Wheelchair tour "Through the Affensteine"

From Beuthenfall in the Kirnitzschtal valley, the trail first climbs very steeply for 200m on a wide path. There are some small sandstone drainage channels to cross, but these are not major obstacles. After the bend in the path, the path slopes downwards and climbs only moderately. At the next crossroads, near a forest hut, turn right. The path now climbs steeply again until, after approx. 650m, we reach the rocks of the Lange Horn with the summit of the Bloßstock on the left. We now continue along the wide hiking trail, also known as the "Untere Affensteinpromenade", in the direction of the Schrammsteine. Although there are short ascents and descents from time to time, we make good progress on the firm and finely gritted surface. Beautiful views of some of the rock formations of the Affensteine make the hike quite varied. Formerly sandy sections of the path have now been paved with sandstone. On the main path, we pass a number of branches with such evocative names as "Wild Hell" and "Great Cathedral", although these are not accessible in a wheelchair. Passing the Lorenzlöchern, we finally reach a large crossroads below the Schrammsteine, where we branch off slightly downhill to the Wildwiese. Our path now joins the Wenzelweg, which we follow turning right and soon pass the rest area with the two huts at the Wildwiese. The wide forest path - even asphalted on the steepest section - then leads us back to the Kirnitzschtal valley via Nassen Grund.Unfortunately, it is not possible to avoid walking the last 1.4 km in the Kirnitzschtal valley to Beuthenfall on the road, as the rafting trail is not suitable for wheelchair users. However, with a narrow wheelchair and helpers (for the non-barrier-free entry and exit), it is possible to take the historic Kirnitzschtalbahn to the destination as an alternative.

The tour leads entirely along wide forest paths, which are also signposted as "Cycle route in the National Park". There are no refreshment stops along the route, but there is a large rest area at the Wildwiese.

There is a freely accessible mobile toilet for wheelchair users at the "Nasser Grund" parking lot in the Kinitzschtal valley.

If necessary, this tour can also be done on a handbike, as it leads exclusively on forest roads and paths which are signposted as cycle routes in the national park.

Please note: in the Saxon Switzerland National Park, only marked trails may be used in the core zone! Fines may be imposed for non-compliance.

Path markings