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Family holidays

in Saxon Switzerland

Experience nature, explore caves, go boating, conquer peaks, be inventive: children are guaranteed never to be bored in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains.

The diverse landscape of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains is an ideal setting for adventurers of all ages. From the very young to adults, from easy to extremely challenging – there is something for every "taste". Steep paths lead to lofty peaks and deep caves, past bizarre rock formations and damp, moss-covered ravines. Is the Barbarine rock pinnacle really an enchanted maiden? Do Ice Age plants truly still grow here? These questions are waiting to be answered. Those seeking variety can also engage in creative pursuits. Spinning, felting, candle dipping: Activities featuring traditional craft techniques allow both young and old visitors to Saxon Switzerland to give free rein to their creativity.

An adult and a child are playing in the forest; one is jumping off a tree trunk while the other watches.
Family nature experiences
A child sits on a roller coaster with their hands raised, smiling with joy.
Family attractions
Boy happily climbing through a yellow play structure in the children's adventure play area at Solivital Sebnitz
Sport & Games & Creativity

FAMILY ATTRACTIONS

in Saxon Switzerland

What child does not dream of being a knight or princess in a medieval castle one day? In reconstructed castles and palaces, or among the remains of former robber barons’ castles, children can give free rein to their imagination in Saxon Switzerland. Meanwhile, adults can embark on an educational journey of discovery through history.

A man pours a cup of water into the well shaft while several people watch in the background.

Castles and palaces

Thrillingly authentic!

Königstein Fortress is perhaps the most beautiful and fascinating mountain fortress in Europe. High walls, numerous embrasures and cannons bear witness to the turbulent history of this once impregnable stronghold. Weesenstein Castle in the Müglitz Valley is truly extraordinary. It was built from the top down around a rock. These two, along with several other fascinating castles and fortresses, await discovery in Saxon Switzerland.

Theme parks

Action-packed adventures

There is always something happening at the region's themed amusement parks. At Elbe-Freizeitland Königstein, visitors can, among other things, navigate the adventure maze or hurtle down Germany's highest free-fall slide. At Urzeitpark Sebnitz, children can encounter 400 prehistoric creatures, while Oskarshausen in Freital offers all-weather leisure activities for the whole family.

The Kleine Sächsische Schweiz miniature park in the village of Wehlen, featuring faithful sandstone replicas, provides a wonderful overview of the entire region and its attractions.

A child sits in a green roller coaster carriage and smiles while descending a steep drop.
Two children look at a model of the Semperoper Dresden, which is displayed on a table.

Museums and exhibitions

Where history becomes an interactive adventure

The exhibitions in the museums of Saxon Switzerland are excitingly diverse. At the Bad Schandau National Park Centre, children can explore engaging interactive exhibitions to discover how the Elbe Sandstone Mountains were formed. At the Richard Wagner Sites in Graupa, visitors can learn more about the great composer and his work.

At the Marie Louise Stolln visitor mine in Berggießhübel, visitors can experience the history of mining first-hand and even go on a treasure hunt. Those wishing to see what an authentically furnished classroom in the GDR looked like can discover this and much more at the GDR Museum in Pirna.

Robber barons’ castles

Following in the Footsteps of the Past

The robbers’ strongholds and cliff-top castles bear witness to the adventurous age of chivalry in Saxon Switzerland, even though only ruins remain of the former fortifications. Winterstein, known as the ‘Hinteres Raubschloss’, is considered the oldest major castle complex in the region and served as a refuge for knights around 1440. Goßdorf Robbers’ Castle, also known as Schwarzberg Castle, was intended to protect a trade route.

Dilapidated ruins surrounded by green trees and dense vegetation.
A group of people are seated on a small train in the Little Saxon Switzerland miniature park, surrounded by green plants.

Railway experiences

A paradise for railway enthusiasts of all ages

Whether it is the meticulously detailed miniature railway layouts at Eisenbahnwelten in the spa resort of Rathen, the model railway exhibition in Sebnitz, the Herrenleite light railway museum or the historic Kirnitzschtal tramway, these attractions delight more than just children.

