From Schmilka to the Kipphorn

5.32 km long
Round trip
Difficulty: medium
Condition: medium
Great panorama
Hiking
  • 2:05 h
  • 5.32 km
  • 424 m
  • 424 m
  • 129 m
  • 511 m
  • 382 m
  • Start: Schmilka
  • Destination: Schmilka

A fantastic hiking trail through wild forests leads to this viewing platform, where you have a breathtaking view over the Elbe valley. If you venture up in the early morning hours, you can almost see Casper David Friedrich's painting before you. The descent goes through the magical Erlsgrund and a well-deserved rest awaits at the end in Schmilka.

Good to know

Best to visit

suitable
Depends on weather

Directions

In Schmilka, cross the zebra crossing at Café Richter, then uphill past the organic mill bakery to the edge of the forest. At the first signpost, turn right past the national park information panel. Follow the signs towards “Bergsteig” (up on the left). When the path splits, keep left and ascend the Bergsteig. Many stairs through the forest follow. Later you cross a wide forest road, cross it, and continue straight into the core zone of the national park.

At the next fork, the Kipphorn viewpoint is already signposted. We follow this and keep right until we reach another sign where we turn right along a narrow path. Soon we reach the Kipphorn viewpoint.

From here, take the right game trail until you reach a wide hiking path. Soon you reach a road, which you follow downhill until you can turn right into the Erlsgrund. Stay on this path until you return to the Bergsteig, on which you now head back towards Schmilka to the starting point of the hike.

In Schmilka, a visit to the national park information center on rock climbing in Saxon Switzerland is recommended.

Past the mill bakery, return to the parking lot/ferry dock.

Tour information

  • Loop Road

  • Summit

  • Tour with Dog

Directions & Parking facilities

Parking in Schmilka at the ferry dock (fee required)

Take the S-Bahn S1 to the Hirschmühle stop, Schmilka.

Then cross over with the ferry to Schmilka

Additional information

Here you will find everything about hiking in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains.

Author´s Tip / Recommendation of the author

The route is suitable for children and dogs.

Safety guidelines

In the core zone, only marked paths may be used! Fines may be imposed for violations.

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