I decided it was time to give my bike (or maybe my bum) a break from cycling and made my way to Saxony Switzerland National Park. Despite the name, this breathtaking park sits near Dresden, straddling the border between Germany and the Czech Republic. Known as the Sächsische Schweiz, it boasts incredible rock formations, stunning landscapes, and exciting hiking trails. And I can confirm. It truly is spectacular! But which trails are the best? With so many options, the choice wasn’t easy.
So I mapped some hikes for three days and couldn’t wait! But…
How to get around
Cycling or taking the train is by far the best way to reach the charming towns and trailheads along the Elbe River. Whether you’re staying in Dresden or somewhere closer (I booked a hotel in Pirna), I’d recommend leaving the car behind. The roads along the river are narrow, and traffic can get heavy, especially on weekends.
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.
After ending up at the bottom again just before the turnoff, I had to hike back up the hill to reach the Bastei bridge. A climb that definitely got my heart racing. Hiking in Saxony National Park is certainly an experience.
But the effort was worth it! The view from the top was absolutely breathtaking. After snapping a few photos, I realized there was no need to pay for the cliffside viewing area. The same stunning panorama was just around the corner for free. Satisfied, I made my way back to the ferry and caught the train to Pirna. What a fantastic 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.
By day three, after months of cycling, my muscles were no longer used to hiking. I admit, by the end of day two, I was feeling pretty sore. With the weather taking a turn, I decided to give hiking in the Sächsische Schweiz a break and instead explore some nearby towns. Meißen and Bautzen are both charming and absolutely worth a visit if you have the time (check out the 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!
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