• Tip
  • 11.98 km long
  • Round trip
  • Difficulty: medium
  • Condition: easy
  • Winter hikes
  • 3:30 h
  • 11.98 km
  • 214 m
  • 219 m
  • 166 m
  • 274 m
  • 108 m
  • Start: Thürmsdorf
  • Destination: Thürmsdorf

A real hidden gem—a surprisingly scenic loop hike for late fall and winter along the Malerweg and the Panoramaweg Struppen.

Thürmsdorf - Naundorf - Wehlener Straße - Borngasse (red dot) - Malerweg - Königsnase - Panoramaweg (green dot) - Mühlstein - Kirchberg - Lottersteig - Naundorf - Thürmsdorf

Pavements

Unknown (10%)
Asphalt (34%)
Gravel (2%)
Trail (22%)
Path (32%)

Best to visit

suitable
Depends on weather

Directions

Your hike begins at Thürmsdorf Castle. From there, follow the red dot trail markers toward Naundorf. Right at the start, we highly recommend visiting the castle’s rhododendron park. The trail then leads past a small pond and a small town square and ends at Bärensteiner Straße. Cross the street and continue hiking along the base of the Kleiner Bärenstein to Naundorf (red dot trail marker). At the entrance to the village, you’ll come to the Malerweg, which you’ll follow through the village from this point on.

From here, the route first takes you past charming half-timbered houses and farms that are home to a variety of farm animals. Among others, you’ll encounter donkeys, horses, chickens, and turkeys. After this idyllic stretch, you’ll enter the woods.

About one kilometer after you reach the woods, you’ll come to an unmarked lookout point that offers an excellent view of the Elbe and the former sandstone quarries—now barely visible—on the right bank of the river. This spot is located just before a private road. Be careful, as this section can be a bit muddy due to springs above the trail.

Continuing along the Malerweg, you’ll come across a lovingly designed fountain in a pond. Then hike straight ahead to the viewpoint at the Königsnase. Here, especially during the leafless months, you can enjoy a magnificent view across the Elbe all the way to Pirna.

At the rest area (in poor structural condition) at the Königsnase, you’ll have the opportunity for a well-deserved break before continuing your hike along the Panoramaweg toward Struppen, marked by the green dot. You’ll hike along the edge of the field and, after about 15 minutes, reach another lookout point that offers a beautiful view toward Struppen and the Struppen Castle estate.

The trail continues along the edge of the field, where, in good weather, you can enjoy magnificent panoramic views of Pirna-Sonnenstein, Dresden, and all the way to Radebeul and the Spitzhaus. A cultural and historical highlight is the preserved millwheel on the Panoramaweg, just before you reach Kirchberg.

You’ll follow the Panoramaweg Struppen, which turns into a farm road and offers spectacular views of Königstein Fortress and the Lilienstein.

For the return trip to Naundorf, take the Lottersteig—also a farm road—where you’ll enjoy, among other things, a charming view of the Kleiner Bärenstein. Finally, by following a short stretch of the Malerweg and the red dot trail markers, you’ll return to the starting point of your hike via the same route.

Tour information

  • Cultural Interesting

  • Loop Road

  • Tour with Dog

Equipment

  • Layered clothing and winter hiking boots
  • Backpack with a hiking map, snacks, a thermos with a hot drink, a smartphone, a flashlight, and a first-aid kit
  • Hiking poles, crampons

Directions & Parking facilities

Getting there

From Pirna (S168) to Struppen, or from Bad Schandau (B172) to Königstein, then take the Struppen turnoff (S168)

Parking

Parking lot at the Adoratio Chocolate Factory & Café

Public transportation

Getting There and Back: Bus 241

Gasthaus I Thürmsdorf bus stop

Additional information

Literature

Order Now: Hiking Guide

Author´s Tip / Recommendation of the author

The best time for this hike is between late October and late March, as that's when you can enjoy all the views.

Safety guidelines

The Malerweg trail can get a bit muddy in winter, as many small springs flow toward the Elbe.

The trails are not cleared of ice and snow. Please refrain from winter hiking if there is black ice.

Map