Active & Outdoor

Every step in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains refreshes and invigorates. Hiking in the rugged landscape is like an amazing journey. Over 1200 kilometers of marked hiking trails lead through a fairytale natural world. Breathtaking views and unforgettable moments await on both sides of the Elbe.

You can find hiking recommendations in our guest information. Essential companions for every tour are hiking maps and hiking guides. The Tourist Service offers a wide selection and the staff will help you plan your individual tour. The trail service of the national park provides up-to-date information about restrictions.

© Bad Schandauer Kur- und Tourismus GmbH, Frank Höppner

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An adventurous passion, an overwhelming experience of nature - many words describe what is special about climbing. There is probably no expression for the happiness felt in the moment.

Climbing has been going on in the Elbe sandstone since 1864. The idea of free climbing without artificial aids was first realized in 1874. Since then, a separate climbing tradition has developed, which is particularly challenging for those unfamiliar with the area. Our climbing leaflet provides an overview of the climbing areas with important information. The Saxon Mountaineering Association and the Czech Mountaineering Association provide detailed information.

Anyone looking for an exciting adventure in Bad Schandau should definitely book a climbing course. Experienced climbing instructors are available to teach beginners the basics and advanced climbers new techniques.

© Bad Schandauer Kur- und Tourismus GmbH, Jan Gutzeit

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It's no secret, but all the more eventful:

With the bike from Bad Schandau every kilometer in the Elbe sandstone is full of intoxicating impressions. The varied profile promises something for every taste.

The most relaxed way is to cycle on the Elbe Cycle Path. Those who explore the mountainous surrounding area will find not only steep passages but also flat stretches on the plateaus. Even the national park can be discovered by bike on the designated national park route. Our cycle path map shows you a selection of the most beautiful tours.

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Running through the Elbe Sandstone Mountains is a picturesque experience on winding paths and mystical trails. It goes through deep valleys and enchanted forests, past wild meadows and high rock towers up to wide vistas.

The terrain is ideal for cross-country running and trail running. In the rugged profile, many meters of altitude can be completed, but also relaxed forest laps are possible. The paved Elbe cycle path offers good training conditions for preparing for a marathon.

For Beginners: Falkenstein Route

This moderate track circles the imposing climbing peak Falkenstein.

On hiking trails, it goes below the Schrammstein chain through the forest.

The only steep ascent shortly before the end can also be mastered as a cool down while walking.

Route:
Parkplatz Ostrau - Richtung Hohe Liebe - Malerweg - Wildwiese - Richtung Schrammtor - Richtung Ostrau - Schießgrund - Parkplatz Ostrau

Length: 7 kilometers

Difference in altitude: 140 meters

Our running tip:

Sightseeing for the road - a short detour to the climbing peak Falkenstein is worthwhile.

Landscape run: Kirnitzschtal - Hohe Liebe - Emmabank

This run requires concentration and endurance.

From the trail in the Kirnitzschtal it goes high up to the Hohe Liebe.

From there, the loop runs between Schrammsteinen and Falkenstein and over the cutting of Zahnsgrund to the wonderful view of Emmabank.

Route:
Kurpark – Flößersteig – Butterweg – Hohe Liebe – Oberer Liebenweg – Wildwiese – Richtung Schrammtor – Richtung Ostrau – Lattengrund – Emmabank – Ostrauer Kurpromenade – Lutherweg - Kurpark

Length: 18 kilometers

Difference in altitude: 440 meters

Our running tip:

For those who do not want to disturb their running rhythm to enjoy a view, we recommend running briefly on the spot.

High altitude run: Schrammsteine - Winterberg

Breathtaking on this round are not only the altitude meters.

After a relaxed start, the climb up the Schrammsteine and the Gratweg require concentration and endurance. In return, the run ends in a relaxed downhill, although some energy and attention are still needed here.

Route:
Schmilka - Kleine Bastei - Elbleitenweg - Wildschützensteig - Gratweg - Obere Affensteinpromenade - Reitsteig - Winterberg - Bergsteig - Schmilka

Length: 17 kilometers

Difference in altitude: 650 meters

Around the Adamsberg: Panorama trail - Sebnitz valley

The Adamsberg rises on the ridge between the Kirnitzsch and Sebnitz valleys.

On the running tour at its feet, a unique panorama of the Schrammsteine and Affensteine can be seen. The idyllic Sebnitztal promises a completely different beauty.

Route:
Kiefricht - Panoramaweg - Altendorf - Mittelndorf - Trägerweg - Sebnitztal - Mühenweg - Kohlmühle - Sebnitztalstraße - Kiefricht.

Length: 11 kilometers

Difference in altitude: 200 meters

Yoga in the open air is a special experience. Maybe we need a little more concentration at the beginning and the search for a suitable spot can take a while. But in nature we feel the quiet movements much more intense. Deep breaths of fresh air, a gentle breeze and revitalizing rays of sunshine - yoga in the Elbe Sandstone conjures up a smile inside us.

Spot 1: Elbe meadows

Breathe with the power of water ...

