Heaven and Hell

Our hike starts at the "Nasser Grund" stop in the Kirnitzschtal. In the past, there used to be a historic sandstone bridge here at the Nasser Grund. This was supposed to be blown up along with the rock formations downstream in the final days of World War II to hinder the advance of the Red Army. Fortunately, the explosion never happened, but the bridge was replaced in 1950 with the current construction due to its limited load capacity.

We walk up the wide path through the Nasser Grund slightly uphill. At the first junction, we leave the Eulentilke behind and continue straight ahead. Later, the Jordanweg branches off to the left (signposted, without color marking), which we follow. At the next and the following fork, we follow the yellow dash marking towards Kleiner Dom - Großer Winterberg. After the partly steep ascent at the Kleiner Dom, we keep left at the next junction at the top. We continue to follow the yellow dash marking towards Schmilka - Großer Winterberg. At the next fork, we go left. At the following crossing, we continue straight and then branch left towards Reitsteig. From now on, we follow the signposts for "Carolafelsen." A short detour leads us to the panoramic viewpoint of the Carolafelsen, from which you get a unique view into the Dom, the Schrammsteine, Falkenstein, and even to the left-Elbe table mountains!

Back from the viewpoint, we keep left. The descent takes us into the Wilde Hölle. This wild romantic gorge lives up to its name! For accessibility, even for hikers, iron clamps have been installed on difficult passages. Nevertheless, increased attention, freedom from dizziness, and sure-footedness – especially in wet weather – are required.

Through the Eulentilke, one of the many valleys of Saxon Switzerland, we reach the Nasser Grund again, keep right, and hike back into the Kirnitzschtal to our starting point.