In winter, Saxon Switzerland is a dreamland of ice and snow. Silence descends over the forest and rocks. Wafts of mist dance over the Elbe Valley. During the cold season, the area around Schmilk's Mill is transformed into the unique winter village of Schmilka. Lanterns and open fires provide warm light and a cosy atmosphere. The Mühlenstube restaurant serves hearty food for body and soul. Accompanied by a dark organic beer from the Schmilka brewery. On a brewery tour, you can look over the master brewer's shoulder yourself.

Next door, the organic bakery fills the air with the wonderful aroma of fresh mill bread. Enjoy the soothing warmth of a visit to the panorama sauna with a view over the decorated mill courtyard. Or, when the temperatures are cool, take a dip in a heated hot tub. The bath attendant regularly invites guests to a beer bath day. You can round off your day of adventure in a relaxed manner with event highlights such as readings, concerts or travel lectures. Spend a delightful holiday in the heart of nature and let yourself be enchanted by the winter village of Schmilka!

The views at the Bastei and the Bastei Bridge itself are deserted, the first rays of sunshine play on the rocks, the mist swirls mystically in the Elbe Valley and nature sings its song softly.

Those who visit the Bastei in the summer months experience this in the morning and evening hours. The winter season is a real insider tip. Here it is: the other side of the Bastei. This time of year is unbeatable in terms of peace and tranquillity. Nature = recharging your batteries – there's no faster way to slow down. The Berghotel & Panoramarestaurant Bastei offers its guests a ‘hot and cold’ stay: relaxing walks in the heart of the Saxon Switzerland National Park, a panoramic sauna and steam bath, and a bath in the cedar wood tub of the wellness area, followed by a pampering menu in the world-famous panoramic restaurant. The mountain hotel on the Bastei is the perfect place to recharge your batteries and escape the stress of everyday life for a few days during the cold season. Enjoy the other side of the Bastei for yourself!

Warm light spills from the shop windows of small boutiques onto the cobblestones of narrow streets wet from sleet. Red and yellow Herrnhut stars shine above romantic courtyards. In cosy cafés, frozen city strollers meet for ‘äm Dässl Heeßn und ä Stückl Eierschegge’ (a hot drink and a slice of egg cake):

Pirna is Saxon cosiness turned to stone. The streets and houses of the historic old town tell of a time when pedestrians and horse-drawn carts set the pace of a city. Pirna is almost 800 years old, and every corner of this jewel on the Elbe tells a part of its long and multifaceted history.

The town is small enough for a relaxing break and large enough to offer culture, creativity and cuisine all year round. As the gateway to Saxon Switzerland, Pirna is an ideal place for excursions into the surrounding area. To the west, it is only a stone's throw to Dresden, and to the east, it is a short distance to the winter wonderland of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. Discover a big little town with a heart!

From November onwards, when wisps of fog drift across the Elbe Valley at sunrise, the rocky landscape takes on a mystical beauty. Even the mountain fortress seems to breathe a sigh of relief. Those looking for a break will find a mixture of nature, culture and cuisine here. Those seeking relaxation can discover hidden favourite spots undisturbed, roam the fortress forest, explore the exhibitions or warm up in a rustic tavern. We also recommend a walk along the fortress wall, which offers visitors a fantastic panoramic view 247 metres above the Elbe. The bizarre rock world now shows its wild and romantic side. Everywhere on the table mountain there are unique photo opportunities that are not obstructed by tourists. Only during the historical and romantic Christmas market ‘Königstein – a winter fairy tale’ does the 9.5-hectare fortress plateau briefly come to life. Surrounded by a magnificent cultural heritage, it is one of the most beautiful Advent markets in Germany. But Königstein is more than just the fortress. The town, just a few kilometres away, also celebrates winter. With an ice rink, it invites you to go ice skating on the Elbe. Königstein is simply beautiful in winter!

That moment when a crispy cube of white bread sinks into melted cheese and reappears shortly afterwards as a steaming, aromatic ball; accompanied by fresh mountain air, candlelight, a strong red wine and a tiled stove with a crackling wood fire: An evening in a mountain hut with Swiss cheese fondue at the Papststein mountain restaurant in Saxon Switzerland is probably one of the most wonderful ways to round off a winter hike. The Papststein is the most popular mountain for excursions in the municipality of Gohrisch, and its rustic mountain restaurant is legendary.

The region, located in the south of Saxon Switzerland, somewhat away from the tourist crowds, is also known as the ‘Realm of Stones’. Realm of Stones because its heart, the village of Gohrisch, is surrounded by half a dozen table mountains. This makes the region a particularly attractive winter hiking area. Dense forest, open countryside and fantastic views alternate. And if you're up for it, you can conquer several peaks during a single hike. The icing on the cake of winter bliss in Gohrisch is a cross-country skiing tour below the table mountains.

