It was time to give my bike (or maybe my bum) a rest from cycling, so I headed towards the Saxony Switzerland National Park, which sits (don’t get confused by the name) next to Dresden saddling the German and Czech Republic Border. It is called the Sächsische Schweiz and is known for its amazing rock formations, stunning landscape and fun hiking trails. I can concur, it is stunning! But which ones are the best hiking trails? There were certainly a few to choose from.
So I mapped some hikes for three days and couldn’t wait! But…
How to get around
Cycling or catching the train is definitely the best way to get to all the little towns or starting points for the best hiking trails along the Elbe river. Whether you stay in Dresden or somewhere closer (I booked a hotel in Pirna), I would leave the car behind. The roads Along the river are quite narrow and the traffic can get quite bad. Especially on a weekend.
In addition, most hotels offer a ‘Guest Free Card’ during your stay which gives you free public transport within the National park. So, now you packed your backpack, caught the train plus the ferry to cross the river, hiking in Saxony National Park is all there is left to do.
Best Hiking Trails
Bastei Bridge
The Bastei Bridge would have to be the most popular hiking trail in the Saxony National Park. I spotted it from the train already, and it certainly looks quite a stunning, high up, connecting other vertical rock formations. Let’s go there!
Knowing it would be busy on a Sunday I waited until Monday. With the inspiration from some online trail suggestions, I decided to do an approx. 12km hike, starting at Kurort Rathen. From there, I followed the road and turned off towards Gamrig Hohle, following the signs towards Polenztal and Hockstein. With amazing views from the top, I then followed the slow downhill path towards the small Amselsee and the official hiking trail of the Bastei Bridge.
Bastei Bridge 
On top 
After finding myself on the bottom again, before the turnoff, I had to walk up the hill again, to get to the bridge. It got my heart beating for sure. The view from up there is breathtaking, and so, after a few photos from the top (I found there was no need to go to the paid cliff area, as you get the same view from just around the corner), I walked back to the ferry, catching the train to Pirna. What a great day!
A little bit sore but I was ready for the next day.
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Schrammersteine Saxony Switzerland
Hiking towards and on top of the Schrammersteine is definitely another popular hiking trail in the Saxony Switzerland National Park. Although, in comparison to Bastei Bridge, I found there were more young hikers around. Which was understandable, given the climb up to it.
For this hike I took the train and ferry to the gorgeous town Bad Schandau. (You could also go all the way to Krippen and catch the ferry across there, but I wanted to add a few kilometres). Once I crossed the Hüttenwart and plenty of little Ferien Houses, I just followed the signs (and other young hikers) towards Schrammtor and the Schrammersteine. It was great to be amongst such amazing nature.
The way back led me through Ostrau and the Elbe cycling path.
Hiking or better said, climbing up the steep ladders towards the top of the Schrammersteine was amazing. I would say a good basic fitness levels helps, but foremost, you need to be light on your feet. I really enjoyed it. And the views were breathtaking! No wonder, hiking in Saxony National Park (Sächsische Schweiz) is one of the most popular hiking destinations in Germany. It is worth a stop.
As for day three, after so much cycling in the last few months, my muscles weren’t used to hiking anymore. I admit, at the end of day two, I was really sore. And given the change in the weather, I decided to take a rain check on day 3 of hiking in the Sächsische Schweiz, and visit some of the towns close by. Meißen and Bautzen are both cute and definitely worth a stop if you have time (see photos at the end).
Although, I would have loved to hike the Czech Republic side of the Saxony National Park. Maybe next time?
Hiking Trail summary
Even though the National Park is well organised for tourists, I struggled finding the signage at the starting points from where I was going, but after a while they do appear. And from then it is easy. Because no matter how many different trails you think there are, (especially looking at your map), there is really only one main hiking trail. The other ones are blocked off.
Understandable but also a shame as I was looking forward to criss cross my way through the top of the Schrammsteine.
The Saxony National Park, (Sächsische Schweiz) however, was definitely a highlight on this trip for me. I might be back again soon.
Little did I know that I would be hiking the Alps only two weeks later!
Bautzen 
Meißen 
Meißen
(post 140)
