Rathen health resort: Hockstein-Polenztal circuit

4:00 h
11.64 km
282 m
280 m
114 m
327 m
213 m
Start: Health resort Rathen
Destination: Health resort Rathen

Two (valleys) in one go in the footsteps of Carl Maria von Weber

This hike follows in the footsteps of Carl Maria von Weber through the romantic landscape of Saxon Switzerland. The highlights of this tour include the Rathen Rock Theatre and the Wolf Gorge.

The Felsenbühne Rathen is one of the most beautiful natural theaters in Europe and is inextricably linked with Carl Maria von Weber. His opera "Der Freischütz", a symbol of German Romanticism, has had a permanent place in the repertoire here for many years. The bizarre rocks and mystical forests all around create a backdrop that has an extraordinary effect, especially in the famous Wolfsschlucht scene. Nature and music merge to create an overall experience.

Another highlight is the mysterious Wolfsschlucht gorge on the Hockstein - the setting that became the most famous scene in Weber's opera "Der Freischütz". Here, Kaspar conjures up the devilish free balls in the eerie night, while nature itself becomes a player. The wild rocky landscape with its rugged walls and dark ravines still makes it clear today why this scene is considered the epitome of German Romanticism.

Route: Rathen spa town - Amselgrund - Am Grünbach - Rathewalder Mühle - Querweg - Hocksteinweg - Hocksteinaussicht - Wolfsschlucht - Polenztalweg - Füllhölzelweg - Rathen spa town

Pavements

Street

Asphalt

Gravel

Trail

Path

Best to visit

suitable

Depends on weather

Jan
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Directions

This tour starts in the spa town of Rathen. From the ferry, walk a short distance into the town and turn left at Amselgrundschlösschen towards Amselgrund. After about 10 minutes, you will reach the entrance to the Rathen rock stage. Here you can take a detour up to the rock stage (steep path, approx. 15 minutes). The route then continues down into the Amselgrund, past the Amselsee and the Amselfall to Rathewalde. From Amselgrund to Polenztal, this route always runs parallel to the Malerweg. The markings/signposting of the Malerweg are therefore a very good guide along this section. Once you arrive in Rathewalde, the trail turns right up the road at the small village pond and after leaving the village, the trail continues parallel to the road towards the Hockstein parking lot. After crossing the Teufelsbrücke bridge, Hohnstein can be seen from the Hockstein on the other side of the Polenztal valley. You descend into the Polenztal valley via steps through the narrow Wolfsschlucht gorge. Once in the Polenztal, follow the Polenztal for approx. 30 minutes (marked with a red dot). A signpost then points to the turn-off to Rathen (marked with a red line). From here, the Füllhölzelweg leads back to the spa town of Rathen.

Tour information

Cultural Interesting
Loop Road
Stop at an Inn

Equipment

Onion-skin clothing and winter hiking boots
Backpack with hiking map, snacks, thermos flask with a warm drink, smartphone, flashlight, first aid kit
Hiking poles, ice goggles

Directions & Parking facilities

Oberrathen parking lot

from/to Kurort Rathen: S-Bahn S1, ferry F7 Kurort Rathen

Timetable information: www.vvo-online.de

Additional information

Winter refreshment open:

Rathewalder Mill

Polenztal Inn

Safety guidelines

This is a red tour (moderately difficult route, with slight inclines, possibly difficult in deep snow). The Wolfsschlucht is black (difficult tour, with steep ascents, steps and on paths, not always passable in snow and icy conditions).

Map

Winter hiking map Saxon Switzerland

Event

Place of interest

Tours

Rathen health resort: Hockstein-Polenztal circuit

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