Through the rugged rock walls of the Kirnitzschklamm to Königsplatz

8.39 km long
Round trip
Difficulty: medium
Condition: easy
Great panorama
Hiking
  • 2:45 h
  • 8.39 km
  • 313 m
  • 316 m
  • 269 m
  • 426 m
  • 157 m
  • Start: Buchenparkhalle in Hinterhermsdorf
  • Destination: Buchenparkhalle in Hinterhermsdorf

A special nature experience on this route is the boat trip on the Obere Schleuse, a reservoir in the narrow, deep Kirnitzschklamm gorge. As early as 1580, the Kirnitzsch was dammed to transport logs felled by water flow downstream towards the Elbe. In the 19th century, the first "summer vacationers" were transported by boat through the romantic gorge. The beautiful tradition of boat rides is still maintained today.

Buchenparkhalle - Dachshöhle - Obere Schleuse - Hermannseck - Schlegelhütte - Wettinplatz - Königsplatz - Buchenparkhalle

Good to know

Best to visit

suitable
Depends on weather

Directions

This hike starts at the Buchenparkhalle parking lot in Hinterhermsdorf. We follow the path marked with a blue line (Hohweg) from the parking lot, which first leads straight past garden areas into the forest. From now on, this marking takes us – past the Dachshöhle – to the Obere Schleuse.

Part of the hike in this gorge can be experienced by boat. However, there is also the option to walk this section on foot parallel to the river (red and blue lines). At the end of the boat ride, we climb the steep path upwards, keep left, and continue following the red line marking. Later, we reach a branch to the right (Hermannseck). Here, we have two options to reach the "Schlegelhütte" viewpoint: one is the "comfortable" route, the other is marked as "steep/narrow". The narrow path leads up a narrow metal staircase between the rocks. Directly at the Schlegelhütte, behind the viewpoint, we emerge from the crevice back to the surface.

From Hermannseck, we continue hiking to Wettinplatz, following the red line marking. From here, we go left and remain on the path marked with the red line until the Königsplatz viewpoint. From Königsplatz, we descend on the other side, turn right at the next intersection, and stay on this path until reaching Höllstraße/Zollstraße with the green dot marking. Here, we turn right and hike back to the starting point.

Tour information

  • Loop Road

  • Stop at an Inn

Equipment

Sturdy footwear is recommended.

Directions & Parking facilities

From Bad Schandau via the Kirnitzschtal or from Sebnitz via Hertigswalde and Saupsdorf.

Buchenparkhalle parking lot (limited capacity)

Arrival and departure by bus line 241

Additional information

The boat tour can be booked in advance here

Literature

Order now: Hiking guides

Author´s Tip / Recommendation of the author

Many guests ride down the Obere Schleuse. Going upstream, there is more space in the boat.

Dog owners choose the comfortable way to the "Schlegelhütte".

Map

Buy here: Hiking maps

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