Before setting off, familiarize yourself with the time, physical, and any technical requirements and prerequisites for your planned tour. Allow plenty of time and bring drinks and snacks. Not all tours offer places to stop for refreshments.

Hiking tips

 

„Das Wandern ist des Müller`s Lust...“

"Hiking is the miller's delight..."  (German idiom)


Hike along 1.200 kilometers of marked trails or push your limits and conquer one of approximately 1.100 freestanding climbing peaks. Decide for yourself whether you prefer easy or difficult routes. Find your personal challenge.


Easy hike to the Kuhstall (approx. 3 hours)

Take the Kirnitzschtalbahn (Kirnitzsch Valley Railway) from the town park in Bad Schandau to the Lichtenhain Waterfall – then on to the Kuhstall – a huge rock arch that received its name as early as the 15th century when farmers sheltered their cows there during storms or wartime unrest. Continue the ascent via the "Himmelsleiter" (Heaven's Ladder) to the plateau of the new Wildenstein (336m) with its wonderful view. Hike back to the Beutenfall (Beuten Waterfall) – then follow the Flösersteig nature trail directly along the Kirnitzsch River or take the Kirnitzschtalbahn back to Bad Schandau.


 Hike to Kaiserkrone and Zirkelstein (approx. 3 hours)

Take the S-Bahn or a boat to Schmilka and then on to Hirschmühle. From there, follow the Aschersteig trail to Schöna (accessible by car). Hike up to Kaiserkrone or Zirkelstein and return via Wolfsberg and Reinhardtsdorf to Bad Schandau.


Hike to Lilienstein – a 415m high table mountain (approx. 3-5 hours)

From Bad Schandau, head towards Rathmannsdorf and turn left towards Prossen. At the edge of the village, the ascent to Lilienstein begins on the Kanonenweg trail, which involves stairs and steps. Enjoy the panoramic views of Saxon Switzerland. The descent is via a well-maintained path to Ebenheit and Königstein, or via the Lottersteig trail to the spa town of Rathen. Return by boat, S-Bahn, or on foot along the Elbe River.


Bohemian Switzerland: Pravčická Gate and Edmundsklamm Gorge (approx. 4-6 hours)

Drive or hike along the Elbe River across the border to the Hrenskó parking area. From there, continue to Pravčická Gate, the largest natural arch in Central Europe. Experience one of the most popular tourist destinations – formed by the weathering of sandstone in a protruding rock formation – with its unique views. The hike continues to the village of Mezna and Edmundsklamm Gorge. There, you'll have the opportunity to take a boat trip through the Wild Gorge and the Silent Gorge before returning to Hrenskó.


Full-day hike in the Schrammstein and Winterberg area

From Bad Schandau, hike along the Elbe promenade to Postelwitz - turn left via Kirschleite to Zahnsgrund, Lattengrund or Schießgrund - to the Schrammtor via the Schrammstein promenade and the Schrammstein viewpoints via Gratweg, Reitsteig, Großer Winterberg, back to Schmilka - or take the slightly longer route via Kleiner Winterberg, Kuhstall and Lichtenhainer Waterfall through the Kirnitzschtal back.