8 Days & 7 Nights

4.6

Walking in the Saxon Switzerland National Park

Follow the Malerweg ‘Painters’ Trail through the Elbe Sandstone Mountains
Explore the unique and photogenic rock formations of the table mountains
Discover the world-famous Bastei formation and the bridge spanning across it
Stay in the wellness resort of Bad Schandau, let its old town take you back in time
Reward yourself with a glass of cool German beer as you relax after the day’s walking

The Saxon Switzerland National Park and the Elbe Sandstone Mountains are just a few miles from Dresden in the southeast of Germany and are one of the most captivating areas in the country. Discover distinct rock formations and walk through ancient woods and picturesque valleys alongside the winding Elbe River. Much of the route follows the Painters Trail, known locally as the Malerweg. In the Romantic Era, many painters such as Casper David Friedrich and Ludwig Richter came from Switzerland and England seeking inspiration from this region's beautiful wilderness. This tour will introduce you to the finest countryside in this fascinating corner of Germany. Stay in traditional guesthouses and hotels and feast on hearty food such as Schnitzel and of course, locally brewed Pilsner beer.

From $1,359.00

Select Date Inquire Tour Brochure

Gallery

All Photos (10)

Itinerary

Expand all

Day 1 Arrive in Bad Schandau

Prague (in Czechia), Dresden, and Berlin Airports are all gateway hubs into this part of Germany and are served by a variety of low-cost and international airlines. Intercity trains are available from their main train stations to Bad Schandau. The train station in Bad Schandau is a short ferry ride across the river from the town.

Bad Schandau is perched right on the edge of the Saxon Switzerland National Park, in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. Just 6 km from the Czechia border, the town dates back to the 14th century and is home to many timber-framed houses and typically Germanic architecture. It is a Kneipp health resort and the oldest spa town in Saxon Switzerland. The town’s motto is ‘hike, feel good, come back’, so it feels like a fitting place to start and end your tour.

Overnight Bad Schandau

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Elbhotel Bad Schandau | Hotel

The Elbhotel, located in the city center of Bad Schandau, directly on the Elbe promenade, offers its guests a pleasant atmosphere. Starting with the restaurant and the lobby & bar, up to the comfortable guest rooms, the highest standards of comfort and service are met here - hospitality that ties in with the great tradition of the house.

Hotel Elbresidenz Bad Schandau (Upgrade) | Hotel

Located on the banks of the Elbe, surrounded by the impressive natural backdrop of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains, is this hotel along with the famed Bad Schandau thermal baths. The hotel offers comfortable rooms, a first-class culinary experience, and a spacious wellness department.

Day 2 Hohnstein Castle and walk to Rathen 11 miles / 18 km

The walk starts with a steady climb up the side of the valley to Brand which offers breathtaking views over the dramatic landscape of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. Continue upwards to the imposing ruins of Hohnstein Castle. From here there is a more relaxing descent through idyllic valleys back to the Elbe River at Rathen. The town has a natural theatre and the serene Amselsee Lake.

If you prefer, you can take the bus from Hohnstein to Rathen (payable locally).

Ascent/Descent: 608m/609m

Overnight Rathen

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel Steiger | Hotel

Located on the banks of the picturesque river Elbe, Hotel Steiger offers free WiFi, parking, and beautiful views.

Hotel Elbschlösschen | Hotel

Day 3 Loop walk to Bastei Bridge and Rauenstein 7 miles / 11 km

We recommend starting your walk early this morning so you can appreciate Bastei Bridge with its stunning views over the Elbe River Valley and the table mountains before the crowds arrive. After passing the small village of Wehlen the next highlight is Rauenstein before descending back to Rathen or further to Königstein (according to hotel availability).

If you are staying in Rathen you will need to take the ferry across the Elbe at the end of your walk to get back to the town centre. There is also another ferry crossing about half way through your walk. Ferry tickets are not included.

Ascent/Descent: 370m/368m

Overnight Rathen

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel Steiger Elbiente | Hotel

Located on the banks of the picturesque river Elbe, Hotel Steiger offers free WiFi, parking, and beautiful views.

