Walking holidays along the Malerweg Trail
Journey
What to expect
In the far southeast of Germany the rather small but very famous Elbe Sandstone Mountains are located. Just a stone’s throw from Saxony’s capitol Dresden, you can immerge into a magic world of bizzare rock formations, deep valleys, historical fortresses and the river landscape of the Elbe.
The Elbe Sandstone Malerweg trail, a 112 km long circular walking route, leads you from Pirna along the Bastei Bridge, the Brandstein view point, the Schrammsteine massif, the Fortress Königstein and charming villages back to its origin Pirna.
The region is also called "Saxon Switzerland" and the name dates back to the 18th century when the Swiss painters Anton Graff and Adrian Zingg felt reminded of their landscape back home. Later, Romantics such as Caspar David Friedrich and Ludwig Richter were inspired by the fascinating views in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains and created unique works of art.
So you will hike along the tracks of famous painters as the name Malerweg Trail suggests (literal translation: Painter’s Path or Trail). Set out to experience the fairytale-like landscape of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains yourself!
This walking trip is not recommendable for travellers with mobility impairments.
Contact person
Team AugustusTours
0351 - 563 48 20
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Itinerary
Detailed tour description
Please note that the routes indicated in the itinerary are the hiking stages only. The places of accommodation may differ from the starting and finishing points of the hikes.
Day 1: Individual arrival at Pirna
You travel individually to the city of Pirna, known as the ‘gateway to Saxon Switzerland’. We recommend you to take a walk through the city’s historic centre with its medieval alleys and numerous artfully decorated town houses. The city is also located close to Dresden and can be reached conveniently by public transport from there.
Day 2: Pirna-Liebethal – City of Wehlen/ Rathen (approx. 12/17 km, walking time: approx. 4 – 5,5 hrs)
In the morning, you will take the bus to the starting point of the Malerweg trail. During your first hiking stage you will walk through three wild and romantic ravines. Experience one of the special features of the natural landscape in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains: favoured by the microclimate, you will encounter a lush and varied flora in the deep gorges along the Malerweg Trail. Today’s destination is Wehlen or the spa resort Rathen, both quiet little towns situated on the Elbe River.
Day 3: Wehlen/Rathen – Hohnstein (approx. 13/8 km, walking time: approx. 3,5 – 5 hrs)
From Wehlen it is not too far to the probably most famous viewpoint of Saxon Switzerland – the Bastei Bridge. We recommend you to start the walking tour early in the morning to appreciate the stunning view fairly undisturbed. Then you will descend into the Amselgrund and head for the second highlight of your walking tour – the Hockstein rock. From here you have a wonderful view to Hohnstein with its castle. Through the Wolfsschlucht gorge you climb down into the lovely Polenztal valley and via the Schindergraben you will reach Hohnstein.
Day 4: Hohenstein – Altendorf/Kirnitzschtal (approx. 15 km, walking time: approx. 6 hrs)
Today you will hike to the Brand viewpoint which is also called the ‘Balcony of Saxon Switzerland’. Enjoy the phenomenal panoramic view by trying a local delicacy served in the restaurant Brandsteinbaude. You will continue the tour by taking roughly 800 steps down into the ‘Tiefen Grund’ gorge. Passing Waitzdorf you will reach Altendorf or continue along the Panorama trail to the Kirnitzschtal valley.
Day 5: Altendorf/Kirnitzschtal – Schrammsteine – Neumannmühle (approx. 17 km, walking time: 6.5 hrs)
One of the highlights today is the Schrammsteine massif, an elongated and heavily ragged rock formation offering stunning views. After passing the Schammtor gate, a steep ascent via steel ladders leads you to the Schrammstein view point and you will cross the Schrammstein massif along the Gratweg, a ridge path. Following the Affensteinweg trail you will reach Lichtenhain Waterfall and then continue to the Kuhstall Cave, a natural rock arch. After a descent into the Kirnitzschtal valley, you will soon reach today’s destination the Neumannmühle, a technical monument. The bus will take you through the Kirnitzschtal valley to your accommodation.
