyrinth, one climbs ladders, crawls through caves, and squeezes through narrow rock crevices. Exploring the Barbarine rock needle, the landmark of Saxon Switzerland, reveals what the legendary Barbara is all about. And the Hintere Raubschloss in Kirnitzschtal can be climbed by little knights via the partly original robber's ladder.

Tour Suggestions

Guided Hikes

Not only exciting, but also educational

Highly recommended is a tour through the Elbe Sandstone Mountains with an experienced national park guide. Bird song, wild herb, and ant hikes raise awareness of the often inconspicuous sensations to the left and right of the path. Fairy tale tours and a "University in the Green" are also on the program. This makes the vacation an active and educational nature experience for the whole family.

Adventure Offers
Vier Kinder und ein Erwachsener erkunden den Platz um einen Baumstumpf im Wald, während sie sich auf den Boden knien.
© Anna Meurer

Smart Hiking: Trails & Co.

Exercise outdoors is healthy. Even our grandmothers knew that. If you can learn something while doing it – all the better. Nature trails offer this brilliant combination, are not too long and somewhere there's bound to be a cozy picnic spot. Like in the Waldhusche: Where does the name come from, what exactly is a wooden giant, how does natural rejuvenation work? These and other questions are answered by a visit to Hinterhermsdorf.

At the Sellnitz-Erlebniswiese near Lilienstein, the senses take center stage with a scent organ, balance elements, and a tree telephone for “confidential conversations”. On the other hand, quizzing at a high level is promised by the Weifbergturm.

Drei Personen in Höhlenkleidung stehen in einer Höhle, ein Kind schaut nach oben, zwei halten Lampen.
© Anna Meurer

Cave Fun

Perfect terrain for little explorers and adventurers. 

Children love caves. They are cool, dark, mysterious, and sometimes a bit spooky. In Saxon Switzerland, there are about 300 larger natural cavities in the sandstone. The most famous ones include the Diebeskeller at Quirl, the Bennohöhle in the Bielatal, the Hickelhöhle in the Thorwalder Wände, and the Gautschgrotte in the Polenztal.

Those who want to take a cave tour are best accompanied by knowledgeable guides. This way, one learns interesting facts about the formation of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains, experiences an adventure, and stays on the safe side.

Book Cave Tour Explore Caves Independently

SPORT & PLAY & CREATIVE

Conquer the rocks of Saxon Switzerland with your own strength, make your own silk flower, balance between trees, slide down giant slides or jump into a cloud pillow: holidays are best where experiences await that everyday life does not offer. These are the best places to play, romp around and be creative.

© Isabel Doil / Stadtmarketing Sebnitz

Climbing

High Up

Climbing in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains, the cradle of free climbing, is something special – even for children. In climbing courses, the little ones acquire their first climbing skills to eventually dare a guided summit ascent with the whole family – or prove themselves on a high ropes course. And for rainy days, there are well-equipped climbing halls.

Book a Climbing Course
Zwei Personen klettern an einer Felswand unter blauem Himmel.
© Marko Förster

Climbing Halls and Offers

Be Creative

Ein Erwachsener hilft einem Kind beim Basteln einer kleinen, blauen Kunstblume
© Yvonne Brückner

Being creative, crafting, painting  - you need leisure time for that. Vacation is a good opportunity. The selection is large. In the Schaumanufaktur Deutsche Kunstblume, children can visit the "Experience Workshop" on Mondays and take home a self-flowered Sebnitzer blossom along with a certificate.

In the Krietzschwitz candle pulling workshop, you can also try your hand at a centuries-old craft. Besides a dose of creativity, you need patience for this. If these two things are present in the little artists, they can create the most beautiful handmade candles here.

  • A hand dips two yellow candles in liquid wax; in the background, colorful candles are displayed on the wall.
    Achim Meurer | AI-optimized | CC-BY-SA
    Candle rooms
    Show workshop/manufactory
    Krietzschwitz 4, 01796 Pirna (OT Krietzschwitz)
  • A woman sits at a table and arranges flowers; around her are vases with colorful flowers and plants. The atmosphere is creative and concentrated.
    Achim Meurer | AI-optimized | CC-BY-SA
    German artificial flower - Manufactory
    Show workshop/manufactory
    Neustädter Weg 10, 01855 Sebnitz
  • Several handmade bars of soap in different colors lie neatly on a wooden table, each with a white label.
    THIEL Public Relations, Sebastian Thiel | AI-optimized | CC-BY-SA
    Soap manufacturer Seifenschneider Rosenthal-Bielatal
    Creativity/design
    Talstraße 10, 01824 Rosenthal-Bielatal
  • Ceramic figures in the shape of animals, including an owl and three birds with colorful details, as well as a sign with the inscription "From here, please smile!".
    Silke Rötzschke | AI-optimized | CC-BY-SA
    Ceramics in the barn Stadt Wehlen
    Creativity/design
    Pirnaer Str. 18 a, 01829 Stadt Wehlen (OT Dorf Wehlen)
  • A person with red hair is shaping clay in a workshop; tools and brushes can be seen in the background.
    TVSSW, Yvonne Brückner | AI-optimized | CC-BY
    Ceramic Art Studio K
    Creativity/design
    Friedrich-Gottlob-Keller-Straße 7, 01814 Bad Schandau (OT Krippen)
  • Several paintings on a table, including a large picture of a purple lavender field with trees and smaller landscape motifs with rocks and forests.
    Nicole Hesse | AI-optimized | CC-BY-SA
    Molière artdesign
    Creativity/design
    Am Wesenitzbogen 2, 01847 Lohmen
  • Wooden sculpture of a face at work on a workbench, surrounded by wood shavings.
    Madlen Rogge | AI-optimized | CC-BY-SA
    Hohnstein carving booth
    Souvenirs
    Rathausstr. 2b, 01848 Hohnstein

