Current News
Here we inform you about current measures in the region that affect tourist activities in the Saxon Switzerland holiday region. This way, you are always well prepared for your stay.
Upper Lock Hinterhermsdorf reopened since 02.07.2026
The clearance work in the area of the Upper Lock has been completed.
The punting service is also back in operation. Tickets can easily be booked directly here.
However, the closure of the section of the hiking trail marked with the Red Line below the Wettinweg remains in place. The diversion will be via the Wettinweg.
Please be sure to observe the barriers for your own safety – danger to life exists!
As of: 03.07.2026 - 14:30
Edmund Gorge closed on 09.07. and 10.07.2026
Due to security measures, the Edmundsklamm will be closed on 09/07 and 10/07/2026.
There will be no boat trips.
Status: 08/07/2026 - 11:00 am
Neurathen Rock Castle closed
Due to safety deficiencies, Neurathen Rock Castle is closed until further notice. It is currently not possible to visit Neurathen Rock Castle.
The path via the Bastei Bridge is NOT affected by this.
Bohemian Switzerland:
Prebischtor, Edmund Gorge and Wild Gorge
- The Wilde Klamm is open annually from early April to early November.
- The Edmund Gorge is open from June 18, 2026.
Tickets are available directly at the entrance to the Edmund Gorge in Hřensko.
Boats depart every hour from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. - The hiking trail from Hřensko to the Pravčice Gate is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm between April and October, and Friday through Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm between November and March
- The Gabrielensteig trail from Mezni Louka to the Pravčice Gate remains closed!
For the protection of our nature
Please always observe the following forest rules:
- Fires and smoking are strictly prohibited – fires endanger nature – not just during dry periods!
- Entering the forests is at your own risk. Dead or burnt trees can fall at any time.
- Stay on marked trails and follow the trail rules.
Information about temporarily impassable paths at the National Park Center info phone: 035022 502 40 and online.
Path work as well as path and forest closures in the national park region
Bare branches, brown needles, fallen trees. In some areas of the national park region, the traces of the bark beetle are clearly visible. A natural forest development is taking place in the national park region: Spruce forests are dying; healthy mixed forests are growing back. Until this lengthy process is completed, special precautions apply here due to the risk of falling trees: Avoid the forest during wind, heavy rain, or snow load. Do not stand under broken branches or treetops. You enter the forest at your own risk.
Some paths are impassable due to fallen trees (bark beetle damage) or because of the acute danger of further tree breaks. Please inform yourself again before your hike on the following pages, use the information telephone, or ask in your accommodation or at local tourist information offices about the current situation.
Information on impassable and blocked paths in the national park region:
Telephone service National Park Center:
+49 35022 50240 (daily 9 am – 6 pm, Sundays and holidays 9 am - 3 pm)
Information on closed paths in the state forest due to forestry work outside the national park:
Telephone service Sachsenforst (Forest District Neustadt):
+49 35023 66230 (weekdays during office hours)
Information on road closures in the district of Saxon Switzerland-Eastern Ore Mountains:
Public Transportation
Information on public transportation, including trains, S-Bahn, buses, ferries, and the Kirnitzschtalbahn, can be found under the following links:
For trips with the Saxon Steam Navigation and possible advance bookings, please inform yourself here:
Road Construction Sites
On the portal of the Landratsamt Sächsische Schweiz you will find current information on road construction sites in the district:
Current information on the Painter's Path
Especially during extended weekends and national holidays it is not so easy to find accommodation for just one night. We recommend booking the lodging in advance!
Between November and Easter, there is a possibility of booking a room at short notice, however, capacities are often limited during this period, many restaurants are closed for winter, and some hosts close in the winter months. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you check in advance if your desired accommodation is open. As an alternative, we recommend staying in a central lodging. With the guest card mobile, you can reach the individual stage starting and ending points.
In the winter months, tree felling and safety work often take place. The trails may be heavily impacted during this time. Sturdy, high footwear is highly recommended for hikes on the Painter's Way in Winter. Crampons (anti-slip spikes) for frozen trail sections can be purchased at the Bad Schandau Tourist Service.
Good to know: You will only encounter burnt areas from the August 2022 forest fire at a few locations on the 5th Painter's Way stage, as the fires were mainly in the valuable and less accessible core zone. These areas still need their rest. Therefore, please always stay on the marked hiking trails!
Report defects on the Painter's Path
Is a hiking sign defective or missing? Are markings faded or trees freshly felled and no marking visible anymore? It is best to report this by e-mail.
It is very important that you provide us with the exact location. If available, please send a picture. However, location coordinates or a very precise description or marking on a hiking map will also suffice. Thank you for your support!
Stage 5: Bergsteig Diversion
The lower part of Bergsteig is impassable due to a very high risk of falling trees. The diversion follows Winterbergstraße and Erlsgrund to the stage destination in Schmilka. The diversion is approximately 700 m longer.
5th Stage: Detour Bergsteig
The lower part of the mountain trail is impassable due to a very high risk of falling trees. The detour will be via Winterbergstraße and Erlsgrund to the stage destination in Schmilka. The detour is approximately 700 m longer.
Current Information from Malerweg Partners
The Neumann Mill in Kirnitzsch Valley, at the end of stage 5 of the Painter's Way, is always closed on Sundays & Mondays, so overnight stays are not possible. Additional closure dates in 2026: Tue. 26/05/2026, Sat. 20/06/2026, Sat. 25/07/2026, Sat. 15/08/2026
Due to the limited accommodation capacity at the endpoint of stage 5, we recommend taking bus line 241 to Bad Schandau or to Hinterhermsdorf to find accommodation there.
The restaurant and guesthouse "Gasthof zur Hoffnung" in Hinterhermsdorf (Stage 5) is permanently closed.