
Germany
Hiking in Saxon Switzerland
Hiking in Saxon Switzerland
Duration
8 days
Start/End
Dresden
Tour type
Group
Level
Simple
Accommodation
Hotel
Overview
In a small group you hike among sandstone rocks to the Bastei Bridge and Neurathen rock castle, along the Painters’ Way and through the Kirnitzsch Valley, and take a boat ride on the Upper Lock. Plus a guided walk in Dresden – easy hikes of 2.5 to 3.5 hours.
Experience a diverse hiking trip in Saxon Switzerland and discover the most beautiful highlights between imposing sandstone cliffs and the elegant city of Dresden with a small group. Look forward to easy hikes – for example, to the famous Bastei Bridge, through the national park with its unique views and historic villages, and even a boat trip in Hinterhermsdorf. The program is complemented by a guided city tour of Dresden's magnificent old town and free time to explore. Your hotel is located directly on the Elbe River in the Kneipp spa town of Bad Schandau – the ideal starting point for this active getaway.
Tour Code
Tour language
GermanItinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Bad Schandau
Dinner (A)
After your individual arrival, you will meet your tour guide and fellow travelers at a group dinner in the hotel. (A)
Arrival in Bad Schandau
Day 1
Dinner (A)
After your individual arrival, you will meet your tour guide and fellow travelers at a group dinner in the hotel. (A)
Day 2
Elbe Valley and rock formations
Breakfast (B)
2.5 hours, 4 km, 50 m elevation gain
On this tour, you can admire the view of the beautiful Elbe Valley during a ride in the historic passenger elevator. Then hike along the Sendig Promenade, past the 110-year-old villa colony built by Rudolf Sendig. The view of the region's rocky landscape is enchanting (easy, half-day, walking time: approx. 2.5 hours, 4 km, +/- 50 meters elevation gain/loss). (F)
Elbe Valley and rock formations
Day 2
Breakfast (B)
2.5 hours, 4 km, 50 m elevation gain
On this tour, you can admire the view of the beautiful Elbe Valley during a ride in the historic passenger elevator. Then hike along the Sendig Promenade, past the 110-year-old villa colony built by Rudolf Sendig. The view of the region's rocky landscape is enchanting (easy, half-day, walking time: approx. 2.5 hours, 4 km, +/- 50 meters elevation gain/loss). (F)
Day 3
Bastion and Neurathen Rock Castle
Breakfast (B)
3 hours, 7 km, 200 m elevation gain
The tour begins in the tranquil spa town of Rathen. A well-maintained path leads past numerous viewpoints to the Bastei, arguably the most famous landmark in Saxon Switzerland. At 76 meters long and 190 meters high, the stone Bastei Bridge has been a popular attraction for day-trippers for centuries. A visit to the medieval Neurathen rock castle is also planned. The descent leads through the "Schwedenlöcher," an impressive gorge that ends near the Amselsee (moderate, full day, 7 km, approx. 3 hours, +/- 200 m elevation gain/loss). (F)
Bastion and Neurathen Rock Castle
Day 3
Breakfast (B)
3 hours, 7 km, 200 m elevation gain
The tour begins in the tranquil spa town of Rathen. A well-maintained path leads past numerous viewpoints to the Bastei, arguably the most famous landmark in Saxon Switzerland. At 76 meters long and 190 meters high, the stone Bastei Bridge has been a popular attraction for day-trippers for centuries. A visit to the medieval Neurathen rock castle is also planned. The descent leads through the "Schwedenlöcher," an impressive gorge that ends near the Amselsee (moderate, full day, 7 km, approx. 3 hours, +/- 200 m elevation gain/loss). (F)
Day 4
Dresden City Tour
Breakfast (B)
2-hour city tour
Discover the magnificent Saxon capital today. Many of the Elbe metropolis's restored buildings are listed as historical monuments, giving the city its unique atmosphere. In the morning, a local guide will show you Dresden's Old Town. Be captivated by the baroque Zwinger Palace! Originally planned as an orangery, the building now houses several museums. The Renaissance-style Royal Palace also unites a number of museums under one roof, including the very popular "Green Vault." Discover a piece of Saxon aristocratic history as you stroll along the Procession of Princes. The highlight of the city walk is a visit to the baroque Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady). The afternoon is yours to explore at your leisure. Visit your favorite museums, stroll leisurely through the shopping streets, or explore the New Town (full day, 2-hour guided tour). (B)
Dresden City Tour
Day 4
Breakfast (B)
2-hour city tour
Discover the magnificent Saxon capital today. Many of the Elbe metropolis's restored buildings are listed as historical monuments, giving the city its unique atmosphere. In the morning, a local guide will show you Dresden's Old Town. Be captivated by the baroque Zwinger Palace! Originally planned as an orangery, the building now houses several museums. The Renaissance-style Royal Palace also unites a number of museums under one roof, including the very popular "Green Vault." Discover a piece of Saxon aristocratic history as you stroll along the Procession of Princes. The highlight of the city walk is a visit to the baroque Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady). The afternoon is yours to explore at your leisure. Visit your favorite museums, stroll leisurely through the shopping streets, or explore the New Town (full day, 2-hour guided tour). (B)
Day 5
Kirnitzschtalbahn and Painters' Way
Breakfast (B)
2.5 hours, 6 km, 170 m elevation gain
