Enchanting stairs in the Schmilka basin

2:50 h
8.28 km
445 m
445 m
121 m
465 m
344 m
Start: Schmilka
Destination: Schmilka

Stairs and climbing facilities have always been constructed to overcome the rugged terrain in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. One of the most beautiful staircases and a special experience is the Rotkehlchenstiege, which requires surefootedness and caution.

Schmilka at the ferry terminal - hiking path to the Kleine Bastei - Rotkehlchenstiege - Wurzelweg - Schmilka

Best to visit

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Depends on weather

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Directions

We start in Schmilka at the ferry terminal. First, we go a short way downstream of the Elbe (green line). The path meets the road and after a few meters a path branches off uphill on the right (Kahntilke). We cross a track, on which we go briefly to the right and then continue following the hiking trail to the Kleine Bastei.

For the further route, we stay on the path with the green line marking until we reach the Elbleitenweg. Here we turn right (green dot). We follow this wide forest track, which later leads downhill; we come to a right-hand bend and here we take the second path branching off to the left (Rotkehlchenstiege, green triangle for mountain path on the signpost). The path takes us at the end of the valley to the Rotkehlchenstiege.

After the ascent, one level higher in the rock world, we turn right and follow the blue line marking. After a little more than 1 km, we make a detour to the right to enjoy a beautiful view into the rock landscape towards the Wenzelwand.

The path continues at almost constant altitude. At the junction to the Lehnsteig (signposted but unmarked), we turn right. We walk along a ridge and later descend stairs. Below, we reach the Wurzelweg, keep right and at the next large intersection turn downhill (yellow line, road), it goes partly quite steeply downhill and we arrive back in Schmilka.

GPS data updated 2021

Tour information