Hotel Elbschlösschen | Hotel

The Hotel Elbschlösschen is located in the middle of the Saxon Switzerland National Park, directly on the banks of the Elbe. The rooms have been renovated and are now modern and comfortably furnished. You can relax in the spacious wellness area, the fireplace room and the lobby. A restaurant is available. Please book a seat for breakfast and dinner via the reservation system www.dein-hotelassistent.de. You can also find more information about the hotel here. The city of Rathen charges a guest tax

Elb-Panorama Gaststätte and Pension Bomatscher

Elb-Panorama Gaststätte und Pension Bomatscher | Bed and breakfast

Pension Bomätscher is located directly on the Elbe River and offers an excellent starting point for your activities. Enjoy the beautiful view on the terrace while you relax from your hike.

Day 4 Walk to Gohrisch via Konigstein Fortress and Pfaffenstein 11 miles / 17 km

Having spent the night in Rathen you ascend via Weibig to the impressive Konigstein Fortress. After passing the village of Konigstein you walk on pleasant forest paths to Pfaffenstein and the famous Barbarine rock pinnacle. At the top of your climb take in the views over the scenery including Konigstein Fortress and Lilienstein Mountain. You continue your walk via Muselweg to the spa town of Gohrisch. This spa town is surrounded by the table mountains and is known for its gastronomy as well as its modern wellness facilities and historical buildings.

Ascent/Descent: 718m/573m

Overnight Gohrisch

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Pension Villa Irene | Guest House

The guesthouse Villa Irene was built in 1900; it is a nice, light-flooded house and was built with architecture, typical for Gohrisch, having many windows, patios, terraces and balconies. It is surrounded by greenery and situated directly at the forest. The guesthouse is equipped with its own Kneipp basin as well as a sauna and fitness area. The atmosphere of well-being and calmness is also reflected in the spacious and comfortable rooms.

Parkhotel Margaretenhof | Hotel

The Parkhotel Margaretenhof is a nice, light-flooded house and was built with architecture, typical for Gohrisch, having many windows, patios, terraces and balconies. The family run hotel offers comfortable individually furbished rooms, a restaurant and a fantastic wellness & beauty area with sauna and spa.

Day 5 Loop walk to Lilienstein from Gohrisch 7 miles / 10 km

This morning you walk from Gohrisch to Lilienstein, another iconic landmark in Saxon Switzerland. The walk takes you back through Konigstein town, so why not take advantage of the shorter walking distance today and spend longer exploring here and have lunch either before or after beginning your ascent on this peak loop walk?

Lilienstein is a highly distinctive mountain that was once the site of a Bohemian castle. It is one of the few table mountains to the east of the Elbe River. From the top you get a wonderful view of the surrounding rolling countryside and charming small towns and villages, and of course, the River Elbe flowing through the valley below.

Ascent/Descent: 465m/465m

Overnight Gohrisch

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Pension Villa Irene | Guest House

Parkhotel Margaretenhof | Hotel

Day 6 Walk from Gohrisch via Papststein to Krippen 6 miles / 9 km

Today’s walk begins gently with a slightly uphill section across meadows and fields. You make your way to the top of the table mountains of Gohrisch (448 m) and Papststein (451 m). From the tops of these mountains, you’re greeted by wonderful views that will compensate for the effort to get there. Along the way, there is an old mill where you can stop to sample some regional cuisine for lunch before you continue your walk toward Krippen or to Bad Schandau (according to hotel availability).

Ascent/Descent: 295m/455m

Overnight Krippen

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel Erbgericht | Hotel

The dominant building of the market place in the medieval town of Krippin stands the Hotel Erdgericht.

Elbhotel Bad Schandau | Hotel

Hotel Elbresidenz Bad Schandau (Upgrade) | Hotel

Day 7 Schramstein Rocks, Kuhstall Cave, Lichtenhainer Waterfall 10 miles / 16 km

Cross the Elbe by ferry and walk to the Schramstein Rocks. Please be aware that today’s walk involves a number of very steep rocky paths and sections where the route requires you to use iron steps in the rock. On leaving the rocks you walk through fine woodland to the cave at Kuhstall. The cave is also known as the ‘cow stall’ cave and was the subject of paintings by the Romantic Artists. You’ll be alking along paths on the Affensteig Trail and the Malerweg Trail to the Lichtenhain Waterfall. Continue to the valley of the Kirnitzsch. From here you return to Bad Schandau (a nice spa town with thermal pools), either along the path by the river or using the historic Kirnitzsch valley tram.

