Saxon Switzerland

A landscape like no other

Welcome to the Elbe Sandstone Mountains

Few landscapes in Germany are as spectacular as the Elbe Sandstone Mountains of Saxon Switzerland. Towering sandstone cliffs, deep gorges and extraordinary rock formations create a scenery that feels almost otherworldly. At the heart of the region lies Saxon Switzerland National Park, a protected landscape with an extensive network of hiking trails. Whether you explore the wilderness on foot, discover scenic mountain bike trails or simply admire the breathtaking panorama of the Elbe Valley from the iconic Bastei Bridge, Saxon Switzerland offers unforgettable experiences for every nature lover.

Towns and cities in Saxon Switzerland

Location and getting there in Germany

Saxon Switzerland is easily accessible by train via Dresden or Bad Schandau, a small town located in the heart of the national park. If you are staying overnight in the region, your visitor card entitles you to free travel on local public transport. For those travelling by car, we recommend using the A17 motorway.

Within Saxony, travel distances are short, making it easy to explore the region. The three major cities Dresden, Leipzig, and Chemnitz are all within easy reach of one another, allowing you to travel quickly and conveniently from one attraction to the next.

Pirna – Berlin: 229 km
Pirna – Hamburg: 536 km
Pirna – München: 484 km
Pirna – Cologne: 590 km
Pirna – Frankfurt am Main: 486 km
Pirna – Stuttgart: 530 km
Pirna – Dusseldorf: 601 km

Saxon Switzerland experiences not to miss

Sights and attractions in Saxon Switzerland

Our tips

City breaks and culture in Saxon Switzerland

Königstein Fortress bears witness to over 750 years of history. The unique ensemble of more than 50 imposing buildings from different eras towers over the Elbe and is the perfect spot to enjoy spectacular views of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. ✓ Accessible attraction
Pirna, the gateway to Saxon Switzerland, is nestled in the picturesque Elbe Valley and renowned for its stunning Renaissance architecture. Its charming, well-preserved historic old town boasts the iconic marketplace, the famous “Canaletto View” immortalised by the Italian painter, and striking sandstone buildings. It's a great starting point for cycle tours on the Elbe Cycle Route or hiking on the Saxon Wine Route and the Saxon Wine Hiking Trail.
Hohnstein, a small town right in the heart of Saxon Switzerland, has it all: Discover its charming blend of a historic castle on a rock, winding streets, and romantic natural landscapes, surrounded by valleys and countless hiking trails. Insider tip: after a leisurely walk of around 3 km, you’ll reach the “Brandbaude” inn, perfect for a (lunch) break with breathtaking views. ✓ Accessible attraction
Shostakovich Festival in Gohrisch: Experience the International Shostakovich Days, a globally unique festival honouring the Russian composer who composed his eighth string quartet in this Saxon Switzerland town.
Richard Wagner sites in Graupa: immerse yourself in the life and work of the composer Richard Wagner at the place where he composed parts of his operas and where a museum now tells his story. ✓ Accessible attraction
Hinterhermsdorf: discover this idyllic national park village with its charming houses, built in the traditional Umgebinde style, and enjoy a fairytale-like boat ride through the Kirnitzschklamm gorge. Insider tips: don't miss the panoramic view from the Weifbergturm tower and the family-friendly Waldhusche adventure site. Great for exploring the outdoors with kids on different forest paths!

Our tips

Active holidays in Saxon Switzerland

Cycling
- The Elbe Cycle Route is one of the most popular long-distance cycle routes in Germany and for many, the roughly 35-kilometre stretch in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains is the most beautiful part. Cycling along the river, you can enjoy fascinating views of the majestic table mountains and craggy rock formations. ✓ Accessible attraction
- RockHead is a gravel bike adventure featuring steep climbs, fast descents and striking rock formations. The route leads over 320 kilometres from Saxon Switzerland to Upper Lusatia. Ride it at your own pace and enjoy panoramic views, historical sites and the wild terrain.
Hiking
- The region's most popular hiking trail is the Painters' Way with views that inspired artists such as Caspar David Friedrich. Follow in their footsteps and see the most beautiful places in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains.
- Don't miss the hiking trails on the left bank of the Elbe! The table mountains on this side of the river, such as Gohrisch, Papststein, and Pfaffenstein, offer breathtaking views and spectacular trails. After your hike, treat yourself to a meal at “Quartier 5” in Gohrisch or a cheese fondue in a mountain hut on top of the Papststein (only during the colder months).
Other activities
- Climbing: Saxon Switzerland is known throughout the world as a paradise for free climbing. Challenging routes demand experience, skills and a deep respect for the rocks. Beginners can join guided courses and options such as Via Ferrata hikes which allow them a safe climbing experience and to get up close to the region’s unique rock formations.
- Schmilka: in this picturesque little village, you can relax and discover the art of brewing and historical crafts in a cosy and stylish atmosphere.
- Saxon Switzerland also offers a range of water experiences for every pace and passion with boat hires, guided tours, and plenty of riverside cafés and picnic spots. Drift through the breathtaking sandstone landscapes on a historic paddle steamer or glide along the Elbe in a canoe, raft, or rubber boat, soaking up nature and spotting wildlife as you go. Explore mystical gorges like the Kirnitzschklamm by boat, enjoy a leisurely row on the Amselsee lake in Rathen, or hop between scenic riverbanks on one of the region’s traditional ferries.