Outdoor pools & baths in Saxon Switzerland

Refreshment not only on hot days! 

Those seeking to cool off in the summer will surely find what they are looking for in the Saxon Switzerland: Numerous outdoor pools and adventure pools invite you to swim, splash around and relax. Whether it's a natural bathing lake, a family-friendly leisure pool or thermal spa wellness with a panoramic view – here you will find the best pools in Saxon Switzerland at a glance. Find your favorite pool now!

  • An outdoor pool with a yellow water slide, a large pool and a red elephant slide, surrounded by grass and trees under a cloudy sky.
    TVSSW, Madlen Rogge | AI-optimized | CC-BY-SA
    Rathewalde adventure pool
    Open-air swimming pool
    Schulweg 4, 01848 Hohnstein (OT Rathewalde)
  • Forest swimming pool surrounded by trees in the sunshine.
    Yvonne Brueckner, Yvonne Brückner | AI-optimized | CC-BY-SA
    Polenz forest pool
    Open-air swimming pool
    Flämmigtweg 3, 01844 Neustadt in Sachsen (OT Polenz)
  • A calm lake with a jetty and a curved wooden bench in the foreground, surrounded by trees under a clear blue sky.
    © Gunther Gräfe | AI-optimized
    Outdoor swimming lake Neustadt
    Open-air swimming pool
    Rugiswalder Weg, 01844 Neustadt in Sachsen
  • Outdoor pool with yellow benches, sunflowers and a water slide, surrounded by trees and flowering plants under a blue sky.
    © Stadtverwaltung Stadt Wehlen | AI-optimized
    Outdoor pool Stadt Wehlen
    Open-air swimming pool
    Saarstraße 5, 01829 Stadt Wehlen (OT Pötzscha)
  • Calm lake with a blue water surface, a small island in the background and a cloudy sky.
    TVSSW, Emily Wolf | AI-optimized | CC0
    Natural swimming lake Birkwitz-Pratzschwitz
    Water sports
    Pratzschwitzer Straße 199, 01796 Pirna (OT Birkwitz)
  • Outdoor pool surrounded by green trees and meadow, next to a house.
    Yvonne Brueckner, Yvonne Brückner | AI-optimized | CC-BY-SA
    Hohnstein municipal swimming pool
    Open-air swimming pool
    Am Stadtbad 1, 01848 Hohnstein
  • Outdoor pool with clear water surrounded by trees and snack bar terrace
    Yvonne Brueckner, Yvonne Brückner | AI-optimized | CC-BY-SA
    Outdoor pool Goßdorf
    Open-air swimming pool
    Bergstraße 35, 01848 Hohnstein (OT Goßdorf)
  • A young man splashes into the water of an outdoor pool with slides and swimmers in summer fun.
    Marko Förster | AI-optimized | CC-BY-SA
    Billy leisure pool
    Open-air swimming pool
    Am Oberhammer 1, 01816 Bad Gottleuba-Berggießhübel (OT Berggießhübel)
  • A woman in a blue top massages another woman lying on a green table in a comfortably lit spa room.
    Andrea Flak Fotografie | AI-optimized | CC-BY-SA
    Wellness park in the Toskana Therme
    Thermal bath/health spa
    Rudolf-Sendig-Straße 8a, 01814 Bad Schandau
  • A laughing child with curly hair plays happily in the water as it splashes; blurred green trees can be seen in the background.
    KI generiert Leonardo AI 2025, Yvonne Brückner | AI-optimized | CC-BY
    Hertigswalde outdoor pool
    Open-air swimming pool
    Albert-Kunze-Weg 30- 36, 01855 Sebnitz (OT Hertigswalde)
  • Three children sit laughing on a black swimming tire in a blue pool; an older man sits on a bench in the background.
    © Klaus Schieckel | AI-optimized
    Stolpen municipal swimming pool
    Open-air swimming pool
    Bahnhofstraße 14 a, 01833 Stolpen
  • Two people in swimwear sit at the edge of an indoor pool, surrounded by tropical plants and a glass roof that lets in natural light.
    Andrea Flak | AI-optimized | CC-BY-SA
    Mariba Freizeitwelt Neustadt
    Indoor swimming pool/water park
    Götzingerstraße 12, 01844 Neustadt in Sachsen
  • A man and a woman relax smiling in a bubbling whirlpool in front of a gray stone wall.
    TVSSW, Andrea Flak | AI-optimized | CC-BY
    Herbal vitality bath Sebnitz
    Thermal bath/health spa
    Hammerstraße 1, 01855 Sebnitz
  • A laughing toddler plays in the water, surrounded by splashing drops of water, in sunny weather with a green backdrop.
    Yvonne Brückner / Leonardo AI | AI-optimized | CC0
    Outdoor pool at the Kräutervitalbad Sebnitz
    Open-air swimming pool
    Hammerstraße 1, 01855 Sebnitz
  • Toskana Therme Bad Schandau: Bright indoor pool with blue water, surrounded by yellow sun loungers and large windows; modern, airy atmosphere with wooden ceiling.
    Andrea Flak | AI-optimized | CC-BY
    Toskana Therme Bad Schandau
    Thermal bath/health spa
    Rudolf-Sendig-Straße 8 a, 01814 Bad Schandau
  • Geibeltbad Pirna: Modern indoor pool with glass roof, blue water and several people swimming; bright, airy atmosphere with plants and deckchairs.
    Stadtwerke Pirna GmbH | AI-optimized | CC-BY-SA
    Geibeltbad Pirna – Indoor swimming pool
    Thermal bath/health spa
    Rottwerndorfer Straße 56 c, 01796 Pirna

