To the Winterstein in the Kleiner Zschand

We start at Neumannmühle in the Kirnitzschtal and follow the yellow dash marking. Between steep, green-covered walls we hike into the Großer Zschand.

At the next larger fork, at the turnoff to Zeughausstraße – marked with a red dash – we turn right and after a few minutes left (red dash) to Winterstein, also called Hinteres Raubschloss. After an ascent, a path leads right to the Winterstein climb. The actual ascent to the summit plateau is adventurous – sure-footedness and a head for heights are absolutely necessary! Climbing a long, free-standing ladder and other exposed sections is a special experience.

For the return, we take the same path down the ladder and steps, then continue along the path to the fork. Here we turn right and take the next right turn (Buchschlüchte). Soon (next fork) we find ourselves back on Zeughausstraße, which we follow left. At the next turnoff we reach the Kleiner Zschand. We walk left (green dash), passing Quenenwiesen. The name could be a clue to drying up streams in dry seasons. The Middle High German word quinen means "to disappear".

At the next crossroads, we remain on the broad Zeughausstraße, reach a junction after a few minutes, turn right, and then follow the red dot/M marking towards Kuhstall. This is the Fremdenweg, which leads us to Kuhstall. There it is worth climbing the Himmelsleiter, a long narrow staircase, to the summit. Adventurers can continue to scramble to Schneiderloch afterwards.

For the return, we follow the red dot towards Lichtenhainer Waterfall and descend into the Kirnitzschtal. The hike ends here at the Lichtenhainer Waterfall stop.

Sturdy footwear is important.

Outbound: from Nationalparkbahnhof Bad Schandau with bus 241 (direction Hinterhermsdorf, Erbgericht) to the Buschmühle, Ottendorf (Sebnitz) stop. 5 minutes walk to Neumannmühle

Return: by bus 241 or Kirnitzschtalbahn to Bad Schandau 

Bus timetable

Sure-footedness and a head for heights are absolutely necessary!