The castles of the Polenz valley: Hohnstein and Hockstein

The starting point is Hohnstein marketplace. From here, we first take the narrow Rathausstraße downhill – to our right is the castle – and then immediately turn right onto the “Bärengarten” path. The blue stripe markings take us down into the Schindergraben.

The name comes from the original profession of the “Schinder” or knacker, who euthanized sick animals and disposed of carcasses in remote areas – an important task for disease prevention.

The Schindergraben flows into the Polenz valley. After crossing the Polenz, we walk to the right (red dot marking). After a few minutes, we take the path up to the left to the Hockstein (blue and green stripe markings). This goes through the Wolfsschlucht – a very narrow and impressive crevice between the rocks. At the top, we reach the Hockstein, with a rest pavilion and an impressive viewpoint.

Previously, there was a castle on the Hockstein. The only access was a narrow rock crevice – the Wolfsschlucht. This made the fortress easy to guard and optimally defend in case of attack.

The further path leads over the stone Devil’s Valley bridge. At the next junction, we keep left and follow the Knotenweg (green stripe), which later crosses a road. We continue following the Knotenweg (at the next junction without color marking, turn left downhill) to the Koppelsgrund. Here we turn left (Füllholzelweg, red stripe), later crossing the road again and descending into the Polenz valley. At the bottom, we walk to the right to the Waltersdorfer mill. Behind the mill, cross the bridge and continue left to the Neuweg (red stripe). We walk uphill on it, through the forest to the edge of Hohnstein and further back to the starting point of the hike – the marketplace.

Sturdy hiking shoes and provisions are recommended.

By car from Lohmen, Bad Schandau or Sebnitz to Hohnstein market square.

Several, partly paid parking options are available at the Eiche car park, at the former station car park in Hohnstein, or the hiking car park below the castle.

By S-Bahn S1 to Pirna, then change to Bus 237 (direction Sebnitz) to Markt, Hohnstein

On the way there or back, a visit to the impressive Hohnstein Castle is recommended.

Hohnstein Castle was built in 1236 and has since stood 140 meters above the Polenz valley. On three sides, the rock walls drop steeply into the valley. The only access is via the marketplace of the town of Hohnstein. As a fief of Emperor Charles IV, King of Bohemia, the border fortress passed to Hinko I. Berka of Duba in 1353.

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The route is suitable for children. At the Wolfsschlucht, numerous grated stairs must be overcome and it becomes quite narrow, so the route is only conditionally suitable for dogs.

Not for people with claustrophobia!

Surefootedness and a head for heights are required.