It is a magical moment: slowly and almost silently, the historic cable ferry glides across the River Elbe. Powered solely by the force of the water, it takes passengers right into the heart of a picture-postcard landscape of rocks, forest and a handful of houses. The river glitters peacefully in the winter sun. On the other bank, the Bastei massif rises into the sky like a wall. And the crossing is not just a necessity. It is also a ritual – an invitation to slow down.

The Felsenbühne open-air theatre, Amselsee lake and ‘Schwedenlöcher’ caves on one side, the Rauenstein with its wonderful ridge trail on the other: the spa town of Rathen, with its two districts separated by the Elbe, is a tourist hotspot in summer. Tourism in the region began here over 200 years ago. And to this day, Saxony's smallest municipality is a must-see. As a refuge in the cold season, the spa town is still an insider tip. Here, those who enjoy tranquillity and winter romantics are among themselves. Enchanting winter hiking trails on both sides of the Elbe, breathtaking panoramas, crystal-clear air and relaxed hosts – the spa town of Rathen delivers what its ferry promises: deceleration.

The crystal-clear Gottleuba River flows peacefully from the Eastern Ore Mountains towards the Elbe. Over the millennia, it has carved out a beautiful landscape: its valley is a romantic hiking area with ever-changing impressions. Iron ore mining brought life and prosperity. Healing springs led to a flourishing spa industry. The twin spa town of Bad Gottleuba-Berggießhübel lives and breathes this fascinating past.

Elbe Sandstone Mountains or Ore Mountains, Saxony or Bohemia, health or hiking holidays, wellness or culture, above or below ground: the small town with its two historic centres and the ‘Marie Louise Stolln’ visitor mine offers a wide range of choices. Even in winter. A dense network of well-signposted hiking and terrain trails invites you to explore the varied landscape even in the cold season. And music nights, Mettenschichten (miners' Christmas celebrations), Advent markets, carnival events, piano evenings, readings, a variety of evening concerts and restaurants with excellent regional cuisine shorten long evenings.

A little jolting and squeaking is to be expected when the old lady takes a bend. It's only natural at her age. She has seen so much! The empire, world wars, floods, rockfalls, mudslides, film productions. The world and the fashion of day trippers have changed since the Kirnitzschtalbahn railway made its maiden voyage in 1898. What remains is the stunning charm of the valley and its cosy means of transport. Both invite you to slow down, especially in winter.

On both sides of the Kirnitzsch river lies one of the most beautiful and varied winter hiking areas in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. Schrammsteine, Kuhstall, Bärenfangwände, Hinteres Raubschloss and Großer Zschand: some of the most spectacular destinations in the region can be reached from here. Numerous lovingly run inns, guesthouses and hotels offer tired and hungry hikers a warm welcome all year round. A real insider tip for city escapees!

Petals by petals, a rose blossom grows in loving hands in a matter of minutes. There are only a few places left in the world where you can observe this fascinating process. One of them is Sebnitz. The art of silk flower making has been cultivated here since 1834. The Deutsche Kunstblume Sebnitz factory offers exciting insights into this rare craft. This, combined with interesting museums and the SoliVital sports and leisure centre, makes the town a worthwhile destination in any weather.

Every Advent, a beautiful and little-known local Christmas folk art enchants children and adults alike: the Sebnitz shadow plays. Candlelight brings delicate paper cut-out scenes to life. The tranquil Christmas market on the second weekend of Advent is also dedicated to this tradition, which is unique in Germany. But the town's real trump card is its location. The ‘German Hiking Capital 2016’ is an ideal starting point for winter exploration tours to particularly quiet corners and nooks of the national park region. Nowhere else will you find more Saxon Switzerland!

What a panorama! In the foreground, rocks and wooded valley slopes; behind them, plateaus with fields and small houses adding splashes of colour; and in the distance, a backdrop of mighty table mountains. The natural beauty of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains in hibernation is majestically revealed from the Brand near Hohnstein. Its spectacular 180-degree panorama has earned the viewpoint the nickname ‘Balcony of Saxon Switzerland’. The route from the castle town to here is one of the most popular routes for winter hikers: easy to reach, well developed and with a cosy hut where a fire crackles in the fireplace.

Hohnstein and the surrounding area attract visitors all year round with this and other fantastic tours. The main hiking attraction is the Saxon Switzerland National Park, which begins here, with its idyllic gorges and valleys and the mysterious Gautschgrotte cave, where a huge ice column forms in some winters. Also worth seeing is the local tradition of doll carving and puppetry centred around the famous Kasper. Wilderness and handicrafts are close together in Hohnstein.

Is there a treasure buried beneath Neustadt in Saxony? Quite possibly! For centuries, miners and fortune hunters have searched for gold here, on the border between the Elbe Sandstone Mountains and the Lusatian Highlands – and sometimes they have found it. But the work was arduous and the yield meagre. To this day, no one has struck the gold vein that is believed to lie here. But that had its advantages: it meant that peace and quiet remained in this tranquil little town.

