To the balcony of Saxon Switzerland

Our hike begins on the outskirts of Hohnstein(towards Brandstraße). We initially follow the road (blue line) towards Brand. At the beginning of the forest, this road turns into Brandstraße, a wide forest path. We walk straight ahead (blue line) into the "Brand", as the area is called here: In the 18th century, the forest here was devastatingly ablaze. The trail continues under spreading treetops to the Brandaussicht, where, in good weather conditions, you can enjoy a fantastic view of the table mountains of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains on the left bank of the Elbe and Bohemian Switzerland.

In addition to the main viewpoint at the Brand-Baude inn, we recommend a detour to the Hafersäcke viewpoint, which offers a view of the Tiefen Grund. A visit to the Blockhaus Brand national park information point is also worthwhile. Interesting information on the mountains, waters and sights shown can be accessed via interactive screen presentations. You can also find out more about the Polenz Valley and its special features. The "children's corner" of the exhibition entices visitors with a foray into the world of birds. Children can learn how our native bird species are tied to very specific habitats in a playful way on the screen and with the help of animal specimens. The information point is accessible without steps.

If you wish, you can take a detour to the Hafersäcke viewpoint, the path to which is signposted. However, the viewpoint is not barrier-free as there are steps here.

For the way back to Hohnstein, we initially take the same route to the green line junction. Here we turn left, pass a small pond and after a few minutes come to the path marked with a red line. Turn right here. At the next crossroads, we keep left and continue along the wide hiking trail to the outskirts of Hohnstein. Once there, we keep to the right and complete our loop.

Coming from Pirna via Lohmen to Hohnstein, the Eiche parking lot is located shortly before leaving the town. There is another small parking lot in Max-Jacob-Straße at the former train station.

Eiche parking lot or parking lot at the former train station, both subject to charges (day ticket € 5)

Take S-Bahn S1 to Pirna, from here take bus 237 (direction Sebnitz) to Markt, Hohnstein or Eiche, Hohnstein.

The starting point of the tour is approx. 1.5 km to the south.

To the Brand-Baude website - Opening hours: April - October: 11 am - 7 pm, November - March: 11 am - 5 pm.

• All the rules in the National Park
• Tips for safe hiking in Saxon Switzerland, created in cooperation with the mountain rescue service
• Tips on dealing with dead wood for hikes, especially through dead spruce stands

We recommend a stop at the national park partner Brand-Baude! A detour to the "Hafersäcke view" is also worthwhile.

The tour is suitable for baby carriages, walking bikes, children and dogs. If you take the same route back from the Brandbaude, it is also suitable for wheelchair users.

Please note: The tour runs almost entirely through the Saxon Switzerland National Park. It is not permitted to leave the paths here and dogs must always be kept on a lead. Fines may be imposed for non-compliance.

Further information about the national park, for example about the rules that apply there and about the path markings, can be found on the national park website.