Hike from Königstein over Lilienstein to Kurort Rathen

3:40 h
11.41 km
394 m
394 m
113 m
409 m
296 m
Start: Königstein
Destination: Kurort Rathen

From the fortress town of Königstein, the path leads up to the striking table mountain, Lilienstein. After a short climb, a great view opens up over wide parts of Saxon Switzerland. Along an idyllic path through the forest, the route leads to Kurort Rathen and the Amselsee, where a leisurely gondola ride can be enjoyed. Interesting information about the flora and fauna of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains can be learned at the nearby National Park information center Amselfallbaude. The starting point in Königstein is best reached from Kurort Rathen by S-Bahn.

Königstein - Elbe ferry - Halbestadt - Ebenheit - Lilienstein - Blue stripe marking (long-distance hiking trail) - Kurort Rathen - Amselsee - crossed in Kurort Rathen by cable ferry to the other side of the Elbe - train station

Pavements

Unknown (1%)

Asphalt (19%)

Gravel (31%)

Trail (10%)

Path (39%)

Best to visit

suitable

Depends on weather

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Directions

From the train station or parking lot in Königstein, the path takes us across the Elbe via ferry to the other bank (Halbestadt). From here, we go up to the Königsteiner Ebenheit. There we follow the signage to Lilienstein. Upon reaching the foot of Lilienstein, we now climb up stairs and ladders to what is probably the most beautiful table mountain in Saxon Switzerland. Here, you can enjoy views in all directions of the region. After a short descent the same way, we follow the blue stripe marking (long-distance hiking trail) to Kurort Rathen. Arriving in Kurort Rathen, we enjoy the beautiful views over the Elbe, might spot a steamboat, and walk through the town towards Amselsee. In the spa town there are numerous dining options, ranging from snack bars to 4-star restaurants. The Amselsee, beneath imposing rock formations such as "Locomotive," "Beehive," "small and large goose," and "Valley Guardian," offers a peaceful rest or a gondola ride. On the way back, we hike and enjoy the route from the opposite direction and cross to the other side of the Elbe in Kurort Rathen via the cable ferry. The cable ferry must consider ships because of the cable it hangs on, so a small delay may occur during the crossing. Upon reaching the other Elbe bank, we go up to the station so that we can take the train back to Königstein.

Tour information

Stop at an Inn

Equipment

Sturdy footwear required

Directions & Parking facilities

A 17: exit Pirna, continue on B 172 towards Bad Schandau to Königstein

Exit Bahretal, continue on K 8732 to Krietzschwitz, then B 172 towards Bad Schandau to Königstein

Parking garage "Königstein am Malerweg" on the B 172 (turn-off fortress), only 800 m on foot to the fortress
Few parking options in the valley

Arrival:

Line S1:Meissen - Dresden - Königstein - Schöna

241 National Park Line: Pirna – Hinterhermsdorf + 246: Pirna – Königstein | Reißigerplatz

Departure:

With the ferry to Kurort Rathen station, from there the S1

Additional information

Attractive hike with beautiful views; ascent and descent via steps and ladders; information about the national park; dining facilities available; return trip by public transport

Literature

Order now: Hiking guide

Safety guidelines

Accessible all year round, not recommended on ice and snow slicks, surefootedness required

Please note: only marked paths may be used in the core zone of the Saxon Switzerland National Park! Violations may be fined.

Trail markings

Map

Buy here: Hiking map Königstein - Kurort Rathen

Event