What would the world be without national parks? Within them, humanity preserves its most precious natural landscapes for future generations. "Let nature be nature" is the guiding principle of the global national park movement. This means that humans restrict themselves to the role of observers who marvel and learn. National parks are not only fascinating refuges for rare animal and plant species. They are also idyllic recreational environments for their visitors.
Rock National Park
Saxon Switzerland National Park is Germany's only non-Alpine rocky national park and, at approximately 94 square kilometres, one of the smallest in the country. The protected area consists of two sections on the right bank of the Elbe. The smaller section surrounds the spa resort of Rathen. The main section extends eastwards from Bad Schandau to the Czech border, where it adjoins Bohemian Switzerland National Park. National parks demand due care and consideration. Anyone passing the Saxon Switzerland National Park information sign should be aware that they are entering a particularly sensitive conservation area.
Hiking in the National Park Region
Saxon Switzerland is a paradise for hikers and walkers. An elaborate network of trails leads to breathtaking viewpoints and through deep gorges. To ensure that no one loses their bearings, the trails are colour-coded and clearly signposted.
Respectfully Enjoying the Saxon Switzerland National Park (Germany)
Upon entering the Saxon Switzerland National Park, a world full of natural wonders and beauty reveals itself. Please bear in mind that this is a sensitive nature conservation area in Germany, which deserves our respect and care. Certain areas, designated as "core zones", require special attention. These constitute a quarter of the total area of the national park.
We request that you observe the following guidelines in order to protect and preserve the natural heritage of the Saxon-Bohemian Switzerland National Park:
Please remain on the marked trails. In the core zones, please use these paths exclusively (trail requirement).
If trails are closed to protect nature, we thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Fires and smoking are not permitted in order to protect our beloved nature from damage.
Please leave everything exactly as you found it - plants, animals, and stones belong here. The National Park is not an area for gathering berries and mushrooms.
Please park only in the designated parking areas.
Drones are not permitted in this area.
Camping and free overnight stays are generally prohibited. An exception applies to the "Boofen" (bivouacs), which are strictly reserved for rock climbers. An annual temporary ban on using the Boofen is in effect for conservation reasons from February 1st to June 15th.
Please take your litter with you and help keep nature clean.
Dogs are welcome but should be kept on a leash at all times. This serves to protect the flora and fauna, as well as to show consideration for other visitors.
Is the nearest toilet too far away? Anyone who urgently needs to defecate in the forest should bury their waste afterward, due to pathogens that can harm nature. The use of toilet paper is encouraged, as tissues decompose very poorly.
National Park Partners
This seal is awarded to establishments that have a particularly strong commitment to the National Park and the protection of this unique landscape. National Park Partners act as ambassadors for the National Park and are keen to convey its principles to their guests. National Park Partners are also prominently identified by this seal in the online Saxon Switzerland accommodation directory.
National Park Municipality of Hinterhermsdorf
Hinterhermsdorf is certified as a family-friendly holiday destination and, since 2009, has held the title of ‘National Park Municipality’ – the first place in Saxon Switzerland to receive this distinction. The village features numerous informative National Park information boards, where visitors can find hiking tips as well as rules governing conduct in the National Park.
National Park Centre
The Saxon Switzerland National Park Centre in Bad Schandau is the visitor centre for the protected area. How did this mysterious rocky landscape form? Which rare animals live here? How does the forest habitat function? The museum provides clear, family-friendly answers to these questions through numerous models. A highlight is a multi-vision presentation in the cinema featuring spectacular footage from the national park region.
In Saxon Switzerland, certified national park guides direct visitors’ steps and attention towards the great and small wonders of the rocky landscape. The focus is always on experiencing and feeling. Knowledge is imparted almost incidentally. Families, groups, school classes and companies can book bespoke tours and activities with the certified national park guides.
