Winter

In 1806, Theodor Körner discovered a "place of natural power and splendour": Schandau. The poet was still a student, but the former boatmen's town was already a popular travel destination. Later, this charming retreat nestled in the valleys of the Elbe and Kirnitzsch was elevated to the status of a spa. Perhaps it is the panoramic scenery, perhaps the clear air, perhaps the immediate proximity to the wilderness of the rear Saxon Switzerland region – the fact is: Bad Schandau does you good. It cannot be measured. Only felt.

Amid the bustle of summer, the wondrous healing power of this famous spa town almost fades into the background. In the peace and clarity of winter, however, its effect is all the stronger. On walks through the nearby core zone of the national park, silence settles like balm upon the mind and senses. Thoughts can be pursued to their conclusion, allowing new ideas to emerge. Tranquillity, exercise and creativity: these are also the themes of the invigorating activities with which Bad Schandau invites visitors to enjoy a winter retreat. Check in, breathe deeply and recharge: Bad Schandau looks forward to welcoming you!

The viewpoints at the Bastei and the Bastei Bridge itself are deserted, the first rays of sunlight play across the rocks, the mist swirls mystically through the Elbe Valley, and nature softly sings its song.
Those who visit the Bastei during the summer months can experience this in the early morning and evening. The winter season is a genuine insider tip. This is where you will find it: the other side of the Bastei. This period is unsurpassed in terms of peace and  tranquillity. Nature means replenishing your energy – there is no quicker way to unwind. 

The Berghotel & Panoramarestaurant Bastei offers its guests a “hot and cold” stay: relaxing walks in the heart of Saxon Switzerland National Park, a panoramic sauna & steam bath, as well as a soak in the cedarwood tub in the wellness area, followed by an indulgent menu in the world-famous panoramic restaurant. During the colder months, the Berghotel on the Bastei is the perfect place to replenish your energy and escape the stresses of everyday life for a few days. Come and experience the other side of the Bastei for yourself!

A warm glow spills from the shop windows of small boutiques onto the sleet-soaked cobblestones of narrow lanes. Red and yellow Moravian stars shine above romantic courtyards. In cosy cafés, chilled visitors meet for “äm Dässl Heeßn und ä Stückl Eierschegge” — a cup of coffee and a slice of traditional Saxon cake: Pirna is Saxon conviviality set in stone. The streets and buildings of the historic old town evoke an era when pedestrians and horse-drawn carriages determined the pace of a city.

Pirna is almost 800 years old, and every corner of this jewel on the Elbe tells a part of its long and multifaceted history. The town is small enough for a relaxing break yet large enough to offer culture, creativity and cuisine throughout the year. As the gateway to Saxon Switzerland, Pirna is an ideal base for excursions into the surrounding area. Dresden is just a stone’s throw away to the west, while the winter hiking landscape of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains lies within easy reach to the east. Discover a small town with a big heart!

From November onwards, when wisps of mist drift across the Elbe Valley at sunrise, the rocky landscape takes on a mystical beauty. Even the mountain fortress seems to breathe a sigh of relief. Those wishing to take a break will find a blend of nature, culture and cuisine here. Visitors seeking relaxation can discover secluded favourite spots undisturbed, roam the fortress forest, explore the exhibitions or warm up in a rustic tavern. A walk along the fortress wall is also highly recommended, offering visitors a fantastic panoramic view from 247 metres above the Elbe. 

The bizarre rocky landscape now reveals its wildly romantic side. Throughout the table mountain, unique photographic opportunities abound, unobstructed by tourists. Only during the historic and romantic Christmas market, “Königstein – A Winter’s Tale”, does the 9.5-hectare fortress plateau briefly come alive. Surrounded by magnificent cultural heritage, it ranks among Germany’s most beautiful Advent markets. Yet Königstein is more than just the fortress. The town, only a few kilometres away, also celebrates winter. Its ice rink invites visitors to skate beside the Elbe. Königstein is simply beautiful in winter!

