Königstein: Across the town to the fortress

The tour starts at the Königstein Reißiger Platz bus stop. From here, you first head to the tourist information office. Follow the Malerweg trail markers and you will pass St. Mary's Church. The church was built by George Bähr, the architect of Dresden's Frauenkirche, after the town was destroyed by fire in the early 18th century. It was re-consecrated in 1823 after being destroyed once again.

Shortly before a fountain, turn left at the corner of a house and follow the ascending Latzweg to the foot of Königstein Fortress. This historic staircase was once part of the lower patrol path.

Passing the lifts of Königstein Fortress, which were built in the 1970s as a modern access to the fortress, the path runs along the west side of the imposing fortification walls and ramparts. The complex is one of the largest mountain fortresses in Europe: the plateau covers around nine hectares, the walls are up to 42 metres high, and the rampart walk stretches for almost two kilometres.

The path continues to the Alte Festungsstraße. Keep left there and follow the Malerweg, which leads under the main road.

Leave the Malerweg on the Kanonenweg. The sandstone path, which has its origins in a military context, connects the fortress with the Elbhäuser.

Downhill, you reach the Elbhäuserweg. Several listed houses from around 1900 line the slope. Finally, you reach the Elbe and follow the river upstream back to the starting point at Reißiger Platz.