Pfaffendorf: To the Pfaffenstein table mountain

2:20 h
6.11 km
320 m
320 m
245 m
417 m
172 m
Start: Bus stop Pfaffendorf Vereinshaus
Destination: Bus stop Pfaffendorf Vereinshaus

A varied tour up the Pfaffenstein with a steep ascent through the eye of the needle, many viewpoints and a view of the striking Barbarine.

Bus stop Pfaffendorf Vereinshaus - Nadelöhr - Berggasthof - Barbarine - Oberer Kohlweg - Sportplatz - Querweg - Bus stop Pfaffendorf Vereinshaus

Pavements

Unknown (1%)

Asphalt (11%)

Gravel (18%)

Trail (32%)

Path (39%)

Best to visit

suitable

Depends on weather

Jan
Feb
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Dec

Directions

The hike starts at the Pfaffendorf Vereinshaus bus stop. From there, follow the markings of the Malerweg trail, which leads left to the steep ascent through the eye of the needle, a narrow crevice with steel steps and ladders. The ascent was created in 1897 and is not suitable for dogs due to its steepness and narrowness.

Once at the top of the Pfaffenstein, there are various views, first to the left and then turning back to the right. The trail continues up the table mountain past a mountain inn and the 28-metre-high stone observation tower. The tower was built in 1904 by five men and one woman in just a few months.

A detour to the southern tip of the Pfaffenstein is worthwhile - the Barbarine, a freestanding rock needle, is one of the most famous natural monuments in Saxon Switzerland.

The descent of this tour is via the so-called Bequemer Weg. Then follow the Oberer Kohlweg to the south-east corner of the Quirl. Here you have the opportunity to make short detours - either to the viewpoint via the Kanonenweg or to the Diebskeller cave.

The path continues past a garden colony and the sports field. At a fork in the path, turn right onto the Querweg and finally return to the starting point at the Pfaffendorf Vereinshaus bus stop.

Tour information

Loop Road
Stop at an Inn
Summit

Equipment

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

Directions & Parking facilities

Arrival and departure:
Bus route 244a and 243
Further information and timetable information at: https://www.vvo-mobil.de/

Author´s Tip / Recommendation of the author

As an alternative to the eye of the needle, the easier gorge path can also be used as an ascent.

Safety guidelines

The hiking trails are not cleared of ice and snow. Please refrain from the winter hike in icy conditions.

Map

Winter hiking map Saxon Switzerland

Event