--- title: "Hercules Column view" url: "https://www.saechsische-schweiz.de/en/poi/herkulessaeulen-rosenthal-bielatal" description: "The Große and Kleine Herkulessäule are located in the upper Bielatal between Schweizermühle and Ottomühle. Both are considered prominent sandstone needles in the Bielatal climbing area. A hiking trail marked with the \"yellow dot\" leads past them.The hard labiate sandstone rock of the Hercules Columns creates overhanging summit heads, which gives the columns their characteristic silhouette. The large one is around 20 m high, the small one rises on a high valley base.The first ascents were made in 1904 and 1905; the routes range from IV to VIIIb according to the Saxon scale. New routes are not permitted.Non-climbing visitors experience the Hercules Columns as a vantage point surrounded by other rock formations. In winter conditions, access can be slippery and slippery. In such cases, so-called Grödel are useful. They provide additional grip as they function as anti-slip shoe covers with spikes or chains. They are available at the Aktivzentrum in Bad Schandau and other outdoor stores." language: "en" type: "Place" image: "https://dam.destination.one/3505466/7e895c4e0ccb51380c250b482a917649e40e083c07f800f24d66d05f7c281fd8/.jpg" breadcrumb: "Root > Saxon Switzerland > Special > Destination.Data Details > Points of Interest" --- Share Hercules Column view ==================== - Viewpoint/viewing tower Two striking rock pillars with autumnal forest in the sunset. Pillars of Hercules Hercules Columns in Winter A person is sitting on a bench reading a map, surrounded by the imposing rock formations of the Pillars of Hercules and a wooded valley under a clear sky. The Pillars of Hercules are striking rock towers in the Bielatal valley. The Große and Kleine Herkulessäule are located in the upper Bielatal between Schweizermühle and Ottomühle. Both are considered prominent sandstone needles in the Bielatal climbing area. A hiking trail marked with the "yellow dot" leads past them. The hard labiate sandstone rock of the Hercules Columns creates overhanging summit heads, which gives the columns their characteristic silhouette. The large one is around 20 m high, the small one rises on a high valley base. The first ascents were made in 1904 and 1905; the routes range from IV to VIIIb according to the Saxon scale. New routes are not permitted. Non-climbing visitors experience the Hercules Columns as a vantage point surrounded by other rock formations. In winter conditions, access can be slippery and slippery. In such cases, so-called Grödel are useful. They provide additional grip as they function as anti-slip shoe covers with spikes or chains. They are available at the Aktivzentrum in Bad Schandau and other outdoor stores. Read more Good to know ------------ Openings The Hercules Pillars are in principle always open. Read more Price info There is no entrance fee to pay when visiting the Hercules Pillars. Read more Payment methods Entrance Free Directions & Parking facilities Only accessible on foot. Read more Our recommendations ------------------- View on map - Viewpoint/viewing tower 9.38 km - Hiking 5.05 km - Winter hikes Nearby ------ View on map - Place of interest - Viewpoint/viewing tower - Viewpoint/viewing tower - Viewpoint/viewing tower - Tours 16.46 km - Winter hikes 19.85 km - Long-distance hiking trail 5.05 km - Winter hikes Contact **Touristinformation** 01824 Rosenthal-Bielatal