Saxon & Bohemian Switzerland
- Follow the Malerweg as it takes you from Germany to the Czech Republic
- Explore the unique and photogenic sandstone formations of ‘Sachsische Schweiz’
- Discover the world-famous Bastei formation and the bridge spanning across it
- Stay in Bad Schandau, letting 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
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Bad SchandauBad Schandau is perched right on the edge of the Saxon Switzerland National Park, in the Elbe sandstone mountains. Just 6km from the Czech border, the town dates back to the 14th century and is home to many timber-framed houses and typically Germanic architecture.
Dresden, Prague or Berlin Airports are gateway hubs into this part of Germany and are served by a variety of low cost and international airlines. Intercity trains are available from the cities’ main train stations to Bad Schandau. The train station in Bad Schandau is a short ferry ride across the river from the town.
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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.
The walk starts with a steady climb up the side of the valley to Brand which offers breath-taking views over the dramatic landscape of Elbe sandstone hills. 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. If you prefer, you can take the bus from Hohnstein to Rathen (payable locally).
Ascent/Descent: 487m/485m
Located on the banks of the picturesque river Elbe, Hotel Steiger offers free WiFi, parking, and beautiful views.

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.
This morning, begin with a walk up to the world-famous rocky viewpoint of the Bastei, then return to the river at Stadt Wehlen.Take the ferry across the river, then walk via the Bärenstein rock outcrops to the impressive fortress town of Königstein, where you will overnight.
Ascent/Descent:Â 557m/557m

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.

This family-run hotel is about a 5-minute walk from the Konigstein Fortress and the River Elbe. It has a beer garden, and 18-hole mini golf course. It has comfortable ensuite bedrooms with traditional decor and have a TV, haridryer and WiFi access.
Today starts with a walk through the forest to the famous Barbarine rock needle. Then you walk to the top of the Pfaffenstein, from where you will enjoy fine views to the Lilienstein. Your day ends at the pretty spa village of Gohrisch. Why not sit back and relax with ‘Kaffee und Kuchen’ at one of the village’s little cafés—satisfied in the knowledge that you’ve earned a treat.
Ascent/Descent:Â 428m/268m

Guesthouse Villa Irene was rated the most hospitable guesthouse in the Saxon Switzerland in 2010, 2011 and 2012. The spacious lawn for sunbathing, the terrace under shady trees and the comfortable lounge area invite you for a stay. 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 facilities for having a sauna and doing some fitness. The atmosphere of well-being and calmness is also reflected in the spacious and comfortable rooms.

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.
Your route lies through countryside known at the ‘Empire of Stones’. First climb to the summit of Gohrisch mountain, then continue the hike on to Papstein, where you’ll enjoy lofty views over forested hills and patchwork of fields and villages. Continue to the villages of Cunnersdorf and Kleingiesshubel to end back at the river Elbe at the pretty town of Krippen.
Ascent/Descent:Â 324m/484m

The dominant building of the market place in the medieval town of Krippin stands the Hotel Erdgericht.
Today you begin your adventure by taking a train and crossing the border into the Czech Republic (don’t forget to bring your ID, although this is still in the Schengen area!). Take the ferry to Hrensko and walk to the Pravcická brána, the largest natural rock arch in Europe. Make sure you have your camera at the ready! Descend to the photogenic valley of the tranquil Kamenice river, which flows between lush rock faces. Continue back to the valley of the Elbe at Hrensko and return to Krippen.
Ascent/Descent:Â 444m/403m

The dominant building of the market place in the medieval town of Krippin stands the Hotel Erdgericht.
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. Continue to the valley of the Kirnitzsch. From here you return to Bad Schandau, either along the path by the river or using the historic Kirnitzsch valley trams.
Ascent/Descent:Â 675m/632m

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.
Check-out of your accommodation and make your own way home.
Other Information
Is it for me?Unique sandstone countryside popularised by the Romantic artists is the focus of this moderately graded walking tour. 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.
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, Tour Du Mont Blanc and the Passau to Vienna Danube Cycle Path, to name but a few!
Inn to Inn Walking | Walk from place-to-place changing accommodations each night. Generally staying in B&B’s, inns, and guesthouses.
Solo Travellers
We have graded this trip as moderate. The trails range from narrow mountain paths to wider hiking paths. The daily distances do not exceed 18km, 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.
The accommodation on this walk is a combination of 3-star hotels and guesthouses. Some hotels do not have an official rating. All offer a warm welcome to walkers, traditional hospitality and an authentic experience. Please note that hotels in this region of Germany do not tend to have ‘true’ double or twin rooms; 2 x single mattresses, each with their own bedding, are usually found placed together on a double bed frame. The Pension Villa Irene in Goehrisch does not have twin rooms. Please contact us if you would like to discuss your requirements.
The trail is very well way-marked, and together with our maps, route notes and the Macs Adventure Smartphone App enabling you to follow the route using your phone's GPS, you will have no problems finding the way.
- Accommodation for 7 nights in 3 star hotels, pensions and guesthouses
- 7 breakfasts
- Daily luggage transport of 1 bag of up to 20kg per person
- Return rail tickets from Krippen to Schöna (Day 6)
- Detailed route descriptions and pre-departure information pack
- Maps of the walks
- 24-hour assistance by telephone
- Travel to and from Germany and start/end of the walk
- Lunches and dinners
- Drinks & snacks
- Travel insurance
- Ferry crossings (payable locally only)
- Personal expenses such as drinks, telephone calls, extra transfers (such as by train or boat during the walk), tips, etc
- Any items not specifically mentioned in the program
- Additional nights
This trip is available from the beginning of April to end of October, to start on any day of the week. Traditionally July/August has always been the most popular time of year because the weather is usually at its best. Although we believe any time between April and October offers a wonderful experience.
By Air Dresden, Prague, or Berlin Airports are gateway hubs into this part of Germany and are served by various low cost and international airlines.Â
By Train Trains are available from the cities’ main train stations to Bad Schandau; Berlin (2h50, direct service), Prague (1h46, direct service) and local service are available from Dresden (30-45 mins, direct). The train station in Bad Schandau is a short ferry ride across the river from the town.
Leaving Bad Schandau, use any of the methods described above. From Bad Schandau you can get to any German destination via Dresden by train, should you have time to discover more of Germany.Â
Your bags will be transferred from your accommodation as per your itinerary and moved onto your next overnight accommodation. We ask that you limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg per person.Â
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.
We suggest you book as soon as your plans are finalised as the region is very popular over the summer months. However, we will always try our best to accommodate your plans.Â
This trip is graded moderate. Daily distances increase on some days and the terrain may be rugged underfoot with some hills but not too strenuous, perfect for those with a relatively good level of fitness. The most you'll walk in any one day is 17km.
Your bags will be transferred from your accommodation as per your itinerary and moved onto your next overnight accommodation. We ask that you limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg per person.Â
Your detailed information pack will be sent to you after you book. This has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking/trekking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes and a day pack.
Traditionally July/August has always been the most popular time of year because the theory goes that the weather is better. Although I believe any time between April and October offers a wonderful experience.
You can use public transport or local taxis to continue to your next overnight stop.Â
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