Ascent/Descent: 675m/632m

Overnight Bad Schandau

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Elbhotel Bad Schandau | Hotel

Hotel Elbresidenz Bad Schandau (Upgrade) | Hotel

Day 8 Onward travel

THIS TRIP'S CARBON SCORE

This trip has a carbon score of 7kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 7kg is equivalent to 1 single running shoe (not even a pair!). Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information about how we've carbon counted our trips.

Reviews

Expand all

Other Information

Expand all

Is it for me?

This moderately graded walking tour focuses on the unique sandstone countryside popularised by the Romantic Artists. Walk between traditional Saxon towns, following trails along the well-known Elbe River and up to rocky outcrops. This tour is an ideal accompaniment to time spent in the cultural city of Dresden or romantic Prague. We’ve included all your breakfasts and dinners throughout the tour, to take the stress out of having to make reservations in these places where the restaurants tend to book up quickly.

You can add additional nights at any point along the walk or at the start/end of your journey. If you decide to spend more time in Bad Schandau then there is an extra walk in the Macs app that you may like to take on the Caspar David Friedrich Trail, showing the highlights of the scenery loved and regularly painted by this famed German artist.

Tour Type:

Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way in Scotland, the world renown Tour Du Mont Blanc and Germany's Moselle Cycle Path, to name but a few!

Activity:

Inn to Inn Walking | Walk from place-to-place changing accommodations each night. Generally staying in B&Bs, inns, and guesthouses.

This trip is suitable for:

Solo Travellers, Families with Teens

The minimum age for this tour is: 12 Years

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Off the Beaten Track

Activity Level & Terrain

We have graded this trip as moderate. The trails range from narrow mountain paths to wider hiking paths. The daily distances do not exceed 18 km, nevertheless, as you would expect from this region, there are some significant ascents and descents as described in the daily itinerary which are sometimes along steep and narrow paths or steps. There are also some rocks to climb over in places, as stated in the itinerary.

Accommodation & Meals Navigation What's Included

Included

Accommodation in en suite rooms in B&B’s, small hotels, and guesthouses on a twin share basis
Daily breakfasts and dinners
Door-to-door luggage transfers as per your itinerary
Access to maps, GPX tracks, and daily route information with the Macs Adventure app
All your trip documents including a detailed info pack are provided digitally through your online Macs “My Account”
We’re here for you 24/7 if you need anything, just give us a call

Excluded

Travel insurance (required) and personal equipment
Travel to and from Bad Schandau
Lunches, drinks, and snacks
Public transportation tickets (bus/ferry/train)
Tourist taxes (charged locally at hotels)
Excursion and attraction entrance fees

Extras

Extra night(s)
Upgraded hotels

When to go Travel & Transfers Info & FAQ

General Information

Public Transport

The Saxon Switzerland Mobility Guest Pass includes the use of VVO (Upper Elbe Transport Network) buses, trains, and ferries and is available for guests staying in all locations on this tour except Rathen.

This pass gives your free travel and is valid in fare zones Pirna (70), Bad Gottleuba (71), Bad Schandau (72) and Neustadt (73) from the day of arrival to the day of departure for an unlimited number of trips. You pick up your pass on arrival at each hotel for the duration of your stay there (except Rathen where this scheme isn’t available).

The following special means of transport are excluded: the Hiking Boat (Wanderschiff) and transportation run by other companies such as the Elbe River Passenger Boat Company (Personenschifffahrt auf der Elbe), the ferry in Kurort Rathen Village and private bus services.

You can find more information at: https://www.saechsische-schweiz.de/en/good-to-know/guest-card-saxon-switzerland

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity, emergency evacuation and hospital care.

How far in advance do I need to book? How fit do I need to be? How do the baggage transfers work? What equipment do I need? What is the best time of year? What happens if I cant walk a stage?

Featured

Why Macs

Reasons to believe in Macs Adventure:

The Biggest Choice

Self-guided hiking & biking is all we do - we have hundreds of tried & tested trips.

Founded in 2003

We’re still founder led & the world’s number one self-guided operator with mountains of experience.

23,000+ Customer Reviews

Plus, with a Feefo Platinum Service Award & British Travel Awards, you know you're in good hands.

B Corp Certified

We’re proud to be B Corp certified, reflecting our commitment to sustainable travel that supports communities and upholds the highest social and environmental standards.