• 8 days and 7 nights
• Activity level: Moderate hiking with daily distances of 16-20 km (10-12 miles)
• Start/Finish: Bad Schandau/Bad Schandau
• Distance: 81 km (51 miles)
• Activity: Inn to inn walking
• Availability: April-October

The Saxon Switzerland National Park and the Elbe Sandstone Mountains are just a few miles from Dresden in the southeast of Germany and are one of the most captivating areas in the country. Discover distinct rock formations and walk through ancient woods and picturesque valleys alongside the winding Elbe River. Much of the route follows the Painters Trail, known locally as the Malerweg. In the Romantic Era, many painters such as Casper David Friedrich and Ludwig Richter came from Switzerland and England seeking inspiration from this region's beautiful wilderness. This tour will introduce you to the finest countryside in this fascinating corner of Germany. Stay in traditional guesthouses and hotels and feast on hearty food such as Schnitzel and of course, locally brewed Pilsner beer.

This Trip's Carbon Score This trip has a carbon score of 7kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 7kg is equivalent to 1 single running shoe (not even a pair!). Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information about how we've carbon counted our trips.

Trip Highlights

• Follow the Malerweg ‘Painters’ Trail through the Elbe Sandstone Mountains
• Explore the unique and photogenic rock formations of the table mountains
• Discover the world-famous Bastei formation and the bridge spanning across it
• Stay in the wellness resort of Bad Schandau, let 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

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Bad Schandau Prague (in Czechia), Dresden, and Berlin Airports are all gateway hubs into this part of Germany and are served by a variety of low-cost and international airlines. Intercity trains are available from their main train stations to Bad Schandau. The train station in Bad Schandau is a short ferry ride across the river from the town.

Bad Schandau is perched right on the edge of the Saxon Switzerland National Park, in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. Just 6 km from the Czechia border, the town dates back to the 14th century and is home to many timber-framed houses and typically Germanic architecture. It is a Kneipp health resort and the oldest spa town in Saxon Switzerland. The town’s motto is ‘hike, feel good, come back’, so it feels like a fitting place to start and end your tour.

Overnight in Bad Schandau

Day 2: Hohnstein Castle and walk to Rathen 11 miles / 18 km The walk starts with a steady climb up the side of the valley to Brand which offers breathtaking views over the dramatic landscape of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. 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. The town has a natural theatre and the serene Amselsee Lake.

If you prefer, you can take the bus from Hohnstein to Rathen (payable locally).

Ascent/Descent: 608m/609m

Overnight Rathen

Day 3: Loop walk to Bastei Bridge and Rauenstein 7 miles / 11 km We recommend starting your walk early this morning so you can appreciate Bastei Bridge with its stunning views over the Elbe River Valley and the table mountains before the crowds arrive. After passing the small village of Wehlen the next highlight is Rauenstein before descending back to Rathen or further to Königstein (according to hotel availability).

If you are staying in Rathen you will need to take the ferry across the Elbe at the end of your walk to get back to the town centre. There is also another ferry crossing about half way through your walk. Ferry tickets are not included.

Ascent/Descent: 370m/368m

Overnight Rathen

Day 4: Walk to Gohrisch via Konigstein Fortress and Pfaffenstein 11 miles / 17 km Having spent the night in Rathen you ascend via Weibig to the impressive Konigstein Fortress. After passing the village of Konigstein you walk on pleasant forest paths to Pfaffenstein and the famous Barbarine rock pinnacle. At the top of your climb take in the views over the scenery including Konigstein Fortress and Lilienstein Mountain. You continue your walk via Muselweg to the spa town of Gohrisch. This spa town is surrounded by the table mountains and is known for its gastronomy as well as its modern wellness facilities and historical buildings.

Ascent/Descent: 718m/573m

Overnight Gohrisch

Day 5: Loop walk to Lilienstein from Gohrisch 7 miles / 10 km This morning you walk from Gohrisch to Lilienstein, another iconic landmark in Saxon Switzerland. The walk takes you back through Konigstein town, so why not take advantage of the shorter walking distance today and spend longer exploring here and have lunch either before or after beginning your ascent on this peak loop walk?

Lilienstein is a highly distinctive mountain that was once the site of a Bohemian castle. It is one of the few table mountains to the east of the Elbe River. From the top you get a wonderful view of the surrounding rolling countryside and charming small towns and villages, and of course, the River Elbe flowing through the valley below.

Ascent/Descent: 465m/465m

Overnight Gohrisch

Day 6: Walk from Gohrisch via Papststein to Krippen 6 miles / 9 km Today’s walk begins gently with a slightly uphill section across meadows and fields. You make your way to the top of the table mountains of Gohrisch (448 m) and Papststein (451 m). From the tops of these mountains, you’re greeted by wonderful views that will compensate for the effort to get there. Along the way, there is an old mill where you can stop to sample some regional cuisine for lunch before you continue your walk toward Krippen or to Bad Schandau (according to hotel availability).

Ascent/Descent: 335m/486m

Overnight Krippen

Day 7: Schramstein Rocks, Kuhstall Cave, Lichtenhainer Waterfall 10 miles / 16 km 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. You’ll be alking along paths on the Affensteig Trail and the Malerweg Trail to the Lichtenhain Waterfall. Continue to the valley of the Kirnitzsch. From here you return to Bad Schandau (a nice spa town with thermal pools), either along the path by the river or using the historic Kirnitzsch valley tram.

Ascent/Descent: 675m/632m

Overnight Bad Schandau

Day 8: Onward travel Check out of your accommodation and make your own way home.

Accomodations

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. Instead, two single mattresses, each with their own bedding, are usually found placed together in one double bed frame. The Pension Villa Irene in Gohrisch does not have twin rooms. Please contact us if you would like to discuss your requirements.

A sample of our typical, carefully chosen accommodation for all locations can be viewed here. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

On this tour, it’s possible for us to request a hotel upgrade for you. This would include:

• 3 nights in our premium Hotel Elbresidenz Bad Schandau
• At least one more hotel during the tour that will have a spa and/or sauna
• Entrance to Toscana Therme Bad Schandau (thermal baths)

Macs Adventures

Self-guided travel with Macs Adventure is for independent, active people who don’t want to be restricted by set dates and schedules. With no group or guide, you can go at your own pace, with the people you choose, without the worry of planning routes or arranging trip logistics. We take care of all that for you. It’s active travel, led by you.