Every year, the Railway Experience Days take place on the final weekend in April. All of Saxon Switzerland’s railway attractions then invite visitors to explore and offer fun for the whole family.

DISCOVERING NATURE

"Let Nature be your teacher", recommended the English poet William Wordsworth in his poem "The Tables Turned", published in 1798. His suggestion: simply leave books to be books and venture outdoors, into the open air, to feel and absorb with an attentive heart. More than two hundred years later, the media on offer may have changed, but the principle remains: There is nothing better than experiencing something for yourself outdoors in nature. What a wonderful plan for the holidays! 

Hikers walk along a narrow path through a forest with tall trees and rocks.

Walking tours

Hiking for young and old

Saxon Switzerland offers wonderful routes for all levels of difficulty that can be tackled effortlessly with prams, pushchairs and balance bikes, as well as by children on foot. The rock labyrinth in Langenhennersdorf, for example, promises adventure in its purest form: the numbered stages lead through the natural rock labyrinth, up ladders, through caves and narrow crevices. Exploring the Barbarine rock pinnacle, the emblem of Saxon Switzerland, reveals the story behind the legendary Barbara. And at the Hinteres Raubschloss in the Kirnitzsch Valley, little knights can climb the Robbers’ Ladder, parts of which are still original.

Guided walks

Not only fascinating, but educational too

A tour through the Elbe Sandstone Mountains with a knowledgeable national park guide is highly recommended. Walks focusing on birdsong, wild herbs and ants raise awareness of the often inconspicuous wonders along the way. The programme also includes fairy-tale tours and a ‘university in the great outdoors’. This turns a holiday into an active and educational nature experience for the whole family.

Four children and an adult explore the area around a tree stump in the forest while kneeling on the ground.

Walk and learn: educational trails & co.

Exercise in the fresh air is healthy. Our grandmothers already knew that. Better still if you can learn something along the way. Educational trails offer this ingenious combination, are not too long, and there is bound to be a pleasant picnic spot somewhere. The Waldhusche, for example: where does the name come from, what exactly is a Holzriese, and how does natural regeneration work? A visit to Hinterhermsdorf answers these and other questions.

On the Sellnitz adventure meadow near the Lilienstein, the focus is on the senses, with a scent organ, balancing elements and a tree telephone for ‘conspiratorial conversations’. The Weifberg Tower, meanwhile, promises quizzing at lofty heights.

Three people wearing caving gear stand in a cave; one child looks upwards, while two hold lamps.

Cave adventures

Perfect terrain for young explorers and adventurers. 

Children love caves. They are cool, dark, mysterious and sometimes a little eerie. Saxon Switzerland has around 300 sizeable natural cavities in its sandstone. The best-known are the Diebeskeller on the Quirl, the Bennohöhle in the Bielatal valley, the Hickelhöhle in the Thorwalder Wände and the Gautschgrotte in the Polenztal valley.

Those wishing to embark on a cave tour are best served by knowledgeable guides. This offers an opportunity to learn fascinating facts about the formation of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains, experience an adventure and remain on the safe side.

SPORT & GAMES & CREATIVITY

Conquering the rocks of Saxon Switzerland under your own steam, making your own silk flower, balancing between trees, hurtling down giant slides or jumping onto a cloud cushion: holidays are at their best wherever experiences await that everyday life cannot offer. These are the best places to romp around, play and be creative.

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!