That moment when a crisp cube of white bread sinks into melted cheese, only to reappear shortly afterwards as a steaming, deliciously fragrant morsel; accompanied by fresh mountain air, candlelight, a robust red wine and a tiled stove with a crackling wood fire: an evening in a mountain lodge with Swiss cheese fondue at the Papststein mountain inn in Saxon Switzerland must surely be one of the most delightful ways to round off a winter hike. The Papststein is the most popular excursion mountain in the municipality of Gohrisch, and its rustic mountain inn is legendary.

The region in the south of Saxon Switzerland, somewhat removed from the main tourist routes, is also known as the “Realm of Stones”. It owes this name to the fact that its heart, the village of Gohrisch, is encircled by half a dozen table mountains. This makes the region a particularly appealing destination for winter hiking. Dense forest, open countryside and magnificent views alternate along the way. Those seeking a challenge can even conquer several summits in a single hike. The crowning glory of a winter break in Gohrisch is a cross-country skiing tour beneath the table mountains.

It is a magical moment: slowly and almost silently, the historic reaction ferry glides across the Elbe. Propelled solely by the force of the water, it carries passengers into the heart of a picture-postcard landscape of rocks, forest and a handful of houses. The river glistens peacefully in the winter sun. On the opposite bank, the Bastei massif rises like a wall into the sky. And the crossing is more than just a necessity. It is also a ritual – an invitation to slow down.  

The open-air theatre, Amselsee lake and the “Schwedenlöcher” gorge on one side, and the Rauenstein with its magnificent ridge trail on the other: Kurort Rathen, with its two districts separated by the Elbe, is a tourist hotspot in summer. Tourism in the region began here more than 200 years ago. To this day, Saxony’s smallest municipality remains a must-see destination. As a retreat during the colder months, however, the spa resort is still something of an insider tip. Here, connoisseurs of tranquillity and winter romantics have the place to themselves. Enchanting winter hiking trails on both sides of the Elbe, breathtaking panoramas, crystal-clear air and welcoming, easy-going hosts – Kurort Rathen delivers what its ferry promises: a slower pace of life. 

The crystal-clear Gottleuba flows peacefully from the Eastern Ore Mountains towards the Elbe. Over the millennia, it has shaped a delightful setting: its valley is a romantic hiking area offering ever-changing impressions. Iron ore mining brought vitality and prosperity, while mineral springs gave rise to a flourishing spa industry. The twin spa town of Bad Gottleuba-Berggießhübel embodies and recounts this fascinating past.

Whether the Elbe Sandstone Mountains or the Ore Mountains, Saxony or Bohemia, a health retreat or hiking holiday, wellness or culture, above or below ground: the small town, with its two historic centres and the “Marie Louise Stolln” visitor mine, offers all these options. Even in winter. A dense network of well-signposted hiking and therapeutic trails invites visitors to explore the varied landscape even during the colder months. Music nights, traditional miners’ Christmas gatherings, Advent markets, carnival events, piano recitals, readings, a wide range of evening concerts, and restaurants serving excellent regional cuisine also make long evenings pass pleasantly.

A little jolting and squeaking is only to be expected when the venerable old lady leans into a bend. Perfectly legitimate at her age. Just think of all she has witnessed! The German Empire, world wars, floods, rockfalls, mudslides and film productions. The world and the fashions of day-trippers have changed since the Kirnitzschtal tramway's maiden journey in 1898. What remains is the breathtaking charm of the valley and its leisurely mode of transport. Both invite visitors to slow down, especially in winter.

One of the most beautiful and varied winter hiking areas in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains extends along both sides of the River Kirnitzsch. Schrammsteine, Kuhstall, Bärenfangwände, Hinteres Raubschloss and Großer Zschand: some of the region's most spectacular destinations can be reached from here. Numerous lovingly run inns, guest houses and hotels offer weary and hungry hikers a warm welcome all year round. A genuine recommendation for city dwellers seeking a relaxing escape!

