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A varied route up the Pfaffenstein with a steep climb through the Nadelöhr, numerous viewpoints and views of the striking Barbarine.
Pfaffendorf Vereinshaus bus stop – Nadelöhr – Berggasthof – Barbarine – Oberer Kohlweg – sports field – Querweg – Pfaffendorf Vereinshaus bus stop
Pfaffendorf Vereinshaus bus stop
Bus stop Pfaffendorf Vereinshaus
The starting point for the hike is the Pfaffendorf Vereinshaus bus stop. From there, follow the Malerweg trail markers. It leads left to a steep ascent through the Nadelöhr, a narrow rock crevice with steel steps and ladders. The ascent was built in 1897 and is not suitable for dogs due to its steepness and narrowness.
Once you reach the top of the Pfaffenstein, there are various views to the left and then back to the right. Passing a mountain inn and the 28-metre-high stone observation tower, the trail continues on the table mountain. The tower was built in 1904 in just a few months by five men and one woman.
It is worth making a detour to the southern tip of the Pfaffenstein, where you will find the Barbarine, a free-standing rock needle that is considered one of the most famous natural monuments in Saxon Switzerland.
The descent of this tour is via the so-called Bequemen Weg (Comfortable Path). Then follow the Oberer Kohlweg to the south-eastern corner of the Quirl. Here you have the option of making short detours – either to the viewpoint via the Kanonenweg or to the Diebskeller cave.
The trail continues past a garden colony and a sports field. At a fork in the trail, turn right onto the cross path and finally return to the starting point at the Pfaffendorf Vereinshaus bus stop.
As an alternative to the Nadelöhr, the easier Klammweg trail can also be used for the ascent.
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