Take a ride from Bad Schandau on the historic Kirnitzschtalbahn tram through the beautiful valley. The hike through the Kirnitzschtal leads into the rugged rock formations of the back of Saxon Switzerland. Following the "Painters' Way," you'll reach the Neuer Wildenstein, also known as the "Kuhstall" (Cow Shed), whose ascent via the "Himmelsleiter" (Heaven's Ladder) is a memorable experience. The artificially created Lichtenhain Waterfall and a technical monument dating back to 1898 – the Kirnitzschtalbahn tram – are further relics from the early days of developing the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. At the end of the tour, enjoy another ride on the historic tram (easy, full day, 2.5 hours, approx. 6 km, +/- 170 m elevation gain/loss). (F)
Kirnitzschtalbahn and Painters' Way
Day 5
Breakfast (B)
2.5 hours, 6 km, 170 m elevation gain
Take a ride from Bad Schandau on the historic Kirnitzschtalbahn tram through the beautiful valley. The hike through the Kirnitzschtal leads into the rugged rock formations of the back of Saxon Switzerland. Following the "Painters' Way," you'll reach the Neuer Wildenstein, also known as the "Kuhstall" (Cow Shed), whose ascent via the "Himmelsleiter" (Heaven's Ladder) is a memorable experience. The artificially created Lichtenhain Waterfall and a technical monument dating back to 1898 – the Kirnitzschtalbahn tram – are further relics from the early days of developing the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. At the end of the tour, enjoy another ride on the historic tram (easy, full day, 2.5 hours, approx. 6 km, +/- 170 m elevation gain/loss). (F)
Day 6
Hinterhermsdorf and Upper Lock
Breakfast (B)
3.5 hours, 8 km
Today's hike begins in Hinterhermsdorf, an idyllic holiday resort known for its many well-preserved half-timbered houses. One of the most popular attractions in the back of Saxon Switzerland is the boat trip on the Upper Lock, which opened at the end of the 19th century. The boat glides along the still water through high, verdant rock faces. After an interesting climb out of the deep gorge, a magnificent view opens up over the dense forests of the Hinterhermsdorf area. In the "Forest Workers' Room," you can admire the unique vernacular architecture and learn about the lives of the villagers of past centuries (moderate, full day, 3.5 hours, 8 km, +/- 200 m elevation gain/loss). (F)
Hinterhermsdorf and Upper Lock
Day 6
Breakfast (B)
3.5 hours, 8 km
Today's hike begins in Hinterhermsdorf, an idyllic holiday resort known for its many well-preserved half-timbered houses. One of the most popular attractions in the back of Saxon Switzerland is the boat trip on the Upper Lock, which opened at the end of the 19th century. The boat glides along the still water through high, verdant rock faces. After an interesting climb out of the deep gorge, a magnificent view opens up over the dense forests of the Hinterhermsdorf area. In the "Forest Workers' Room," you can admire the unique vernacular architecture and learn about the lives of the villagers of past centuries (moderate, full day, 3.5 hours, 8 km, +/- 200 m elevation gain/loss). (F)
Day 7
Day off
Breakfast (B)
Design your day according to your own preferences. A trip to Bohemian Switzerland, the Czech part of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains, is highly recommended. The Pravčická Gate, the longest natural sandstone arch in Europe, and the Edmundsklamm gorge are must-sees. On the German side, the Königstein Fortress, perched on a high plateau, is well worth a visit. To enjoy the panoramic views, you can choose between a challenging and an easier hiking trail. A trip to Pirna, the "Gateway to Saxon Switzerland," is also worthwhile. For those seeking relaxation, a boat trip on the Elbe River or a visit to the Toskana Therme spa, located near your hotel, is ideal. Your hiking guide and the hotel staff can provide further tips. (F)
Day off
Day 7
Breakfast (B)
Design your day according to your own preferences. A trip to Bohemian Switzerland, the Czech part of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains, is highly recommended. The Pravčická Gate, the longest natural sandstone arch in Europe, and the Edmundsklamm gorge are must-sees. On the German side, the Königstein Fortress, perched on a high plateau, is well worth a visit. To enjoy the panoramic views, you can choose between a challenging and an easier hiking trail. A trip to Pirna, the "Gateway to Saxon Switzerland," is also worthwhile. For those seeking relaxation, a boat trip on the Elbe River or a visit to the Toskana Therme spa, located near your hotel, is ideal. Your hiking guide and the hotel staff can provide further tips. (F)
Day 8
departure
Breakfast (B)
Individual departure after breakfast. (F)
departure
Day 8
Breakfast (B)
Individual departure after breakfast. (F)
Services
What's included
7 nights as described in a double room with bath/WC at the “Elbhotel Bad Schandau”
Breakfast daily, dinner once a day
Public transport
Ride on the historic Kirnitzschtalbahn railway
Entrance fees
Boat trip on the Upper Lock
Guided city tour in Dresden
Guided by a local hiking guide
4 - 12 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 and personal expenses
Tourist tax approx. €24. Payable on site.
No insurance is included in the tour price. We recommend taking out travel cancellation insurance.
Character of the trip
Fitness
Simple
Altitude
Low
Culture / nature
Nature-led
Surefootedness, basic fitness, and good hiking boots are all you need to explore Saxon Switzerland on foot at a relaxed pace. The hikes last approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours, covering about 4 to 8 km and up to 200 meters of elevation gain. A guided tour of Dresden and travel by public transport are also included.
Dates and prices
Group dates
