Saxon Switzerland
Sandstone towers above the Elbe valley, gorges, cliff castles — Saxon Switzerland is arguably Germany's most dramatic hiking landscape.
AI-generated illustrative imageThe Elbsandsteingebirge southeast of Dresden towers with over a thousand freestanding rock peaks above the Elbe meanders — a national park, birthplace of free climbing and home to the Malerweg, one of the country's most beautiful hiking trails. Between the rocks: spa towns like Rathen and Bad Schandau, plus fortresses and a historic streetcar into the Kirnitzschtal.
What you ought to see — my picks.
Bastei
The famous rock formation towering 190 metres above the Elbe with the stone Bastei Bridge dating from 1851 — the landmark of the region.
Fortress Königstein
One of Europe's largest mountain fortresses on a table mountain above the Elbe valley, never conquered.
Painters' Trail
112 kilometres across eight stages through landscapes that inspired the Romantics — regularly voted among Germany's most beautiful hiking trails.
Schrammstones
The rugged rock ridge near Bad Schandau: ridge walks, ladders and panoramic views across the entire national park.
Kirnitzschtalbahn
Historic Kirnitzschtalbahn streetcar from Bad Schandau to the Kirnitzschtal valley to Lichtenhainer Waterfall — operating since 1898.