  • Forest swimming pool surrounded by trees in the sunshine.
    Polenz forest pool
    Open-air swimming pool
    Flämmigtweg 3, 01844 Neustadt in Sachsen (OT Polenz)
  • Outdoor pool surrounded by green trees and meadow, next to a house.
    Hohnstein municipal swimming pool
    Open-air swimming pool
    Am Stadtbad 1, 01848 Hohnstein
  • A calm lake with a jetty and a curved wooden bench in the foreground, surrounded by trees under a clear blue sky.
    Outdoor swimming lake Neustadt
    Open-air swimming pool
    Rugiswalder Weg, 01844 Neustadt in Sachsen
  • A woman in a blue top massages another woman lying on a green table in a comfortably lit spa room.
    Wellness park in the Toskana Therme
    Thermal bath/health spa
    Rudolf-Sendig-Straße 8a, 01814 Bad Schandau
  • Three children sit laughing on a black swimming tire in a blue pool; an older man sits on a bench in the background.
    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.
    Mariba Freizeitwelt Neustadt
    Indoor swimming pool/water park
    Götzingerstraße 12, 01844 Neustadt in Sachsen
  • Geibeltbad Pirna: Modern indoor pool with glass roof, blue water and several people swimming; bright, airy atmosphere with plants and deckchairs.
    Geibeltbad Pirna – Indoor swimming pool
    Thermal bath/health spa
    Rottwerndorfer Straße 56 c, 01796 Pirna
  • Calm lake with a blue water surface, a small island in the background and a cloudy sky.
    Natural swimming lake Birkwitz-Pratzschwitz
    Water sports
    Pratzschwitzer Straße 199, 01796 Pirna (OT Birkwitz)
  • A man and a woman relax smiling in a bubbling whirlpool in front of a gray stone wall.
    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.
    Outdoor pool at the Kräutervitalbad Sebnitz
    Open-air swimming pool
    Hammerstraße 1, 01855 Sebnitz
  • 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.
    Rathewalde Water Park
    Open-air swimming pool
    Schulweg 4, 01848 Hohnstein (OT Rathewalde)
  • Outdoor pool with yellow benches, sunflowers and a water slide, surrounded by trees and flowering plants under a blue sky.
    Outdoor pool Stadt Wehlen
    Open-air swimming pool
    Saarstraße 5, 01829 Stadt Wehlen (OT Pötzscha)
  • A laughing child with curly hair plays happily in the water as it splashes; blurred green trees can be seen in the background.
    Hertigswalde outdoor pool
    Open-air swimming pool
    Albert-Kunze-Weg 30- 36, 01855 Sebnitz (OT Hertigswalde)
  • A young man splashes into the water of an outdoor pool with slides and swimmers in summer fun.
    Billy leisure pool
    Open-air swimming pool
    Am Oberhammer 1, 01816 Bad Gottleuba-Berggießhübel (OT Berggießhübel)
  • Toskana Therme Bad Schandau: Bright indoor pool with blue water, surrounded by yellow sun loungers and large windows; modern, airy atmosphere with wooden ceiling.
    Toskana Therme Bad Schandau
    Thermal bath/health spa
    Rudolf-Sendig-Straße 8 a, 01814 Bad Schandau
  • Outdoor pool with clear water surrounded by trees and snack bar terrace
    Outdoor pool Goßdorf
    Open-air swimming pool
    Bergstraße 35, 01848 Hohnstein (OT Goßdorf)

Climbing

Up to Great Heights

Climbing in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains, the birthplace of free climbing, is a truly special experience – for children too. Climbing courses allow youngsters to acquire their first climbing skills before embarking on a guided ascent to a summit with the whole family – or testing their abilities on a high ropes course. And for rainy days, there are well-equipped indoor climbing centres.

Two people climbing a rock face beneath a blue sky.

Indoor climbing centres and activities

Be creative

An adult helps a child make a small blue artificial flower

Being creative, making things and painting  – all of this requires leisure time. A holiday provides an excellent opportunity. There is plenty to choose from. At the Deutsche Kunstblume demonstration workshop, for example, children can visit the "hands-on workshop" on Mondays and take home a Sebnitz flower they have crafted themselves, complete with a certificate.

At the Krietzschwitz candle-making workshop, visitors can also try their hand at a centuries-old craft. Besides a measure of creativity, this requires patience. If the young artists possess both, they can create the most beautiful hand-dipped candles here.

