Kirnitzschtal: In musical footsteps to the Kuhstall

2:30 h
7.14 km
222 m
224 m
160 m
329 m
169 m
Start: Lichtenhainer Waterfall
Destination: Lichtenhainer Waterfall

In the footsteps of Carl Maria von Weber to the largest rock gate of Saxon Switzerland

The "Kuhstall" – the largest rock gate of Saxon Switzerland – was already a popular excursion destination for the Romantics early on. In the massive layer fissure cave of the Kuhstall, they found a natural phenomenon with the greatest emotional impact on humans. Carl Maria von Weber was also drawn here: between 1817 and 1825, he immortalized himself in the visitor’s book of the rock gate. For the composer, who founded German Romanticism in opera with his "Freischütz," the wild landscape with its bizarre rocks and mysterious forests offered an inexhaustible source of inspiration. Anyone who lingers at the Kuhstall today stands in a place already experienced by Weber – and can thus uniquely connect music history and nature. Carl Maria von Weber most likely started from Bad Schandau. In 1821, he visited his wife Caroline in the spa town. Today, a ride with the Kirnitzschtalbahn from the spa park Bad Schandau to the starting point of the hike at the Lichtenhainer Waterfall is recommended.

Pavements

Street (2%)

Asphalt (2%)

Gravel (10%)

Trail (38%)

Path (48%)

Best to visit

suitable

Depends on weather

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Directions

The route begins at the final station of the Kirnitzschtalbahn at the Lichtenhainer Waterfall. Behind the car park, you first cross the Kirnitzsch over a small bridge and then follow the Malerweg trail sign to the left. After a few meters, the path leads steadily uphill to the impressive rock cave of the Kuhstall at the Neuer Wildenstein. Via the 'Himmelsleiter' (Heaven’s Ladder), you climb many steps at the Kuhstall (path branch to the left from the railing at the rock gate) between two rock walls to another magnificent viewpoint. After returning to the rock gate, the descent from the Neuer Wildenstein follows the stair steps to the left in front of the rock gate (Malerweg marking). Just before the descent, there is also a Malerweg information sign with interesting details about the Malerweg. Once at the bottom, the paths split. For this route, you continue left following the Malerweg marking on the Haussteig. The route continues over the Ferkelschlüchte and the Kleiner Zschand down into the Kirnitzschtal. Return to the Lichtenhainer Waterfall is possible from the Felsenmühle via the Flößersteig – always along the bank of the Kirnitzsch.

Tour information