Scenic from Sebnitz into the Kirnitzschtal
- 6:00 h
- 16.56 km
- 458 m
- 597 m
- 160 m
- 429 m
- 269 m
- Start: National Park Station Sebnitz
- Destination: Stop Lichtenhainer Waterfall
The route has a moderate profile but is still rated as moderately difficult due to its almost 17 kilometres in length, but it requires no special skills. It runs relatively flat over Lichtenhain after a short but sharp climb out of Sebnitz and crosses the Panoramaweg, which offers an interesting view over almost the entire Hintere Sächsische and Böhmische Schweiz, and in good weather even as far as the Hoher Schneeberg.
Further towards the Kirnitzschtal, you pass the so-called Großstein - an impressive viewpoint over the Kirnitzschtal into the Hintere Sächsische Schweiz.
Afterwards, the route goes a bit into the Sächsische Schweiz National Park - specifically into the Kleiner Zschand - to the famous Kuhstall, which is worth discovering and exploring.
From the Kuhstall, the route returns to the Kirnitzschtal to the Lichtenhainer Waterfall, where the route ends appropriately.
Good to know
Best to visit
Directions
The start of the route is at the National Park Station in Sebnitz and from there follows the red mark through the town, across Sebnitz marketplace and out of the town. After a sharp climb in the forest, you come across the so-called Panoramaweg - marked with a yellow dot. You first follow this a short distance to the left to a bench on a hill above a meadow, from where you have a wonderful view of the Hintere Sächsische Schweiz and much further.
Then you go back a short way along the path - follow the Panoramaweg a bit - until a path branches off to the left, marked with a yellow line, towards Knechtsbach-Kirnitzschtal. This path is followed until Knechtsbachtal, where a signpost with a green dot points the way to Ottendorf.
From Ottendorf, follow the green mark towards Großstein and Felsenmühle over the Endlerkuppe to the viewpoint (AP) Großstein.
After visiting Großstein, go back a short way and then continue right down into the Kirnitzschtal to the Felsenmühle.
At Felsenmühle you cross the Kirnitzsch and first follow the red mark into the Kleiner Zschand and then further right through the Ferkelschlüchte to the Kuhstall.
At Kuhstall, a short circular route over the Himmelsleiter up to the Kuhstall plateau and across it back to the inn is recommended. If you still have some time and want to experience more, you can explore the Schneiderloch and other interesting places further in the rear area.
From the Kuhstall, follow the red dot back down into the Kirnitzschtal to the Lichtenhainer Waterfall where the route ends and you can relax.
Tour information
Stop at an Inn
Equipment
Binoculars give you the opportunity to enjoy the views even better!
Directions & Parking facilities
If you absolutely have to arrive by car, it is best to park at the National Park Station in Bad Schandau.
For the journey, it is initially recommended to take the S-Bahn from Dresden to Bad Schandau and then the Nationalparkbahn U28 from the Bad Schandau National Park Station to Sebnitz.
VVO connection information to Sebnitz station
Nationalparkbahn timetable U28
For the return trip, either the Kirnitzschtalbahn from the Lichtenhainer Waterfall to the spa park in Bad Schandau and then bus line 241 back to Bad Schandau station is recommended, or directly by bus from the Lichtenhainer Waterfall back to the station. Those who want to stroll through Bad Schandau can also take the ferry from Bad Schandau back to the National Park Station - so there are many options for the return trip... ;-)
VVO connection information: https://www.vvo-online.de/de/fahrplan/fahrplanauskunft
Bus line timetable 241
Kirnitzschtalbahn timetable Kirnitzschtalbahn
Ferry timetable F5
Additional information
The route description includes further information linked to the most important waypoints.
Author´s Tip / Recommendation of the author
In Sebnitz, a visit to the Kaukasusstube - a small but fine private museum with some treasures from the Caucasus - as well as the artificial flower museum, which you pass directly by, is recommended. You also pass the inn "Zum Kirnitzschtal" in Ottendorf, where a stopover is worthwhile, as well as at the mountain inn on the Kuhstall and finally at the inn by the Lichtenhainer Waterfall.
Safety guidelines
Sturdy footwear is recommended despite the moderate route profile, as well as bringing sufficient provisions despite some refreshment options along the route.
In winter and spring it is also advisable to always have a light with you so that an early onset of darkness in the forest does not cause discomfort and you still reach your destination safely.
Nearby