Day 6: Neumannmühle – Großer Winterberg – region Schmilka/ Reinhardtsdorf (approx. 14 – 22 km, walking time: approx. 6 – 8 hrs)
You start the day taking the bus back to Neumannmühle to continue the walking tour along the Malerweg Trail. Explore the region called "Hintere Sächsische Schweiz" with Zeughaus and Goldstein view point before climbing up to Großer Winterberg, with 556 metres the second highest mountain in Saxon Switzerland. On the descent to Schmilka we recommend a short detour to the Kipphorn view point. After crossing the Elbe River by ferry in Schmilka (additional costs) you walk up steps to Schöna and soon reach your today's destination.
Day 7: Region Schmilka/ Reinhardtsdorf – Gohrisch (approx. 9 – 17 km, walking time: 4 – 6.5 hrs)
Today you can enjoy the view of the Schrammstein massif from the other side of the Elbe River. Before you will reach the spa town Gohrisch, you will crest the two table mountains Papststein and Gohrisch. Capture the different spectacular views of the landscape of Elbe Sandstone Mountains from the respective peaks.
Day 8: Gohrisch – Königstein/Weißig (approx. 9/16 km, walking time: approx. 4/5.5 hrs)
The Malerweg trail will take you first to the Pfaffenstein massif. You will reach the top via the narrow Nadelöhr, a steep ascent featuring steel staircases and ladders and an imposing view over to Lilienstein and Königstein fortress will await you. After catching a glimpse of the impressive fortress from the distance, the Malerweg trail now leads you through the town of Königstein and to the fortress. The short hiking stage will give you plenty of time to explore the tourist attraction.
Day 9: Königstein/Weißig – Pirna (approx. 20/13 km, walking time: approx. 7.5/5 hrs)
Passing Thürmsdorf and Weissig, the last hiking stage on the Malerweg trail leads you to the Rauenstein massif. From the top you can catch sight of the Bastei Bridge on the other side of the Elbe River. The descent along the ridge will lead you to Pötzscha. Via Naundorf and Obervogelgesang you will return to the starting point of your walking tour – Pirna.
Day 10: Individual departure
Take your time to review your memories of the walking holidays along the Elbe Sandstone Mountains Malerweg Trail before departure. You are very welcome to prolong your journey with additional nights in Dresden and enjoy the cultural flair of the baroque city. We would be delighted to book additional overnight stays for you in Dresden or in other towns along the trail.
This walking trip is not recommendable for travellers with mobility impairments.
Contact person
Team AugustusTours
0351 - 563 48 20
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Services
Services included
- Welcome surprise
- 9 x overnight stay in hotels and guesthouses with 3-star-standard
- 9 x continental breakfast
- tickets for public transport for the second, fifth and sixth day
- Luggage transfer from accommodation to accommodation during your walking tours
- GPS data on request
- 1 package with maps and information material per room (in English language)
- 24-hours-service-hotline during your walking holidays
- CoronaPLUS: Your chance to rebook or cancel free of charge until 42 days prior to the arrival date without indication of reasons. This service is included in all bookings until 28th February 2021 for free.
Bookable value-added services for these walking holidays along Malerweg trail
Please feel free to add the following value-added services to the basic travel package to personalize your walking holidays along the Elbe Sandstone Mountains Malerweg trail:
- Additional nights at every overnight location according to the tour description as well as in Dresden
- CoronaPLUS: Bookings from 1st March 2021 onward can select this service to be added at the cost of 3% on the basic tour price. Your chance to rebook or cancel free of charge until 42 days prior to the arrival date without indication of reasons.
Prices of these value-added services are detailed under the tab "Quotes".
Further advice on the hiking tours along the Malerweg trail
Please note that in certain cities in the Elbe Sanstone Mountains compulsory city, tourist or occupancy taxes may be required to be paid. Unless otherwise indicated, the taxes are not included in our prices and have to be paid directly to the hotel.
This walking trip is not recommendable for travellers with mobility impairments.
Contact person
Team AugustusTours
0351 - 563 48 20
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The German part of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains located a few miles from Dresden in the southeast of Germany is also known as Saxon Switzerland. This nick name "Saxon Switzerland" was given by two Swiss painters who were impressed by the similarity of the area with their own country.
Since 2007 we have been offering walking holidays as self-guided tours in English language and thereby have gained a lot of experience with foreign travellers. If you are interested in booking a hiking tour in Saxon Switzerland we would be glad to become your travel partner! All you need to worry about are arrival, departure and a good pair of hiking boots – the entire rest you can leave up to us! 
Tour impressions from fellow travellers
written by Mark Windsor