Thanks to its remote location, Neustadt is one of the insider tips among winter holiday destinations in Saxon Switzerland. Those seeking peace and quiet will find it on one of the secluded winter hiking trails through the idyllic surroundings. Popular tours include those to the Unger (538 metres) or the Götzingerhöhe (425 metres). The tropical sauna and bathing paradise Mariba and the Neustadthalle with its diverse cultural programme are regional visitor magnets. The region also has one of the few ski slopes with a lift. And the story of the gold? It is told in the Gold Museum located here.

What fascinating formations! Two mighty rock pillars rise like weathered statues into the winter sky, slightly crooked and with heads that are far too heavy. This makes them appear strong and fragile at the same time. The ‘Hercules Pillars’ are among the most spectacular rocks in Saxon Switzerland. They are not only popular climbing peaks, but also the landmarks of a winter hiking paradise that is still an insider tip: Rosenthal-Bielatal.

The municipality is located in the south of the region, almost in Czechia, somewhat off the beaten tourist track. Those seeking tranquillity will find it here. You can often hike for hours without encountering a soul. The landscape is more diverse here than almost anywhere else in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains.

Open hills, wild rock formations and deep valleys with babbling brooks create ever-changing picturesque scenery. There are also adventurous paths with steps and ladders leading up to uplifting views. And if you are staying in Rosenthal-Bielatal, you can set off right from your front door. So lace up your walking boots and enjoy some winter hiking bliss!

Stolpen is fascinating. Everywhere in the town, you can find angular columns made of a black, hard material from the depths of the earth. These are the relics of a massive volcanic eruption many millions of years ago. It was here that the rock was first researched and christened ‘basalt’. The 800-year-old settlement with its curiously sloping market square and pretty town houses has countless other exciting stories to tell: of Slavs, Hussites, French and Prussians, of plague, town fires and sieges. However, most visitors are only interested in one: the tragedy of Countess Cosel. Her moving fate is the main theme of the castle museum.

But Stolpen is not just about geology and history. Stolpen is also about arts and crafts. It is one of the most important places for traditional Erzgebirge folk art in the region. In the Ratags show workshop, delicate fretwork and woodturning are used to create filigree candle arches, pyramids, incense smokers and much more. Every day except Mondays, visitors can watch the craftswomen create imaginative, three-dimensional unique pieces from countless individual parts. The factory shop then offers the entire range of products from this traditional business.

Weesenstein Castle rises majestically on a mighty rock above the romantic Müglitz Valley, considered the most beautiful valley in Saxony. This place has a special magic, especially in the winter months. Outwardly dormant, life pulsates within the castle walls. Numerous events and guided tours attract many visitors. Readings and concerts during Advent, the Children's New Year's Eve celebration, which is popular with the whole family, the Weesenstein Witches' Carnival, exhibitions and matinees provide cultural highlights on the edge of Saxon Switzerland and the Eastern Ore Mountains.

Weesenstein Castle

The fire crackles cosily in the fireplace of the horse stable, which has been converted into a restaurant. The hot chocolate steams seductively in the pot between your hands. How wonderful after a long winter's walk! Reinhardtsdorf-Schöna, somewhat secluded on a plateau about 200 metres above the Elbe valley, is an insider tip for winter lovers, and the fireplace room in the Ehrlich family's Gasthaus Zirkelstein is perhaps the cosiest place to warm up in the village.

Reinhardtsdorf-Schöna is also known as the ‘community of five stones’. These are the table mountains Zirkelstein, Kaiserkrone, Großer and Kleiner Zschirnstein and Wolfsberg. Each one is a worthwhile winter hiking destination. The Elbe Sandstone Mountains Malerweg trail leads directly through the village. There is also an enchanting baroque farm church here. Reinhardtsdorf-Schöna is a destination for individualists who know exactly what they want: peace, space, authentic village life – and genuine hospitality.

In winter, the miniature park in Wehlen shines in a very special light! Changing lighting moods with impressive colour changes give the sculpted model landscape planted with bonsai trees a very special effect. Light and shadow take on a whole new meaning in the dark season thanks to the colour. The park railway allows visitors to enjoy a unique bath of colours in the miniature landscape as they leisurely pass by. Refreshments are also available! New models for the miniature park are handcrafted from sandstone in the workshop. In addition, new unique decorative and artistic objects are constantly being handcrafted from our local sandstone and can also be personalised according to individual wishes.

Miniature park ‘Kleine Sächsische Schweiz’

The special charm of Rammenau Baroque Castle lies in the harmonious combination of Baroque architecture and classicist decoration in conjunction with the idyllic landscape. Even in the cold season, the Baroque castle has plenty to offer. Gourmets will enjoy breakfast and brunch in the historic ambience or cooking evenings. Younger visitors can look forward to children's castle tours and baking activities. During the annual St. Nicholas Manufactory, the castle invites visitors to a Christmas market with traders from the region. But even outside of events, a visit is well worth it: the castle's artistically painted rooms invite you to discover and explore – especially in the Chinese Salon of the castle, where you can always discover new details in the elaborately painted canvas wallpaper. Afterwards, you can enjoy delicious cakes and coffee in the historic dining rooms of the castle café.

Baroque Castle Rammenau