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On this page we have compiled the most important questions and answers concerning the Malerweg Trail in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. These FAQs are constantly updated, if you miss something, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Has the Malerweg trail grown? Originally, its length was indicated with 112 kilometres, whereas now with almost 116 kilometres.
This deviation results from different analogue and digital recording techniques and their sources of mistake. After all, the indicated distance serves only as an orientation value. The average walk time references indicated on signposts are more useful.
Particularly on extended weekends including public holidays and during vacation periods, it is difficult to find a place to stay for one single night. These are indeed peak season days in Saxon Switzerland. June and September are very busy months as well. At these times we definitely recommend making a reservation in advance. In off-season periods you have a good chance to book overnight accommodation even at short notice.
>> ACCOMODATIONThe answer to this question is not so easy. In fact, it depends on the fitness level of your children.
Basically, the Malerweg Trail is a very exciting and adventurous trail with lots of things to discover. However, overcoming the considerable differences of altitude by numerous ladders and steps is rather exhausting. And please keep in mind that in Saxon Switzerland not all of the steep drop-offs and look-outs are fenced off.
There are families that have managed well the Malerweg Trail with their 10-year-old children. School entry age should be the minimum. Sometimes the individual stages can be cut a little shorter.
A kids’ favourite is definitely the stamp card which they can change into a certificate no matter how many stages they have completed.
>> REQUIREMENTSIf you drive to Saxon Switzerland and want to keep your car in a safe place during your hiking holidays, you can leave it on one of the covered long-term car parks in Pirna.
>> HOW TO GET THERELarge hiking maps are nice but a bit cumbersome outdoors. A useful alternative for Malerweg Trail hikers is the Malerweg Trail map set consisting of 8 concise maps featuring each stage individually in 1:30,000 scale and complimented with photos and additional information.
>> SHOPStaying in a base camp or hopping from lodging to lodging? It is not absolutely necessary to find a new place to stay overnight at each stage of the Malerweg Trail. Actually, one base camp would be sufficient for the complete Malerweg Trail adventure thanks to the excellent public transport service available at the trail head of each stage.If your holiday resort has the Gästekarte mobil, this transfer is free of charge for you.
>> ACCOMODATIONYes, the Malerweg can also be explored with your faithful four-legged friend. The exact route incl. hints, detours and the GPX data can be found here.
>> Hiking on the Malerweg with dogJust dropping your luggage off at the reception and finding your suitcase upon arrival at the next lodging: A trekking trail hiker’s dream come true at the Malerweg Trail!
>> LUGGAGE TRANSFERThere is an all-round carefree hiking package offered by our 3 partners. You don’t need to plan your lodging or luggage transfer. And in case of any problem, you have a personal contact to address to.
>> PACKAGE OFFERSThe Malerweg Trail is well signposted in both directions. Many tour descriptions however follow a chronological order. When you walk “against the current”, you meet more hikers. Apart from that there are no reasons not to do the trail in the other direction. On our blog you find a description of the stages in reverse order starting with stage 8.
Yes, it is possible! There are various campsites along the Malerweg. They are not always located exactly on the Malerweg. We recommend the following:
1st stage: Start: Camping Pirna and at the stage destination: Hostel on the Kulm (about 50 min walk away) or tent meadow at the Hinterland Hostel.
2nd stage: camping site Entenfarm
3rd stage: campground Ostrauer Mühle
4th stage: Camping Thorwaldblick Hinterhermsdorf
5th stage: no campsite nearby, we recommend Schöna Castle near Schmilka
6th stage: Caravan Camping Gohrisch
7th stage: Hostel on the Kulm & tent meadow at the Hinterland Hostel
8th stage: Camping Pirna
Important note: Wild camping is not allowed and can be punished with high fines!
Wilderness adventurers should take a look at the Forststeig. There are bivouac sites and trekking huts here. Scenically, the cross-border multi-day hiking tour is spectacular.
>> FORSTSTEIG TRAILThe supply of food and drink at the stage destinations is not always optimal. It is therefore highly recommended to stay overnight with one of our "Hiker-friendly on the Malerweg" partners.
You can find an overview of the options here: (updated: January 2024, no guarantee of completeness).
Stage 1:
Town of Wehlen: At the tourist information centre in Wehlen there is a food vending machine from Milchhof Fiedler with products (milk, cheese, stews, eggs), there is also a small bakery. There is no supermarket.
Stage 2:
Hohnstein: Hohnstein is home to the Cosis Laden & Bistro, which is also a kind of corner shop. There is no other supermarket or bakery here. From April to October there is a small health food shop (Rosenstr, 1), which also stocks everyday necessities.
Stage 3:
Altendorf: In Altendorf itself there is an inn that also has a small corner shop. However, the opening hours are very limited. In Bad Schandau there are again supermarkets, bakeries etc.
Stage 4:
Neumannmühle: There is no supermarket or bakery in the immediate vicinity. The nearest supply options are in Bad Schandau.
Stage 5:
Schmilka: There is a small wood-fired organic bakery here that is open daily. There is no supermarket in the immediate vicinity. The nearest shopping facilities are in Bad Schandau.
Stage 6:
Gohrisch: There is a food vending machine and a bakery here.
Stage 7:
Weißig: There is no supermarket or bakery in the immediate vicinity. The next possibility is in Königstein: There is a food vending machine at the car park of Königstein Fortress or a supermarket in the town of Königstein.
Stage 8:
Pirna: There are plenty of supply options here in the centre of Pirna.
If you want to refill your water bottle, you can do so at any of the "Hiker-friendly on the Malerweg" partners. In addition, the locals are generally very helpful and will be happy to refill your bottle if you ask them nicely.
A hiking sign is defective or missing? Markings are faded or trees freshly felled and no markings can be seen far and wide? The best way to report this is by e-mail to malerweg@saechsische-schweiz.de.
It is very important that you tell us the exact location. If available, please send us a picture. But site coordinates or a very precise description or marking in a hiking map are also sufficient. Thank you very much for your support.
Have you more questions about the Malerweg Trail?
Our service and information team is happy to answer all your questions concerning the Malerweg Trail or to book a travel package for you.
Phone: +49 3501 470147
Email: info@saechsische-schweiz.de
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