The Flößersteig commemorates timber rafting with numerous informational panels. Due to the immense demand for wood, timber rafting played a significant cultural role in Germany from the Middle Ages until the mid-20th century. Since December 2014, timber rafting has been recognized as an intangible cultural heritage of Germany.
On the historic Flößersteig at the Kirnitzsch
Short facts
- start: Beuthenfall stop, Lichtenhain (Sebnitz)
- destination: Bad Schandau
- medium
- 9,06 km
- 2 hours 35 minutes
- 57 m
- 189 m
- 117 m
Weather
General information
- Stop at an Inn
- Tour with Dog
Beuthenfall stop, Lichtenhain (Sebnitz)
Bad Schandau
This hike begins at the Beuthenfall stop in the Kirnitzsch valley on historic paths. Those with time can arrive by the Kirnitzschtalbahn – a moving monument that has been transporting hikers since 1898. The route is 8 kilometers long and the shortest line in Saxony.
After crossing the Kirnitzsch, which is among the cleanest waters in Saxony, we follow the educational Flößersteig trail to the right (marked with a green diagonal stripe).
With some patience and luck, you can observe the only songbird in the Kirnitzsch valley that can dive in flowing waters: the dipper. It is recognized by its brown shimmering plumage and distinctive white chest patch. It hops from stone to stone in the Kirnitzsch, dives, swims underwater upstream with slightly spread wings, searching for small aquatic animals.
At the Ostrauer Mill, after the campsite, the Flößersteig takes us over the Kirnitzsch and the road. It continues on the other side of the road to Bad Schandau. In Bad Schandau, we can walk through the spa park and head towards the market. The tour ends at the Elbe quay (bus stop), and we can take the ferry to the National Park station.
This route is suitable for experienced hikers. The path is partly very narrow, exposed, and difficult to walk. Critical sections usually have handholds available.
Sturdy footwear is required.
Beuthenfall stop, Lichtenhain (Sebnitz): from National Park station Bad Schandau take bus 241 towards Hinterhermsdorf Erbgericht