Hiking tours in Saxon Switzerland

Open detail page 'To the Pfaffenstein with Needle's Eye & Sacrificial Bowl'
© Sabine Meisel, Tourismusverband Sächsische Schweiz
To the Pfaffenstein with Needle's Eye & Sacrificial Bowl
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3.56 km
235 m
1:31 h
235 m
Hiking · medium
01824 Königstein/Sächs. Schw.
Open detail page 'Lohmen: Over the Schwedenlöcher to Spa town Rathen to the Bastei'
© Rico Richter, Tourismusverband Sächsische Schweiz
Lohmen: Over the Schwedenlöcher to Spa town Rathen to the Bastei
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4.82 km
194 m
1:45 h
211 m
Hiking · medium
01847 Lohmen
Open detail page 'Königstein: Hike to the Lilienstein'
© Jacqueline Voigt, Tourismusverband Sächsische Schweiz
Königstein: Hike to the Lilienstein
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6.62 km
470 m
3:00 h
470 m
Hiking · medium
01824 Königstein/Sächs. Schw.
Open detail page 'Pfaffenstein'
© Philipp Zieger, Tourismusverband Sächsische Schweiz
Pfaffenstein
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7.23 km
273 m
2:30 h
274 m
Winter hikes · difficult
01824 Königstein/Sächs. Schw.
Open detail page 'Goetzinger height'
© Philipp Zieger, Tourismusverband Sächsische Schweiz
Goetzinger height
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8.40 km
88 m
3:00 h
88 m
Winter hikes · medium
01844 Neustadt in Sachsen
Open detail page 'Great Schrammstein tour'
© Philipp Zieger, Tourismusverband Sächsische Schweiz
Great Schrammstein tour
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10.72 km
252 m
3:30 h
231 m
Winter hikes · medium
01814 Bad Schandau
Open detail page 'Malerweg, Stage 2: From Stadt Wehlen to Hohnstein (official version by TV Sächsische Schweiz)'
© Philipp Zieger, Tourismusverband Sächsische Schweiz
Malerweg, Stage 2: From Stadt Wehlen to Hohnstein (official version by TV Sächsische Schweiz)
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10.91 km
345 m
4:45 h
499 m
Hiking · medium
01829 Stadt Wehlen
Open detail page 'From Rauschenstein to Schrammsteine'
© Philipp Zieger , Tourismusverband Sächsische Schweiz
From Rauschenstein to Schrammsteine
Light traffic
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11.26 km
265 m
3:20 h
268 m
Hiking · difficult
01814 Bad Schandau
Open detail page 'Bad Schandau - Schrammstein viewpoint - Breite Kluft - Bad Schandau'
© Philipp Zieger, Tourismusverband Sächsische Schweiz
Bad Schandau - Schrammstein viewpoint - Breite Kluft - Bad Schandau
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13.61 km
454 m
4:30 h
454 m
Hiking · medium
01814 Bad Schandau

After long day of hiking, enjoy some post-walk pampering

When travelling to Saxon Switzerland, you should pack:

Hiking boots – because the best way to experience the region is on foot.
Cycling clothing – because exploring by bike is not too bad either!
Climbing gear – 1134 free standing sandstone rocks make Saxon Switzerland a haven for climbers.
Your Camera – when one view is more spectacular than the other, it’s hard not to keep snapping.
Swimwear – Saxon Switzerland’s spa towns offer lots of wellness and pampering options.