Sun-warmed rocks, chirping crickets and the scent of pine in the air. Saxon Switzerland is highly recommended for a summer holiday in June, July and August. If table mountains or cool gorges are too uneventful for you - there are plenty of other adventures to be had. To help you create unforgettable holiday memories, we have compiled everything you need to plan your holiday on this page. Be inspired.
Would you like to experience moments like those shown in the film during summer in Saxon Switzerland? This link will take you directly there: to places such as the Königstein climbing park, Königstein Fortress, the Elbe-Freizeitland and further recommendations. Alternatively, browse the favourite places to see whether you can find something suitable for your holiday.
For anyone visiting Saxon Switzerland for the first time or who does not have time to plan their break, this is the ultimate service. A 48-hour holiday featuring the most beautiful hikes, regional delicacies and special highlights, planned and designed for you to recreate individually. This allows you to enjoy your holiday in Saxon Switzerland without lengthy planning and simply savour the experience.
June
Treat yourself to 48 hours filled with moments of joy! A hike through the mystical Wolfsschlucht gorge to the castle town of Hohnstein, breathtaking views from the Brand viewpoint and a nostalgic ride on the Kirnitzschtal tramway – June reveals Saxon Switzerland at its very finest.
July
Fancy discovering the adventurous side of Saxon Switzerland? Explore the Waldhusche forest adventure area in Hinterhermsdorf, take a boat trip on the Upper Lock and marvel at the miniature world in the ‘Little Saxon Switzerland’ park. Another highlight is an introductory climbing course. Perfect for families, nature enthusiasts and explorers of all ages.
August
In August, Saxon Switzerland is tranquil and impressive: a journey on the nostalgic Kirnitzschtal tramway and the historic passenger lift, hikes to the Kuhstall and into the realm of the table mountains, as well as a visit to the majestic Königstein Fortress, make summer a truly unique experience.
Cool, moss-covered gorges, fantastic views and rivers sparkling in the sun: these are the ingredients for blissful hiking moments in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains in summer.
Explore everything from outdoor swimming pools and amusement parks to canoe trips and summer cultural events...
Cool off and relax
The most beautiful summer hikes start early, follow shady trails – and end in the water. There are around a dozen delightful bathing spots in Saxon Switzerland. Most are hidden gems.
Delicious discoveries
The path to chilled bliss is rarely long in Saxon Switzerland. Whether after a hike or simply as a treat, numerous ice cream parlours await you with handmade delicacies.
Fun ahead!
Ride a chair swing, discover amusing details in miniature worlds and engage in duels with soft-ball cannons: At the region's theme parks, even Mum and Dad become children again, much to the delight of the little ones.
Enjoy the rocky landscape from the water
Travelling in a dinghy, canoe or boat along the sweeping bends through this majestic rocky landscape is one of the highlights of a summer holiday in the region.
Summer cultural gems
In summer, the Elbe Sandstone Mountains provide the backdrop for Europe's most beautiful open-air theatre, wonderful music festivals, dedicated fringe theatres and many other attractions.
Experience the unique rocky landscape of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains on exciting hiking tours of varying difficulty, while discovering adventurous locations and spectacular views.
Exploring by bicycle
Who is joining us by bike? Saxon Switzerland is ideal for exploring by bicycle. From the Elbe Cycle Route and tours through the national park to gravel routes, the choice is vast.
Nature. Tranquillity. Energy.
Step out into nature. Find your way to inner peace and take in your surroundings mindfully: how about morning yoga or an immersive forest hike?
Travelling through time in the sandstone
Hiking along the seabed while learning all sorts of fascinating facts? In the Elbe Sandstone Mountains, this is entirely possible—ideally on a guided hike.
There is suitable equipment for every activity in Saxon Switzerland. Complete climbing sets with helmets are available for fixed-aid climbing tours, while rucksacks, walking poles and child carriers are available for hiking – ideal for families. Those who have not brought their own hiking boots can obtain the appropriate equipment from the Bad Schandau Tourist Service. Anyone wishing to capture special moments can also hire high-quality SIGMA lenses.
During the summer months, temperatures usually range between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius – perfect for extended tours through the impressive Elbe Sandstone Mountains. The deeply incised gorges, such as the Uttewalder Grund, are a particular highlight. Even on hot days, they remain pleasantly cool and shady – a refreshing contrast to the summer heat. These climatic ‘oases’ make hiking tolerable even at high temperatures.
Conditions are rather different on the distinctive table mountains, such as Lilienstein or Pfaffenstein, where it can quickly become hot in the sun. Anyone planning a summit tour should therefore be sure to bring sun protection and plenty of water. Overall, Saxon Switzerland offers a fascinating combination of cool, wooded areas and sunny heights in summer – ideal for anyone who loves nature and is looking for something special.
The wonderful thing about Saxon Switzerland is that there are always magnificent views to enjoy! And, incidentally, you do not need to scale challenging climbing peaks or endure hours of arduous ascents to experience them. We have compiled our nine favourite viewpoints for you here. You can choose to reach them via a short route or as part of a longer hike. All of these viewpoints have one thing in common: you do not need a car to enjoy the sweeping vistas.
Fine art, puppet theatre, concerts, film & festivals: In numerous locations across Saxon Switzerland, it is a well-established tradition to round off long summer days by enjoying cultural events.
These are the highlights:
The public transport network in the Saxon Switzerland National Park region is as impressive as the landscape itself. Taking the S-Bahn to go hiking? Catching the FahrradBUS to the starting point of spectacular descents? No problem. Simply hop on.
There are no animals in Saxon Switzerland that pose a serious threat. As in many other low mountain regions, ticks in Saxon Switzerland become active in spring. Particular care should be taken among ferns, along the edges of forests and in meadows. Wearing long trousers, pulling socks over trouser legs and checking for ticks after the tour can help prevent bites. Mosquitoes generally become more prevalent later in the year, although they may appear near standing water as early as spring. Venomous animals are scarce – adders are occasionally encountered, but such encounters are very rare and generally harmless if the animals are left undisturbed.
