The route
Here is a map of the routes
Itinerary
You'll arrive at your first hotel where you'll receive your welcome pack with directions, maps and everything else. We recommend that you take the afternoon for a short walk through this tranquil health resort.
Hotel (example): Elbhotel Bad Schandau
After your first ascent of the day, enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views. Continue via the ‘Brandstufen’ to the ‘balcony’ of Saxon Switzerland, the so-called ‘Brand’. Past Hohnstein Castle and Lake Amselsee you reach the spa town of Rathen.
Hotel (example): Steiger Hotel Rathener Hof
We recommend starting early in the morning to appreciate the Bastei Bridge with its breathtaking views of the Elbe Valley and the flat-topped mountains of Saxon Switzerland undisturbed. After passing the small village of Wehlen, the next highlight is Rauenstein before you start hiking downhill again towards Rathen or on to Königstein (depending on hotel location).
Hotel (example): Steiger Hotel Rathener Hof
After a night in Rathen, hike up to Weißig and the famous fortress of Königstein. After passing the village of Königstein, your hike takes you along pleasant forest trails to Pfaffenstein with the famous rock pillar ‘Barbarine’. At the top you can enjoy impressive views of the landscape, including the Königstein Fortress and Lilienstein Mountain. Via Muselweg you'll reach the spa town of Gohrisch.
If you stayed overnight in Kønigstein, you've walked the start of today's hike as the last part of yesterday's hike.
Hotel (example): Parkhotel Margaretenhof
The area around Gohrisch is known as the ‘Kingdom of Rocks’. A breathtaking hike awaits you from Gohrisch to Lilienstein, another significant landmark in Saxon Switzerland. This hike will take you through the scenic landscape and allow you to savour the special beauty that Saxon Switzerland has to offer. Along the way, you will encounter picturesque views, idyllic trails and scenic surroundings that can only be experienced in this region.
Hotel (example): Parkhotel Margaretenhof
After a short warm-up, you walk gently uphill, crossing meadows and fields. You'll work your way to the top of the flat-topped mountains Gohrisch (448 m) and Papststein (451 m). From the peaks, wonderful views will reward your efforts. An old mill with gastronomic delights is worth taking a break at before continuing towards Krippen. Overnight stay in Krippen or Bad Schandau.
Hotel (example): Elbhotel Bad Schandau
Today you will follow the path to the ‘Schrammstein’ rocks. Part of the route consists of steep climbs and metal stairs. You'll walk on forest paths along the Affensteig trail and then follow the Malerweg to the Lichtenhain waterfall. From here, take the bus or the traditional Kirnitzschtalbahn railway (tickets available locally) back to Bad Schandau.
Hotel (example): Elbhotel Bad Schandau
The tour is now over. You will leave the last hotel during the morning.
Pictures from the trip
Prices and dates
The price includes
- 7 nights in 3-star hotels
- 7 x half board
- Most public transport in connection with the hikes (some exceptions where the ticket is bought locally for a few euros)
- Luggage transport from hotel to hotel
- Detailed route descriptions and maps (in English)
- Access to the route in our GPS app, which also works offline
- 24-hour local and international service hotline for the duration of the tour
- This is a package holiday and is covered by the Travel Guarantee Fund and the Package Travel Act - see what benefits this brings you - click here
- Transport to Germany
- Possible tourist taxes at the hotels
- Cancellation insurance and travel insurance
- Administration fee
Practical information
The price is based upon two people sharing. It is also possible travel alone in a single room. Simply choose "1 person" in the booking form and it will automatically add the single room surcharge.
On this tour you will be on your own supplied with maps, route descriptions and luggage transfers. That means that your time is your own and you have plenty of time to enjoy the stages in your own pace.
Check the price quickly
You can quickly check the price of your desired trip without having to fill in anything. Here's how:
- Choose your desired start date
- Click on the green button "See price and reserve your holiday" and go to the booking form
- Select number of people, add any optional extras and see the price at the bottom of the page (you don't have to fill in anything on the form).
Get a quote
For example, if you want a flight included or changes to the trip, you can order a quote for this using the "Get a quote" button. Remember to describe in detail what, if anything, you want changed.
The process of your booking
When you book, we will start booking hotels and arranging all the practical details of the trip. This process typically takes 2-5 working days, but some bookings may take longer. If you are arranging your own transport, we recommend that you wait until we have confirmed your booking before arranging this.
Dates
If you can select the date in the tour calendar at the top of this page, this is a possible start date. We continually update the tours with sold-out dates, after which those dates will turn red and cannot be selected.
The flights to/from Dresden are not included in the price. You can easily find a suitable flight via a flight booking engine such as Momondo or Skyscanner.
Notice: we recommend that you book with us and wait for the confirmation before you book your flights.
It works like this:
- You book your chosen holiday with us
- We confirm your holiday (usually within 3-5 business days)
- You arrange your transportation
Get a quote
If you prefer that we handle your flight, then we would be happy to arrange this for you. You simply book a quote below the map on this page and we will return with a quote as soon as possible (usually within 48 working hours). Please note that we add a handling fee of 45 euro to each flight and this means that the flight will be cheaper if you book it yourself.
On this trip, you will stay at 3-star hotels. Breakfast is included at all locations.
In the itinerary, you can see examples of the hotels we most often use on this trip. If there is no availability at these hotels when you book the trip, we will book hotels of equivalent standard.
Half board is included on this tour.
This includes 7 breakfasts and 7 dinners (usually a two-course menu or buffet).
Luggage transfer is included on this tour. Upon arrival at the first hotel you will be given luggage tags along with the rest of the welcome package. You fill out the luggage tags and put them on your bags where they will remain for the duration of the tour.
Your luggage is picked up from the hotel lobby around 9am every morning and will arrive at your next hotel at 6pm at the latest (often long before that). If there are any special exceptions to the luggage transfer you will be notified upon arrival.
Luggage transfer includes one bag per guest and the bags can weigh 20kg each.
This journey has difficulty level 2
Grade 2
Easy hiking on reasonably good trails. The day walks will last 4-6 hours in hilly terrain. Anyone in good physical condition can participate. Your luggage will be transported and you only carry a light daypack. Requires comfortable footwear such as trekking shoes or hiking boots.
Read more about our grading system here.
On this tour, you will receive the following documents:
Upon booking
Immediately after booking this trip, you'll recieve a pre-booking-email where you can get a complete overview of your booking. Once the tour is confirmed you get a confirmation email from us along with practical information about the tour.
One month before departure
You will receive a hotel list and final travel documents.
Upon arrival at the first hotel
You'll receive the welcome pack, which contains everything you need for the trip. There will be route descriptions, maps, luggage tags and specific local vouchers. The documents are in English.
Notice: On some tours it is necessary to either print the documents yourself or to bring them electronically.
Starting in 2025, travelers from visa-exempt countries will need an ESS or ETIAS authorization to enter EU nations. This system enhances border security while simplifying entry procedures. Ensure compliance by applying online before your trip to avoid delays.
You can read more about it here.
We recommend taking out travel insurance that covers at least illness, accident, repatriation, lost holiday, luggage and liability. As a customer, you are responsible for taking out the necessary travel insurance to cover these costs.
Before taking out insurance, you should check whether you are already covered by travel or cancellation insurance through your home insurance company, credit card or similar - please note that there may be differences in insurance coverage.
After booking this trip, you get access to various discount schemes.
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"We look forward to making your holiday dreams come true"
