Hohnstein: To the Gautschgrotte grotto

You soon cross an old stone arch bridge that spans the Schindergraben and follow the Halbenweg on the Malerweg, a quiet forest path and also part of the Hohnstein nature trail with information boards on nature and geology. Before you reach the striking rocky peak of the Großer Halben, it is worth taking a short detour to a viewpoint above the Nassen Loch. About 150 meters further on, you can branch off to the Gautschgrotte, an impressive rock cave known for its huge ice column in cold winters.

The trail then leads past the Thieves' Cave and a former quarry. Via the Steinbruchweg and Räumichtweg paths, you come to a crossroads. Here, turn left onto the red line and follow the markings into the town of Hohnstein until you reach Rathausstraße. On the way, it is worth making a detour to Ritterfels, a lookout point with a view of Hohnstein Castle. In Hohnstein itself, the baroque town church dominates the scene - it was built after the town fire in 1724 according to plans by George Bähr, the builder of Dresden's Frauenkirche.

In the town, you can then choose one of the two bus stops: either back to the market or to the Eiche bus stop, where the hike ends.

• Onion-skin clothing and winter hiking boots
• Backpack with hiking map, snacks, thermos flask with warm drink, smartphone, flashlight, first aid kit
• Hiking poles, ice goggles

Parking lot at the market and Hohnstein Eiche

Bus routes: 236, 237, 254

Bus stop: Markt, Hohnstein

Timetable:

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