--- title: "Paths to the wilderness" url: "https://www.saechsische-schweiz.de/en/poi/ways-to-wilderness" description: "The \"Path to Wilderness\" consists of two independent themed trails. Both show  how nature reacts to disturbances.The trails can be reached with a hike of approx. 1 - 1.5 hours. The ideal starting point for hikes to the path to the wilderness is Schmilka. The shortest route is towards Winterberg, then continue along the Wurzelweg trail at the Zwieselhütte hut and turn left up the Lehnsteig trail. The steep ascent is completed in around 50 - 60 minutes and you can turn right directly onto the Reitsteig into the information trail.Part 1: Nature trail on the bark beetle and forest conversionThe first part of the \"Weg zur Wildnis\" nature trail is a 250-metre-long information trail on the Reitsteig, directly at the junction to the Lehnsteig. A pure spruce forest has been dead there since 2007 due to winter storm Kyrill and the subsequent bark beetle. Visitors can now experience how diverse and vital the forest has regenerated on its own in 15 years.Part 2: Educational trail on forest development after the 2022 forest fireThe second part of the \"Path to Wilderness\" educational trail is a 100 m long information trail, which is also located on the Reitsteig, just a few meters away from the first part. The main aim is to photographically document the long-term development of the forest after the 2022 forest fire. Comparative images are shown with the forest situation before and immediately after the fire. The trail also offers interesting facts about the location and spread of the 2022 forest fire and provides information about measures to help prevent future fires." language: "en" type: "Place" image: "https://dam.destination.one/1369977/b0381f27ce9f125cb17092cc880b58f119ae6183d8e1df226bd66889faa407be/.jpg" breadcrumb: "Root > Saxon Switzerland > Special > Destination.Data Details > Points of Interest" --- Share Paths to the wilderness ======================= - Nature discovery trail Wooden walkway leads through a covered path in the forest, with a sign "Path to the wilderness" in several languages, surrounded by bare trees. A sign in the forest shows a jay and a squirrel with acorns, surrounded by leaves and branches on the forest floor. A wooden footbridge leads through a bare, wintry forest with bare trees and scattered green conifers under a cloudy sky. Wooden panel with photos of forest development since 2007, surrounded by bare birch trees and green conifers, with a wooden frame above. Opening the path to wilderness Two short nature trails in the Saxon Switzerland National Park show how forests change and regenerate without human intervention. The "Path to Wilderness" consists of two independent themed trails. Both show how nature reacts to disturbances. The trails can be reached with a hike of approx. 1 - 1.5 hours. The ideal starting point for hikes to the path to the wilderness is Schmilka. The shortest route is towards Winterberg, then continue along the Wurzelweg trail at the Zwieselhütte hut and turn left up the Lehnsteig trail. The steep ascent is completed in around 50 - 60 minutes and you can turn right directly onto the Reitsteig into the information trail. **Part 1: Nature trail on the bark beetle and forest conversion** The first part of the "Weg zur Wildnis" nature trail is a 250-metre-long information trail on the Reitsteig, directly at the junction to the Lehnsteig. A pure spruce forest has been dead there since 2007 due to winter storm Kyrill and the subsequent bark beetle. Visitors can now experience how diverse and vital the forest has regenerated on its own in 15 years. **Part 2: Educational trail on forest development after the 2022 forest fire** The second part of the "Path to Wilderness" educational trail is a 100 m long information trail, which is also located on the Reitsteig, just a few meters away from the first part. The main aim is to photographically document the long-term development of the forest after the 2022 forest fire. Comparative images are shown with the forest situation before and immediately after the fire. The trail also offers interesting facts about the location and spread of the 2022 forest fire and provides information about measures to help prevent future fires. Read more Good to know ------------ Openings Please note: The "Paths to Wilderness" are located in the National Park. This means that only marked trails may be used in the core zone! Fines may be imposed for violations. Read more Eligibility - Suitable for any weather - for Groups - Pet allowed Foreign Language German, English, Czech Payment methods Entrance Free Directions & Parking facilities Only accessible on foot. Read more This content has been partially or completely optimised or created by AI.* Our recommendations ------------------- View on map 7.98 km - Winter hikes Nearby ------ View on map - Event - Guided tour/sightseeing - Place of interest - Other - Nature discovery trail - Nature discovery trail Contact Weg zur Wildnis - Reitsteig 01814 Bad Schandau - OT Schmilka