Germany
Germany - Guided hiking tour Saxon Switzerland
Germany - Guided hiking tour Saxon Switzerland
Duration
8 days
Start/End
Pirna
Tour type
Group
Level
Moderate
Accommodation
Hotel
Overview
With a national park guide you hike from Pirna through the wild rock world near Schmilka, on the Wehlen Eight, to Schauenstein Castle, through the Kirnitzsch Valley and up to the roof of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. Stages of 10 to 16 km with steps and ladders, and the same hotel every night.
What makes guided hikes in Saxon Switzerland an unforgettable experience is the region's natural diversity. Within a small area, a wide variety of landscapes converge: freestanding rock formations, towering table mountains, deep gorges, and verdant river valleys. A hiking holiday in Saxon Switzerland also takes you across the border to the Czech side of the "International Park" in Bohemian Switzerland. Along the way, we'll cross the famous Painters' Way. We'll be led by a national park guide who fell in love with the area more than 40 years ago and turned his passion into his profession. He knows almost every tree and every rock. Most importantly, he knows the trails, where we'll often find ourselves alone. After hiking, you can relax in the Geibelbad Pirna (with a very nice sauna) or the Toskana Therme Bad Schandau (float in warm thermal water to relaxing underwater music) and recharge your batteries for the next day.
Tour Code
Tour language
EnglishItinerary
Day 1
Arrival
Hotel Pirn'scher Hof, Pirna
Individual arrival in Pirna during the day (see also "Information"). In the evening, we welcome you to our Hotel Pirn'scher Hof in the heart of Pirna's old town. www.pirnscher-hof.de
Arrival
Day 1
Hotel Pirn'scher Hof, Pirna
Individual arrival in Pirna during the day (see also "Information"). In the evening, we welcome you to our Hotel Pirn'scher Hof in the heart of Pirna's old town. www.pirnscher-hof.de
Day 2
Rugged yet charming – the wild rocky landscape of Schmilka
Hotel Pirn'scher Hof, Pirna
Approx. walking time 5 hours, hiking distance approx. 10 km, ascent 450 m, descent 450 m
From the Elbe River, we hike through unspoiled mixed forests and the Schmilka rock basin to the Großer Winterberg (Great Winter Mountain). On a clear day, we are rewarded with magnificent panoramic views stretching as far as the Dresden Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady), the peaks of the Eastern Ore Mountains, and the Bohemian Central Uplands. Along the way, we enjoy spectacular views of the Schrammstein mountain range and learn about the myths and legends of the region.
Rugged yet charming – the wild rocky landscape of Schmilka
Day 2
Hotel Pirn'scher Hof, Pirna
Approx. walking time 5 hours, hiking distance approx. 10 km, ascent 450 m, descent 450 m
From the Elbe River, we hike through unspoiled mixed forests and the Schmilka rock basin to the Großer Winterberg (Great Winter Mountain). On a clear day, we are rewarded with magnificent panoramic views stretching as far as the Dresden Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady), the peaks of the Eastern Ore Mountains, and the Bohemian Central Uplands. Along the way, we enjoy spectacular views of the Schrammstein mountain range and learn about the myths and legends of the region.
Day 3
The Wehlen Eight
Hotel Pirn'scher Hof, Pirna
Approx. walking time 5.5 hours, hiking distance approx. 15 km, ascent 500 m, descent 500 m
Today we embark on a challenging circular hike along less-traveled paths through steep gorges and along scenic high-altitude trails around the town of Wehlen. Part of the route leads through the core zone of the national park, where we will learn about the park's special need for protection. We will also visit one of the tourist highlights of Saxon Switzerland: the Bastei.
The Wehlen Eight
Day 3
Hotel Pirn'scher Hof, Pirna
Approx. walking time 5.5 hours, hiking distance approx. 15 km, ascent 500 m, descent 500 m
Today we embark on a challenging circular hike along less-traveled paths through steep gorges and along scenic high-altitude trails around the town of Wehlen. Part of the route leads through the core zone of the national park, where we will learn about the park's special need for protection. We will also visit one of the tourist highlights of Saxon Switzerland: the Bastei.
Day 4
Schauenstein Castle and the mysterious mill
Hotel Pirn'scher Hof, Pirna
Approx. walking time 5.5 hours, hiking distance approx. 14 km, ascent 400 m, descent 400 m
Today we're visiting the Czech side of the International Park. From Rainwiese (Mezni Louka), we'll hike to the Little Pravčická Gate. From there, we'll continue to Schauenstein Castle. The castle was built in the 14th century to protect the old trade routes. Later, it was used by robber knights. From here, you can enjoy a wonderful view of Bohemian Switzerland. From the castle, we'll hike on to Grundmühle in the romantic Kamenice Gorge.
