Kirnitzschtal: To the rock gate Kuhstall am Wildenstein

From here, the Malerweg trail leads uphill to the right over a small stone bridge and continues along the Kuhstallstraße (not a road) up to the Neuer Wildenstein. The mountain inn and the large Kuhstallhöhle cave await at the top. At around eleven meters high, seventeen meters wide and over twenty meters deep, it is considered the largest natural rock gateway in Saxon Switzerland. The name "Kuhstall" comes from the Thirty Years' War, when inhabitants of the surrounding villages retreated here to bring their cattle to safety. Wildenstein Castle stood on the rocky plateau as early as the 15th century; remains of it can still be seen in the area.

The first view of the Kirnitzschtal valley opens up through the rock gate. The signs between the rocks lead to the Himmelsleiter. This steep metal staircase runs through a narrow crevice and leads to the plateau of the Wildenstein. At the top, there is a wide panoramic view of the rear of Saxon Switzerland.

The descent is via steps and a bridge. On the left, a short detour to the Schneiderloch, a small rock cave with further views, is worthwhile. Back at Berggasthof Kuhstall, walk to the entrance of the rock gate and follow the steps on the Malerweg downhill to the Haussteig, where you keep left.

Via the Ferkelschlüchte and on through the Kleiner Zschand, the route finally leads down into the Kirnitzschtal valley. There you reach the Felsenmühle bus stop, where the tour ends.

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