Weißig: About the Rauenstein Table Mountain

The starting point for the hike is the Weißig bus stop. From here, take the hiking trail to Rauenstein, first through the village and then continuing along the marked Malerweg trail. At a fork in the path, turn right, pass the goods lift and then keep left shortly afterwards. Steps lead up to the rocky plateau of Rauenstein, where the mountain inn and the first beautiful viewpoint await.

The ridge path, which the Saxon Switzerland Mountain Association began building in 1885 (cost at the time: 603.50 marks), continues northwest. Along the way, there are numerous views – of the Elbe Valley, the Bastei, the Weiße Brüche or, to the south, the Königstein Fortress. About 50 metres behind the junction of the steps leading up to the ridge path, there is a marked rock face with plaques where the brave can climb up to the Kapphöhle – a small rock hole with a view of the Bastei (no railing, sure-footedness required).

At the end of the ridge path, the trail turns sharply to the east. There you will find a stone table – a nice place for a picnic. Shortly afterwards, you will pass the Pudelstein geological natural monument: a rock face about 300 metres long with small, wart-like, spherical formations of brown iron – a geological feature unique to the region. The return route runs south of the elongated rock massif via the TK 14 back to the starting point at the Weißig bus stop.