Papstdorf: To the Papststein

The hike starts at the Gasthaus Hoffnung bus stop in Papstdorf. From here, the trail leads uphill through the small district of Rapsdörfel.

It then continues with wonderful views of the Schrammsteine, where you can clearly see the rugged rock formations of the Schrammsteine and the Falkenstein. A few steps further on is a fallow deer enclosure.

Shortly afterwards, the trail branches off to the left towards the Papststein. The first views open up during the ascent, before you reach the summit plateau. From here, there are sweeping views in all directions: to the north towards Königstein Fortress and the Elbe Valley, to the south towards the Bohemian Central Mountains and across the flat landscape to the Zschirnsteine. At the westernmost viewpoint, colourful, heavily weathered rock formations catch the eye.

At the summit is a mountain inn that has been in operation for over 150 years and is known for its rustic atmosphere.

The descent leads past the Hunskirchenblick viewpoint, which owes its name to a striking climbing rock. Further down, keep left on the road and left again along the Weinleite. Here, the remains of a large rockfall from 1972, when several thousand cubic metres of sandstone tumbled downhill, are still clearly visible.

From there, you return to the starting point at the Gasthaus Hoffnung bus stop in Papstdorf.

Back in the village, it is worth taking a look at the Papstdorf village church. The bell tower is striking, as unlike most other churches, it is located on the east side of the nave. The cemetery also offers a beautiful view of the countryside.