We will be happy to help arrange a departure for you according to seasonal conditions and your own specific needs.
For availability, prices and details of suitable times to travel, please contact us.
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
Bordering the Czech Republic, Saxony’s 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.
There is time to explore the city of Dresden before continuing to Bad Schandau, in the heart of Saxon Switzerland. After exploring this lovely town, enjoy some walking along the River Elbe and stride out to the Hohnstein fortress and the Bastei, with sandstone rocks, pillars and the bridge spanning the ravine. Cross the river by ferry and walk through the Baerenstein Mountains to the Koenigstein fortress, continuing to Gohrisch, known as the ‘Empire of the Stones’.
Typical Itinerary
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Day 1: Travel to Dresden
Fly or take the train to Dresden and make your way to your hotel.
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Day 2: Train to Bad Schandau
Before leaving Dresden, there’s time to explore this fascinating city. Later in the day you’ll travel by train to the spa resort town of Bad Schandau.
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Day 3: Walk to Rathen via Hohnstein Fortress
Heading out on foot from Bad Schandau along the banks of the Elbe, you then leave the Elbe Valley to arrive at an elevated plain amongst some very picturesque scenery. You then continue to the Hohnstein Fortress, followed by an ascent of Hockstein.
Walking distance: 17 km | Ascent: 450 m | Descent: 450 m
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Day 4: Ascend the Bastei, ferry across the Elbe & on to Koenigstein
First head up to the famous Bastei, a fascinating rock formation above the Elbe. Dropping back down to the river at Wehlen, you then cross the Elbe by ferry to then walk through the hills of ’Grosser und kleiner Barenstein’ and up to the famous hill top fortress of Konigstein.
Walking distance: 16 km | Ascent: 500 m | Descent: 500 m
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Day 5: Walk to the Barbarine rock needle & to Gohrisch
Enjoy impressive views over to the Lillienstein peak, before dropping back down. An easy walk beneath the impressive sandstone hills leads to the small resort of Gohrisch, quietly situated amidst dense forest.
Walking distance: 11 km | Ascent: 400 m | Descent: 300 m
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Day 6: Over Table Mountains to Krippen
Today you will walk in an area known as ’The Empire of the Stones’, due to the number of large rocky outcrops, with numerous vantage points and caves to explore.
Walking distance: 10 km | Ascent: 240 m | Descent: 400 m
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Day 7: Along the Affensteig & Malerweg to Bad Schandau
First take the ferry from Krippen to Bad Schandau and then follow a trail to the Schrammsteine rock formations. Then it’s onto the ’Painter’s Path’ (Malerweg) and the Affenstig. The final part of your journey is completed by a traditional tram - the Kirnitzschtalbahn - which takes you back to Bad Schandau.
Walking distance: 11 km | Ascent: 330 m | Descent: 250 m
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Day 8: Train to Dresden & return to the UK
Price and Other Information
- Duration and price excluding international flights: 8 days from £979 per person
- Duration and price including flights from/to UK: 8 days from £1,059 per person
- Single room supplement: On request
- Walking grade: Easy to Moderate
- Guiding: Self-Guided
- Max alt: Low
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When to go: View Dates & Prices
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Route map:
View map 
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What’s included
- Hotel x 7 nights
- 7 breakfasts & 3 dinners
- Luggage transfers
Next Steps
Self-Guided
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.
