Heaven and Hell

7.10 km long
Round trip
Difficulty: medium
Condition: medium
Great panorama
Hiking
  • 2:30 h
  • 7.10 km
  • 340 m
  • 340 m
  • 147 m
  • 452 m
  • 305 m
  • Start: Nasser Grund
  • Destination: Nasser Grund
This hike takes us to the Carolafels – a fantastic viewpoint in the middle of the Saxon Switzerland National Park. From the rocky resting place, we have the semicircle of the Dome in front of us, the rugged sandstone and the light-dark eroded reefs, weather pines, and dense forest. The light gray worn rocks stand out in the foreground, and finally, you can see the Schrammsteine and the monolithic Falkenstein in the background.

Nasser Grund – Jordanweg – Kleine Domstiege – Zurückesteig – Carolafelsen – Wilde Hölle – Eulentilke/Jordanweg – Nasser Grund

Good to know

Pavements

Street (9%)
Asphalt (22%)
Gravel (30%)
Path (38%)

Best to visit

suitable
Depends on weather

Directions

Our hike begins at the stop "Nasser Grund" in the Kirnitzschtal. In the past, there was a historic sandstone bridge here at Nasser Grund. It was supposed to be blown up along with the rock formations downstream in the last days of World War II to hinder the advance of the Red Army. Fortunately, the explosion never took place, but the bridge was replaced in 1950 by the current structure due to its low load-bearing capacity.

We hike the wide path gently uphill through the Nasser Grund. At the first junction, we leave the Eulentilke behind and continue straight ahead. On the left, the Jordanweg branches off later (signposted, without color marking), which we follow. At the next and the following fork, we follow the yellow dashed marking towards Kleiner Dom - Großer Winterberg. After the partly steep ascent over the Kleine Domstiege in the Kleine Dom, we turn left at the next fork (also Malerweg). We continue to follow the yellow dash towards Großer Winterberg. At the next fork, we turn left and shortly afterward pass by the "Kleine Prebischtor".

At the next crossroads, we continue straight ahead with the Malerweg and the yellow dash. Shortly after, a larger junction appears; here we leave the yellow dash and turn left with the blue dash towards Reitsteig. From now on, we follow the sign "Carolafelsen", and at the next junction, we turn left without a color marking and descend a few steps. A small detour over stairs and rock steps leads us to the panoramic view of the Carolafelsen, offering a unique view into the Dome, to the Schrammsteine, the Falkenstein, and even to the Lusatian table mountains to the left.

Returning from the viewpoint, we keep left. The descent leads us into the Wilde Hölle. This wild romantic gorge lives up to its name! For usability, including for hikers, iron clamps have been installed on difficult passages. Nevertheless, increased attention, sure-footedness, and freedom from dizziness—especially in wet weather—are advisable.

Through the Eulentilke, one of the many valleys of Saxon Switzerland, we reach the Nasser Grund again, keep right, and hike back into the Kirnitzschtal to our starting point. ATTENTION: Since 2026, the Eulentilke has been declared impassable due to fallen trees and the acute danger of further tree collapses. Although the path is not officially closed, we advise against using the Eulentilke and recommend the return via the Jordanweg (turn left at the foot of the Wilde Hölle, then you return to the junction from the beginning of the tour).

Tour information

  • Loop Road

  • Summit

Directions & Parking facilities

By car from Bad Schandau through the Kirnitzschtal to the Nasser Grund car park. We recommend arriving by public transport because the parking lot fills up quickly.
Paid car parking Nasser Grund (between 6:00 - 22:00 hours)
Bus 241 (direction Hinterhermsdorf) to the Nasser Grund stop

Or with the Kirnitzschtalbahn, probably the only national park tram in Germany! 

Additional information

Author´s Tip / Recommendation of the author

We recommend arriving by public transport, e.g. with the Kirnitzschtalbahn, as parking spaces in the Kirnitzschtal are very limited.

Safety guidelines

ATTENTION: Since February 2026, the Eulentilke has been declared impassable. Please use the Jordanweg instead. For more information, see the National Park trail service.

Freedom from dizziness and sure-footedness required. Due to climbing sections with fall hazards in the Wilde Hölle, the tour is not suitable for small children and dogs.

Please note: The tour is located in the Saxon Switzerland National Park. Here, paths must not be left, and dogs must always be kept on a leash. Violations may result in fines.

Further information about the national park, for example about the rules in force there and about the trail markers, can be found on the national park website.

Map

Order here: Hiking maps

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