Schauenstein Castle and the mysterious mill
Day 4
Hotel Pirn'scher Hof, Pirna
Approx. walking time 5.5 hours, hiking distance approx. 14 km, ascent 400 m, descent 400 m
Today we're visiting the Czech side of the International Park. From Rainwiese (Mezni Louka), we'll hike to the Little Pravčická Gate. From there, we'll continue to Schauenstein Castle. The castle was built in the 14th century to protect the old trade routes. Later, it was used by robber knights. From here, you can enjoy a wonderful view of Bohemian Switzerland. From the castle, we'll hike on to Grundmühle in the romantic Kamenice Gorge.
Day 5
Day off
Hotel Pirn'scher Hof, Pirna
Today we're taking a break. You can go hiking in the surrounding area on your own, take a trip to Dresden or Prague, or enjoy the day at the Toskana Therme spa in Bad Schandau.
Day off
Day 5
Hotel Pirn'scher Hof, Pirna
Today we're taking a break. You can go hiking in the surrounding area on your own, take a trip to Dresden or Prague, or enjoy the day at the Toskana Therme spa in Bad Schandau.
Day 6
In the Kirnitzsch Valley
Hotel Pirn'scher Hof, Pirna
Approx. walking time 5.5 hours, hiking distance approx. 16 km, ascent 450 m, descent 500 m
Neumann Mill, situated on the banks of the bubbling Kirnitzsch River, is our first destination of the day. It's also a stop on the famous Painters' Way hiking trail. We continue our hike along rugged mountain paths to Frienstein, a popular climbing rock. Next, we head to Schmilka Mill. Fresh, fragrant bread is being taken out of the oven, and the home-brewed beer is being poured – we should hurry!
In the Kirnitzsch Valley
Day 6
Hotel Pirn'scher Hof, Pirna
Approx. walking time 5.5 hours, hiking distance approx. 16 km, ascent 450 m, descent 500 m
Neumann Mill, situated on the banks of the bubbling Kirnitzsch River, is our first destination of the day. It's also a stop on the famous Painters' Way hiking trail. We continue our hike along rugged mountain paths to Frienstein, a popular climbing rock. Next, we head to Schmilka Mill. Fresh, fragrant bread is being taken out of the oven, and the home-brewed beer is being poured – we should hurry!
Day 7
To the roof of the Elbe Mountains
Hotel Pirn'scher Hof, Pirna
Approx. walking time 5.5 hours, hiking distance approx. 15 km, ascent 350 m, descent 350 m
Finally, we come to what is perhaps the most beautiful hike: the Hoher Schneeberg in Bohemia. At 723 meters, it is the highest peak in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains and easily recognizable due to its distinctive shape. The observation tower, built in 1864, offers a panoramic view. On a clear day, you can even see as far as the Jizera and Giant Mountains.
To the roof of the Elbe Mountains
Day 7
Hotel Pirn'scher Hof, Pirna
Approx. walking time 5.5 hours, hiking distance approx. 15 km, ascent 350 m, descent 350 m
Finally, we come to what is perhaps the most beautiful hike: the Hoher Schneeberg in Bohemia. At 723 meters, it is the highest peak in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains and easily recognizable due to its distinctive shape. The observation tower, built in 1864, offers a panoramic view. On a clear day, you can even see as far as the Jizera and Giant Mountains.
Day 8
Departure or extension
It's time to say goodbye. Prague and Dresden are of course always worth a visit. Important information regarding the process We reserve the right to make changes to the tours, especially to avoid risks, e.g. after rainfall, storms or forestry work. Regarding travel dates
Departure or extension
Day 8
It's time to say goodbye. Prague and Dresden are of course always worth a visit. Important information regarding the process We reserve the right to make changes to the tours, especially to avoid risks, e.g. after rainfall, storms or forestry work. Regarding travel dates
Services
What's included
Overnight stays in a double room (no separate beds possible)
6 x half board (breakfast and dinner)
1 x breakfast only (on the day off)
Program as described, including five guided hikes
Group tour with min. 6 / max. 14 participants
What's not included
Individual travel to and from the destination (we are happy to put together a suitable offer)
Travel insurance (we are happy to put together an individual offer)
Personal equipment
Tips
Single room supplement €195
Double room for single use €285
Tourist tax (€3/night) is payable upon arrival at the hotel.
Character of the trip
Fitness
Moderate
Altitude
Low
Culture / nature
Nature-led
For this trip, you should be in good physical condition and have sure footing. Expect hikes with walking times of approximately 5 to 5.5 hours, distances of 10 to 16 kilometers, and ascents and descents of up to 500 meters. The trail through the sandstone cliffs sometimes involves steps and some steeper climbs using ladders, but there are no extremely difficult sections.
You stay in the same hotel in Pirna all week and hike with a daypack.
Dates and prices
Group dates