Kirnitzschtal: Up to the Kuhstall

2:00 h
3.42 km
173 m
177 m
160 m
329 m
169 m
Start: Lichtenhainer Waterfall
Destination: Lichtenhainer Waterfall

A leisurely route in the footsteps of Caspar David Friedrich to the largest natural rock arch in Saxon Switzerland

Already in Caspar David Friedrich's youth, the "Kuhstall", the largest natural rock arch in Saxon Switzerland, was a popular excursion destination. In the massive bedding cave of the Kuhstall, 19th-century painters found a natural phenomenon of great emotional impact on people. Friedrich himself visited several times. His drawing, created around 1818, was made during a hike with his wife and friends Kummer and Carus.

Pavements

Gravel (27%)

Trail (30%)

Path (43%)

Best to visit

suitable

Depends on weather

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Directions

The route begins at the final station of the Kirnitzschtalbahn at Lichtenhainer Waterfall. Behind the parking lot, first cross the Kirnitzsch over a small bridge and follow the Malerweg signs to the left. After a few meters, the path leads steadily uphill to the impressive rock cave Kuhstall at Neuer Wildenstein. Via the 'Himmelsleiter' (Heaven's Ladder), at Kuhstall (branch of the path to the left of the railing of the rock arch), one climbs many steps between two rock walls to another magnificent viewpoint. The descent first continues along the Malerweg over the steps to the left before the rock arch. Shortly before the descent, there is also a Malerweg information panel with interesting details about the Malerweg. At the bottom, the paths separate. To the right, follow the Hinterer Kuhstallweg (red mark) to the historic signpost at the wooden steps, which lead back to the starting point in the Kirnitzschtal.

Tour information