Playgrounds, mini-golf, and more

Zwei Kinder spielen auf einem Klettergerüst aus Seilen im Wald.
© Anna Meurer

Especially for families with small children, playgrounds are an important element of a vacation. The Saxon Switzerland region is richly blessed with them. No matter where in the region one sets up their holiday accommodations: It is rarely far to the nearest lovingly maintained playground.

Fun and games for adults and older children are offered by the two mini-golf courses in the region. In the local recreation area "Forellenschänke" in Sebnitz, as well as at "Minigolf am Königstein" at the foot of Königstein Fortress, the small balls can be putted with much fun and skill.

  • Christin Illner, Das Landschaftswunderland Oberlausitz | CC-BY-SA
    Minigolf at Camping & Leisure Park LuxOase
    Crazy golf
    Arnsdorfer Straße 1, 01900 Großröhrsdorf
  • Minigolf course with wooden hut, picnic table and several holes, surrounded by green trees and bushes, under a cloudy sky.
    © Stadtmarketing Sebnitz | AI-optimized
    Minigolf course Sebnitz
    Crazy golf
    Mannsgrabenweg 14, 01855 Sebnitz
  • Minigolf course with various courses and obstacles, surrounded by green meadows and trees; quiet, inviting atmosphere.
    Landgasthof Neue Schänke, Enrico Fritsch | AI-optimized | CC-BY-SA
    Minigolf at Königstein
    Crazy golf
    Am Königstein 3, 01824 Königstein/Sächs. Schw.
  • Two children balance on a wooden climbing course outdoors, surrounded by trees and a meadow under a blue sky.
    Florian Trykowski | AI-optimized | CC-BY-SA
    Sellnitz National Park Educational Center
    Information desk in national park
    Bildungsstätte Sellnitz, 01814 Bad Schandau (OT Waltersdorf)
  • Oskarshausen: A cheerful mascot in a red outfit holds colorful balloons in an amusement park; trees and play areas can be seen in the background.
    Oskarshausen GmbH | AI-optimized | CC-BY-SA
    Oskarshausen Leisure Park
    Leisure park
    Burgker Straße 39, 01705 Freital

Holiday tip: Games weeks "Something's happening here!"

Familie spielt gemeinsam an einem Tisch mit einem Brettspiel in einem gemütlichen Raum.
© Marko Förster

The gaming weeks „Hier spielt sich was ab!“ in the Saxon Switzerland are legendary. For over ten years, people of all ages with a passion for social gaming gather in the national park region during winter vacation time. In the mornings, the beautiful area is explored; in the afternoons and evenings, dice games, card games, puzzles, strategy games, bluffing, and tactical games are played to the fullest. Hundreds of well-known and brand-new games are available for this purpose.

Learn more
Kind mit blauer Kletterhelm klettert an einer Felswand, schaut nach oben.
© Marko Förster

What's happening in Saxon Switzerland?

Events, courses, guided tours and much more

Being outdoors with a national park guide, completing a climbing course, making a baroque mask at Königstein Fortress, carving a small souvenir in Hohnstein, or participating in a children's tour at Weesenstein Castle: our calendar is full of exciting event tips. During tours and interactive activities, children can learn new things in a fun way – and have a great time doing it. Perfect for curious explorers!

Event calendar

Family-Friendly Partners

Logo mit bunten Figuren und dem Text "FAMILIEN URLAUB IN SACHSEN".
© TMGS

The “Family Holidays in Saxony” signet is a mark of certified quality and signals to families: We are welcome here. Partners from our region have also joined this initiative.