In loving hands, a rose blossom emerges leaf by leaf within minutes. There are only a few places left worldwide where this fascinating process can be observed. One of them is Sebnitz. The art of silk flower making has been practised here since 1834. The Deutsche Kunstblume Sebnitz manufactory offers fascinating insights into this rare craft. Combined with interesting museums and the SoliVital sports and leisure centre, this makes the town a worthwhile destination whatever the weather. 

Every Advent, a beautiful and little-known form of local Christmas folk art enchants children and adults alike: the Sebnitz shadow plays. Candlelight brings intricate papercut scenes to life. The tranquil Christmas market on the second weekend of Advent is also dedicated entirely to this tradition, which is unique in Germany. Yet the town’s real asset is its location. The ‘German Hiking Capital 2016’ is an ideal starting point for winter excursions to particularly peaceful corners and secluded spots in the national park region. Nowhere else will you find more of Saxon Switzerland!

What a panorama! In the foreground are rocks and wooded valley slopes, beyond them plateaus dotted with fields and small houses adding splashes of colour, while in the distance rises a backdrop of imposing table mountains. From the Brand near Hohnstein, the natural beauty of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains reveals itself majestically in its winter slumber. Its spectacular 180-degree panorama has earned the viewpoint the epithet ‘Balcony of Saxon Switzerland’. The route here from the castle town is one of the most popular trails for winter hikers: easily accessible, well maintained and with a cosy mountain inn where a fire crackles in the hearth.

Hohnstein and the surrounding area attract visitors all year round with this and other delightful tours. The principal hiking attraction is the Saxon Switzerland National Park, which begins here and features idyllic ravines and valleys as well as the mysterious Gautschgrotte cave, where an enormous column of ice forms in some winters. The local tradition of puppet carving and puppetry centred around the famous Kasper is also well worth exploring. In Hohnstein, wilderness and craftsmanship exist side by side.

Is there a treasure lying dormant beneath Neustadt in Saxony? Quite possibly! For centuries, miners and fortune seekers searched for gold here, on the border between the Elbe Sandstone Mountains and the Lusatian Highlands – and occasionally found it. Yet the work was arduous and the yield meagre. To this day, no one has struck the vein of gold believed to exist here. This also had its advantages: the tranquil small town was thus spared disruption.

Thanks to its peripheral location, Neustadt is considered an insider tip among winter holiday destinations in Saxon Switzerland. Those seeking peace and quiet will find it on one of the secluded winter hiking routes through the idyllic surroundings. Excursions to the Unger (538 metres) or the Götzingerhöhe (425 metres) are particularly popular. The tropical Mariba sauna and bathing paradise and the Neustadthalle, with its diverse cultural programme, attract visitors from beyond the region. The area also features one of the few ski slopes with a lift. And the story of the gold? It is told in the local Gold Museum.

What fascinating formations! Two mighty rock pillars rise into the winter sky like weathered statues, slightly askew and with heads that seem far too heavy. This makes them appear both strong and fragile. The “Pillars of Hercules” are among the most spectacular rock formations in Saxon Switzerland. They are not only popular climbing peaks, but also the landmarks of a winter hiking paradise that remains something of an insider’s secret: Rosenthal-Bielatal.

The municipality lies in the south of the region, almost on the Czech border, somewhat removed from the usual tourist trails. Those seeking tranquillity will find it here. It is often possible to hike for hours without encountering another soul. At the same time, the landscape displays a diversity found in scarcely any other part of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains.
Open hills, a rugged rocky landscape and deeply incised valleys with babbling brooks continually create new picturesque scenery. There are also adventurous paths with steps and ladders leading high up to inspiring views. And those staying in Rosenthal-Bielatal can set off straight from their doorstep. So lace up your hiking boots and embrace the joys of winter walking!

