--- title: "Family holiday in the Saxon Switzerland." url: "https://www.saechsische-schweiz.de/en/holiday/family" description: "Family outings in the Saxon Switzerland: Caves, peaks and creative adventures for all ages. ➤ All the info for your family holiday!" language: "en" breadcrumb: "Root > Saxon Switzerland > EXPERIENCE > FAMILY" --- 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. **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. Well House at Königstein Fortress ### 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. - At Elbe-Freizeitland Königstein Model of the Semperoper at the Wagnerstätten Graupa ### 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. - Goßdorf Robber Barons' Castle Locomotive Franziska carrying visitors through Little Saxon Switzerland ### 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! Family hiking ### 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. - Children on a treasure hunt **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. Children explore a cave ### 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! ### 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. - Family rock climbing ### Indoor climbing centres and activities ### **Be creative** Make Your Own Flowers at the Sebnitz Artificial Flower Workshop 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. **Playgrounds, crazy golf and more** ------------------------------------ Hinterhermsdorf Forest Trail 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. **Holiday tip: “There’s plenty going on here!” Games Weeks** ------------------------------------------------------------ Games Day at Königstein Fortress 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. - Papststein climbing course 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 ------------------------ Family Holidays in Saxony logo **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.**