This walking holiday allows you to discover the delights of a hidden corner of Europe-Saxon Switzerland, a beautiful and refreshingly different part of Europe worthy of exploration on foot.
- Walks in Saxon Switzerland National Park
- Discover fortresses & castles
- Trekking in the ‘Empire of the Stones’
- The famous pillars of the Bastei
Embark on this self-guided hiking holiday in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains, located on the German-Czech border, renowned for its captivating history and natural splendour. Saxon Switzerland has inspired artists and adventurers with its dramatic cliffs, lush forests and winding gorges. Ideal for nature and hiking enthusiasts, the area has numerous scenic villages, and panoramic viewpoints. Towering fortresses and incredible rock formations dominate the landscape, whilst picturesque small towns line the River Elbe, creating a very attractive and varied walking experience
Hike through stunning landscapes and along paths that lead you to hidden gems such as the mystical Kirnitzsch Gorge and the striking Schrammsteine peaks. Experience the iconic Bastei Bridge, a stone marvel offering sweeping vistas of the Elbe River.
If you'd like to explore this beautiful area during winter, discover our Elbe Mountain Winter Hiking trip.
Typical Itinerary
-
Day 1: Travel to Dresden
Fly or take the train to Dresden and make your way to your hotel.
-
Day 2: Trek from Wehlen to Hohnstein
Your hiking adventure begins in Wehlen. Firstly, you explore the stunning Bastei Bridge. Next, descend into Amselgrund and trek to Hockstein for panoramic vistas of the lower Polenztal Valley. Hike the scenic Wolfschlucht Gorge, until arriving in Hohnstein.
Walking distance: 11 km | Ascent: 480 m | Descent: 400 m
-
Day 3: Walk to Tiefen Grund & Kirnitzschtal Valleys
From Hohnstein, head to the stunning Brand Viewpoint, often called the 'Balcony of Saxon Switzerland' for its sweeping views. You then descend around 800 steps as you hike into the Tiefen Gorge. Continue through the peaceful Waitzdorf Valley and on to the Altendorf Valley. The hike ends in either the charming village of Altendorf or the Kirnitzschtal Valley.
Walking distance: 15 km | Ascent: 600 m | Descent: 520 m
-
Day 4: Hiking the Gratweg Trail
Hike through the Schrammstein Massif, start at the Schrammstein Viewpoint for stunning views, then follow the ridge past Großer and Kleiner Dom before joining the Affensteinweg Trail to Lichtenhain Waterfall.
Visit the Kuhstall natural arch and descend to Neumannmühle. After the hike, depending on your accommodation, take the bus to Kirnitzschtal Valley or Bad Schandau.
Walking distance: 18 km | Ascent: 700 m | Descent: 755 m
-
Day 5: Walk to Hintere Sächsische Schweiz
After a bus to Neumannmühle, hike along the Malerweg Trail through Hintere Sächsische Schweiz. Visit the stunning Zeughaus and Goldstein viewpoints for breathtaking panoramas.
Next, ascend Großer Winterberg, the second-highest peak in Saxon Switzerland at 556 metres. Descend into Schmilka and cross the Elbe River by ferry. You can then take the train to your accommodation in Bad Schandau or Krippen, or hike an additional eight kilometres along the Malerweg.
Walking distance: 14 km | Ascent: 620 m | Descent: 720 m
-
Day 6: Papststein & Gohrisch Mountains
Take the train to Schmilka, before hiking up the striking table mountains of Papststein and Gohrisch, where panoramic views await.
After your invigorating climb, the trail leads you to the charming village of Gohrisch, where you spend the night, soaking in the peaceful ambiance of this picturesque region.
Walking distance: 18 km | Ascent: 640 m | Descent: 470 m
-
Day 7: Malerweg Trail Hike
The final hike along the Malerweg Trail takes you over Pfaffenstein and past the Diebeskeller cave, leading to the impressive Königstein Fortress. With plenty of time to explore this famous fortress, discover its rich history and unique architecture. After your visit, continue to Dresden for an overnight stay.
Walking distance: 9 km | Ascent: 270 m | Descent: 470 m
-
Day 8: Return to the UK
Today, your holiday sadly comes to an end. Make your own way to the airport or your onward destination.
Alternatively, if you wish to add alternative nights, this can be arranged through your travel consultant.
Price and Other Information
- Duration and price excluding international flights: 8 days from £779 per person
- Duration and price including flights from/to UK: 8 days from £1,029 per person
- Single room supplement: From £210
- Walking grade: Easy to Moderate
- Guiding: Self-Guided
- Max alt: Low
-
When to go: View Dates & Prices
-
A
-
M
-
J
-
J
-
A
-
S
-
O
-
-
Route map:
View map 
-
What’s included
- Hotel x 7 nights
- 7 breakfasts
- Luggage transfers
- Route notes & maps
Next Steps
| Year | Daily Departures† | Price From (Exc. Flights) | Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| All prices are per person. † Daily departures subject to availability. | |||
| 2026 | From 1 Apr to 10 May | £779 | Book or Enquire |
| 2026 | From 11 May to 26 Sep | £809 | Book or Enquire |
| 2026 | From 27 Sep to 31 Oct | £779 | Book or Enquire |
| 2027 | From 1 Apr to 10 May | £819 | Book or Enquire |
| 2027 | From 11 May to 26 Sep | £849 | Book or Enquire |
| 2027 | From 27 Sep to 31 Oct | £819 | Book or Enquire |
If you can’t see the holiday or departure date that you are looking for please contact us. We may be in the process of finalising further departures and are often able to arrange a holiday for you according to your own requirements.