Stolpen is fascinating. Angular columns made of a hard, black material from deep within the earth can be found throughout the town. They are the remnants of a massive volcanic eruption that occurred many millions of years ago. It was here that the rock was first studied and named “basalt”. The 800-year-old settlement, with its curiously sloping market square and handsome townhouses, has countless other captivating stories to tell: of Slavs, Hussites, the French and Prussians, of plague, urban fires and sieges. Yet most visitors are interested in only one: the tragedy of Countess Cosel. Her moving fate is the principal theme of the castle museum.

Yet Stolpen is not merely about geology and history. Stolpen is also a centre of arts and crafts. It is an important location for traditional folk art from the Ore Mountains in the region. At the Ratags demonstration workshop, delicate fretwork and woodturning are used to create intricate candle arches, pyramids, incense smokers and much more. Every day except Monday, visitors can watch the craftswomen create imaginative, three-dimensional one-of-a-kind pieces from countless individual components. Afterwards, the factory shop offers the full range produced by this long-established company.

Weesenstein Castle rises majestically upon a mighty rock above the romantic Müglitz Valley, regarded as the most beautiful valley in Saxony. This place possesses a special enchantment, particularly during the winter months. Though seemingly dormant from the outside, life pulses within the castle walls. A wide range of events and guided tours attract numerous visitors. Advent readings and concerts, the children’s New Year’s Eve celebration popular with the whole family, the Weesenstein Witches’ Carnival, as well as exhibitions and matinées, provide cultural highlights on the fringes of Saxon Switzerland and the Eastern Ore Mountains.

The fire crackles invitingly in the fireplace of the former stable, now converted into a cosy dining room. A mug of hot chocolate steams enticingly between your hands. What a welcome treat after an extended winter ramble! Situated in a somewhat secluded spot on a plateau about 200 metres above the Elbe Valley, Reinhardtsdorf-Schöna is an insider tip for those who relish winter, while the fireside room at the Ehrlich family’s Gasthaus Zirkelstein is perhaps the cosiest place in the village to warm up.

Reinhardtsdorf-Schöna is also known as the “municipality of five rocks”. This refers to the table mountains of Zirkelstein, Kaiserkrone, Großer and Kleiner Zschirnstein, and Wolfsberg. Each one is a rewarding winter hiking destination. The Malerweg trail through the Elbe Sandstone Mountains passes directly through the village. It is also home to an enchanting rural Baroque church. Reinhardtsdorf-Schöna is a destination for independent travellers who know exactly what they want: tranquillity, wide-open spaces, authentic village life – and genuine hospitality.

In winter, the miniature park in Wehlen is bathed in a truly special light! Changing lighting moods with striking colour transitions lend the sculpted model landscape, planted with bonsai trees, a particularly distinctive effect. Through the interplay of colour, light and shadow take on an entirely new significance during the darker months. A leisurely ride on the park railway offers visitors a unique immersion in colour amid the miniature landscape. Refreshments are also provided! New sandstone models for the miniature park are meticulously handcrafted in the workshop. In addition, unique decorative objects and works of art are continually crafted from our local sandstone and can also be personalised upon request.

The special charm of Rammenau Baroque Palace lies in the harmonious interplay of Baroque architecture, Neoclassical ornamentation and the idyllic landscape. Even during the colder months, the Baroque palace offers a wide range of activities. Gourmets can enjoy breakfast and brunch in a historic setting or attend cookery evenings. Younger visitors can look forward to children’s palace tours and baking activities. During the annual St Nicholas’ Workshop, the palace hosts a Christmas market featuring traders from the region. 

However, a visit is also worthwhile outside of scheduled events: the palace’s artistically decorated rooms invite visitors to explore and discover – in the palace’s Chinese Salon in particular, there are always new details to uncover in the elaborately painted canvas wall coverings. Afterwards, visitors can enjoy delicious cake and coffee in the historic dining rooms of the palace café.