The big meadows at the slowly flowing River are like an endless Yogacarpet. Sunrises and the Twilight bathe the Elbe valley in a very special light.

Access:
Elbpromenade

Best Time of the Day: all day

Special- features: Sun exposed

Spot 2: Falkenstein

feeling of touching rock energy…

Like a small sea of sand, this place lies at the foot of the Falkenstein.

The energy of the mighty rock will touch your innermost being. Your breath will deepen, and your senses will sharpen.

Access:
Schießgrund (Green Point)

Best time of day: Morning and evening

Special features: Sandy soil at the foot of the climbing peak Falkenstein

Spot 3: Kohlbornstein

Relax in the peace of the forest ...

This massive stone is a little insider tip. On the rocky ground between the trees and with the wide view you can feel the quiet power of the Elbsandstein.

Access: Koppelsbergweg (Red Point).

Best time of day:All day

Special features:
View of Schrammsteine
limited yoga areas

book a yoga-course

The Elbcanyon between Decin and Bad Schandau is one of the most impressive Landscape of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. It impresses with a depth of up to 300 meters.

On the Waterway promises the Elbe-Passage a calm Tour with an adventurous View. The Valley downstream from Bad Schandau is no less impressive. Highlights like the Königstein Fortress and the Bastei alternate with idyllic Elbe meadows. Always worth a break!

book a Tour at the river Elbe

Fog isn’t always fog – especially not in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. A flowing sea of clouds amidst bizarre rock towers looks different from every perspective here. With the right lights it creates unique photo motives.

For those who don't have the right lens with them, the Tourist Service offers an exclusive service: lenses for rent. Just drop by and choose!

The right equipment is required for every activity. If you want to go on a stair tour, you will find stair sets including a helmet here. For a hike, we recommend a good backpack and, if necessary, hiking poles. Child carriers are also in the range. The Tourist Service also offers rental shoes on site.

Do you know where Caspar David Friedrich has sketched his motives for his paintings? Do you know the Sun clocks of Krippen? Historical, unique, exciting – with our Theme ways you are going to become hiking Local experts.

Caspar-David-Friedrich-Route

On the Trail of the romantic Painter Caspar-David-Friedrich (1774-1840) you come across his drawing places in the Elbe sandstone nature.

Eleven Information boards show the unique picture to every Place.

Start/end: Krippen at the ferry

Length: 14 kilometers

Signposting: CDF lettering

Special feature:

Views of Kaiserkrone and Wolfsberg

Leaflet to download!

Sundials Route

The thirty sundials of Krippen are definitely worth a Walk. Every single on is unique and each one tells its own story of this region.

Take your time when the sun is shining!

Start/Finish:
Marketplace Krippen

Length: 4 kilometers

Signposting: Logo

Special feature:
Historical millstones on the marketplace

Leaflet to download!

Panorama-Trail

Wide views over the rocky landscape - this hike impresses with the best views.

On a ridge above the Kirnitzschtal valley, the theme trail runs across meadows, fields and forests opposite the Schrammstein chain, the Affensteinen and the Zschand.

Start: Zaukenpromenade

End: Saupsdorf

Length: 15 kilometers

Signposting:
Hiking sign red point

Special feature:
Simply the best Elbe sandstone panorama!

Leaflet to download!

Flößersteig

The thematic hike along the banks of the Kirnitzsch River is especially refreshing on a hot summer day due to the coolness of the river.

During the hike through the wild and romantic valley, several boards provide information about geology, natural history as well as the work of drifting and rafting.

Start: estuary at the Elbe

End: Neumann mill

Length: 13 kilometers

Signposting:
Green slash

Special feature:
Museum Bad Schandau & botanical garden Bad Schandau

Contact us!

Flood-Trail

Rivers are lifelines. The first Slavic settlers founded the village on the banks of the Elbe River at the confluence of the Kirnitzsch. Since that time, however, devastating tidal waves and floods have repeatedly afflicted the inhabitants.

This theme trail was created after the events of 2002. It informs at 17 stations about the topic.

Start/end:
Marketplace

Length: 7 kilometers

Signposting: Logo

Special features:
Trips with Elbe ferries

Leaflet to download!

Malerweg Hiking Trail

Picturesque and mysterious is the nature of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. The landscape has inspired many artists to create magnificent works.

On the total of 116 kilometers of the Malerweg, the beauty of Saxon Switzerland can be discovered in eight daily stages.

Start/end: Pirna

Length: 116 kilometers

Signposting: logo

Special feature:
Can be combined as individual stages

Get more Information here!

Forststeig Elbe Sandstone

This trekking route winds its way deep through the forest on small paths. Crossing borders over a hundred kilometers, the seven daily stages run away from settlements and over 13 table mountains.

The highlight: staying overnight in the forest is possible after purchasing a ticket in advance!

Start: Schöna train station

End: Bad Schandau

Length: 105 kilometers

Signposting: yellow vertical line

Special feature: Trekking huts and bivouac places to stay overnight

Leaflet to download!

Hiking – discover the landscape!

Climbing – unforgettable rock moments

Cycling - lightness on two wheels