  • Several handmade bars of soap in different colors lie neatly on a wooden table, each with a white label.
    Seifenschneider Rosenthal-Bielatal Soap Manufactory
    Creativity/design
    Talstraße 10, 01824 Rosenthal-Bielatal
  • Wooden sculpture of a face at work on a workbench, surrounded by wood shavings.
    Hohnstein carving booth
    Souvenirs
    Rathausstr. 2b, 01848 Hohnstein
  • A hand dips two yellow candles in liquid wax; in the background, colorful candles are displayed on the wall.
    Candle rooms
    Show workshop/manufactory
    Krietzschwitz 4, 01796 Pirna (OT Krietzschwitz)
  • 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!".
    Ceramics in the barn Stadt Wehlen
    Creativity/design
    Pirnaer Str. 18 a, 01829 Stadt Wehlen (OT Dorf Wehlen)
  • Art mile Wehlen opens its studios
    Atelierhaus Anne Kern
    Creativity/design
    Schöne Aussicht 14, 01829 Stadt Wehlen
  • A person with red hair is shaping clay in a workshop; tools and brushes can be seen in the background.
    Ceramic Art Studio K
    Creativity/design
    Friedrich-Gottlob-Keller-Straße 7, 01814 Bad Schandau (OT Krippen)
  • A woman in a hat paints on an easel in a green, rocky landscape. She is wearing a colorful plaid shirt and holding a color palette.
    Molière artdesign
    Creativity/design
    Am Wesenitzbogen 2, 01847 Lohmen
  • A woman sits at a table and arranges flowers; around her are vases with colorful flowers and plants. The atmosphere is creative and concentrated.
    German artificial flower - Manufactory
    Show workshop/manufactory
    Neustädter Weg 10, 01855 Sebnitz

Playgrounds, crazy golf and more

Two children are playing on a rope climbing frame in the forest.

Playgrounds are an important part of any holiday, especially for families with young children. Saxon Switzerland is particularly well endowed with them. Wherever visitors stay in the region, a lovingly maintained playground is rarely far away.

The region’s two miniature golf courses offer fun for adults and older children alike. At the “Forellenschänke” recreation area in Sebnitz and “Minigolf am Königstein” at the foot of Königstein Fortress, players can enjoy putting the small balls into the holes with skill and plenty of fun.

  • Minigolf course with wooden hut, picnic table and several holes, surrounded by green trees and bushes, under a cloudy sky.
    Minigolf course Sebnitz
    Crazy golf
    Mannsgrabenweg 14, 01855 Sebnitz
  • 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 Leisure Park
    Leisure park
    Burgker Straße 39, 01705 Freital
  • Luftaufnahme Campingplatz mit zwei Seen, umgeben von Wiesen und Wäldern, im Hintergrund eine Siedlung.
    Minigolf at Camping & Leisure Park LuxOase
    Crazy golf
    Arnsdorfer Straße 1, 01900 Großröhrsdorf
  • Two children balance on a wooden climbing course outdoors, surrounded by trees and a meadow under a blue sky.
    Sellnitz National Park Educational Center
    Information desk in national park
    Bildungsstätte Sellnitz, 01814 Bad Schandau (OT Waltersdorf)
  • Minigolf course with various courses and obstacles, surrounded by green meadows and trees; quiet, inviting atmosphere.
    Minigolf at Königstein
    Crazy golf
    Am Königstein 3, 01824 Königstein/Sächs. Schw.

Holiday tip: “There’s plenty going on here!” Games Weeks

A family plays a board game together at a table in a cosy room.

The “Let the Games Begin!” games weeks in Saxon Switzerland are legendary. For more than ten years, people of all ages who share a passion for sociable gaming have gathered in the national park region during the winter holidays. Mornings are spent exploring the beautiful area; in the afternoons and evenings, participants roll dice, puzzle, solve riddles, devise solutions, bluff and strategise to their hearts’ content. Hundreds of familiar and brand-new games are available for everyone to enjoy.

Child wearing a blue climbing helmet climbs a rock face, looking upwards.

What’s on in Saxon Switzerland?

Events, courses, guided tours and much more

Exploring the outdoors with a national park guide, completing a climbing course, making a Baroque mask at Königstein Fortress, carving a small souvenir in Hohnstein or joining a children’s guided tour at Weesenstein Castle: our calendar features many exciting event recommendations. Tours and hands-on activities allow children to learn new things through play – while having great fun. Perfect for curious explorers!

Family-friendly partners

Logo featuring colourful figures and the text "FAMILY HOLIDAYS IN SAXONY".

The “Family Holidays in Saxony” seal signifies verified quality and assures families that they are welcome here. Partners from our region have also joined this initiative.