Detour on Stage 2 of the Malerweg due to a forest closure starting August 3, 2026

Due to a severe, localized storm on July 31, 2026, the second stage of the Malerweg is closed in some places. This alternative route still leads to the spectacular Bastei viewpoint and bypasses the closed area.

The tour begins at the end of the first stage of the Malerweg on the market square in Stadt Wehlen. From there, follow the Malerweg signs toward the Elbe and take the Elbe Cycle Path on the right. Then, a challenging climb to the right along the Schanzenweg leads to the Steinerner Tisch. The Malerweg markers continue along the Fremdenweg to the Bastei Bridge and the Bastei viewpoint.

From here, the route deviates from the regular course of the second stage of the Malerweg. You first hike back along the same path and, just before the hotel parking lot, follow the blue-line trail marker to the right toward the Schwedenlöcher. After about 300 meters, the trail turns right onto Gansweg. At a small rest area, the trail to the Schwedenlöcher begins on the left, leading down into the Amselgrund.

Once there, follow the Malerweg signs to the left toward Amselfall and Rathewalde.Above the Rathewalder Mühle, the route leads along Teichstraße and Querweg, and then along Hohnsteiner Straße. Before the intersection, cross to the other side of the street at the bus stop and walk past the Hocksteinschänke to the Hockstein parking lot. From there, continue to the Hockstein viewpoint and through the Teufelsgrund. Then turn right into the Polenztal valley.

Starting at the Polenztal Inn, the alternative route deviates from the regular route once again. Cross the bridge to the left in front of the inn and follow the trail markers with the green line into town. The second stage ends in Hohnstein.

Note:
The closure is currently in effect until August 31, 2026. Please check to see if the closure has been extended or shortened.
The general order regarding the forest closure can be found here:
https://www.landratsamt-pirna.de/forst.html-> “General Order Regarding the Closure of Forest Areas in the Vordere Sächsische Schweiz Following the Storm of July 31, 2026”

Adjustment to the restriction on the right to access forests following the storm, with sections of the Polenztalweg, Basteiweg, Amselgrund, Schwedenlöcher, and Gansweg reopened as of August 14, 2026

Overview map of the affected forest areaas of August 14, 2026