What would the world be without national parks? In them, humanity preserves its most valuable natural landscapes for future generations. "Let nature be nature" is the maxim of the global national park movement. This means: Man limits himself to the role of the amazed and learning observer. National parks are not only fascinating retreats for rare animal and plant species. They are also idyllic recreational worlds for their visitors.
Rock National Park
The Saxon Switzerland National Park is the only non-alpine rock national park in Germany - and with about 94 square kilometers one of the smallest in the Federal Republic. The protected area consists of two parts on the right bank of the Elbe. The smaller part surrounds the spa town of Rathen. The main part stretches from Bad Schandau eastward to the Czech border, where the Bohemian Switzerland National Park adjoins. National parks require mindfulness. Anyone passing the Saxon Switzerland National Park sign should be aware that they are now entering a particularly sensitive nature reserve.
Hiking in the National Park Region
Saxon Switzerland is an El Dorado for hikers and walkers. An elaborate network of trails leads to breathtaking viewpoints and through deep gorges. To ensure no one loses their way, the trails are color-coded and well 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 Partner
This seal is awarded to facilities that particularly identify with the National Park and the protection of this unique landscape. National Park Partners are ambassadors of the National Park and gladly pass on the National Park idea to their guests. The National Park Partners are also specially highlighted with this seal in the Saxon Switzerland online host directory.
National Park Municipality Hinterhermsdorf
Hinterhermsdorf is certified as a family-friendly holiday resort and has held the title of "National Park Municipality" since 2009 - as the first town in Saxon Switzerland. There are many informative National Park information boards in the town, where visitors can find hiking tips and rules on how to behave in the National Park.
National Park Center
The Saxon Switzerland National Park Center in Bad Schandau is the visitor center of the protected area. How was the mysterious rocky world created? Which rare animals live here? How does the forest habitat work? The museum provides clear and family-friendly information about this with numerous models. The highlight is a multivision show in the cinema hall with fantastic recordings from the national park region.
Certified national park guides in Saxon Switzerland direct steps and glances to the large and small wonders of the rocky world. The focus is always on experiencing, on feeling. The transfer of knowledge happens almost in passing. Families, groups, school classes, and companies can book individual tours and adventure offers with the certified national park guides.
