© TMGS / Dennis Stratmann

Outdoor activities with children

Small steps, big adventures

Nature, adventure and fun for all ages

Fresh air, exciting discoveries and unforgettable family moments – Saxony is the perfect destination for outdoor adventures with children. Whether you prefer exploring nature on foot or by bike, you'll find countless family-friendly routes that combine beautiful scenery with plenty of fun along the way.

Easy hiking trails lead through enchanting forests, past impressive rock formations, sparkling streams and interactive adventure stations, while gentle cycling routes follow rivers, cross picturesque landscapes and connect charming towns, playgrounds and exciting attractions. Themed trails, nature playgrounds and hands-on experiences ensure that every outing becomes an adventure for little explorers.

From the spectacular landscapes of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains to the rolling hills of the Vogtland and the forests of the Ore Mountains, families can discover Saxony at their own pace – one step or one pedal stroke at a time. Whether you're looking for a relaxed stroll or an easy bike ride, unforgettable outdoor experiences await around every corner.

© Thomas Schlorke

Our top recommendations

Hiking trails for families

  • Open detail page 'Children's hiking path "Moosmannleinspuren" Schöneck'
    Children's hiking path "Moosmannleinspuren" Schöneck
    4.67 km
    96 m
    2:45 h
    96 m
    Hiking · medium
    08261 Schöneck/Vogtland
  • Open detail page 'With Billi Bockert on the Heide-Beaver Route from Bad Düben to the Hammerbachtal'
    © A. Schmidt, LEIPZIG REGION
    With Billi Bockert on the Heide-Beaver Route from Bad Düben to the Hammerbachtal
    12.84 km
    20 m
    3:10 h
    74 m
    Premium grade hiking trail · easy
    04849 Bad Düben
  • Open detail page 'Wurzelrudi's Fairy Tale Circular Route Eibenstock'
    © Henry Pansch, Tourist-Service-Center Eibenstock
    Wurzelrudi's Fairy Tale Circular Route Eibenstock
    5.23 km
    64 m
    1:30 h
    64 m
    Themed hiking trail · easy
    08309 Eibenstock
  • Open detail page '"Nature Experience Trail" at Butterberg'
    Philipp Herfort, Region Westlausitz | CC-BY-SA
    "Nature Experience Trail" at Butterberg
    3.91 km
    87 m
    1:00 h
    85 m
    Hiking · easy
    01877 Bischofswerda
  • Open detail page 'Family hiking trail Forest adventure trail - Wechselburg'
    © Christina Czach, Tourismus Marketing Gesellschaft Sachsen mbH
    Family hiking trail Forest adventure trail - Wechselburg
    9.26 km
    201 m
    2:00 h
    201 m
    Hiking
    09306 Wechselburg
  • Open detail page 'Steinzoo in the Zittau Mountains: Around the Fox's Chair'
    © Tourismuszentrum Naturpark Zittauer Gebirge, Das Landschaftswunderland Oberlausitz
    Steinzoo in the Zittau Mountains: Around the Fox's Chair
    6.65 km
    149 m
    1:55 h
    148 m
    Hiking · easy
    02797 Oybin
  • Open detail page 'Steinzoo hike - round around the Töpfer spa town Oybin'
    © Tourismuszentrum Naturpark Zittauer Gebirge, Das Landschaftswunderland Oberlausitz
    Steinzoo hike - round around the Töpfer spa town Oybin
    9.48 km
    293 m
    3:00 h
    295 m
    Hiking · medium
    02797 Oybin
  • Open detail page 'Stone zoo in the Zittau Mountains: Jonsdorf millstone quarries'
    © TMGS Dennis Stratmann
    Stone zoo in the Zittau Mountains: Jonsdorf millstone quarries
    4.71 km
    118 m
    1:30 h
    119 m
    Hiking · medium
    02796 Jonsdorf
  • Open detail page 'Pumphut Trail'
    Uwe Schwarz, TGG Oberlausitzer Bergland | CC-BY-SA
    Pumphut Trail
    18.01 km
    582 m
    5:10 h
    582 m
    Themed hiking trail · medium
    02681 Wilthen
  • Balancing, jumping and plenty of fun are on the agenda at various stations along the Butterberg Nature Trail circular walk. For the more adventurous, there is a longer route (approx. 4.5 km) that takes you to the picturesque hamlet of Schönbrunn. 

  • Although the animals in this very special zoo can't be feed, the Steinzoo ("rock zoo") in the Zittau Mountains is still great fun! Whether it’s a rhinoceros, a lion or a pigeon: the shapes of the sandstone cliffs in this part of the Zittau Mountains create a vast zoo, nestled amongst the trees. There are three walks you can take, and some of which are even suitable for pushchairs.

  • The Dübener Heide Nature Park Centre is not only the starting point for the Heide-Biber-Tour, but also houses an exciting, interactive permanent exhibition dedicated to this large nature park near Leipzig. From here, explorers of all ages can also set off on other educational walks, such as the HeideWächter-Tour and the Billi-Bockert-Erlebnistour.

  • For a playful and immersive family forest exploration, try the Forest Adventure Trail Rheinhardtsdorf-Schöna. A suspension bridge, a spider’s web made of thick ropes and a balance trail are among the fourteen play stations along the route. And on a long-jump track, the kids can see which animal they're up against in a long-jump competition!

  • Children should be more than happy to come along on a Forest Adventure Trail Wechselburg hike. Simply because there’s always something new to discover along the roughly 9.5-kilometre route. 

  • Admittedly, the name Porphyry Nature Trail doesn’t roll off the tongue easily. But don’t let that put you off! Porphyry is a volcanic rock interspersed with individual crystals. On the nature trail across Rochlitzer Berg, children and parents alike can learn all about its geological history, the quarries and the lives of the stonemasons – and show off their knowledge later.

Where to go for hiking in Saxony

Hiking destinations for families 

Eibenstock: a family-friendly town

Visit Wurzelrudi's Kingdom

The big draw in Eibenstock is Wurzelrudi's Adventure world, offering holiday fun for young and old alike all year round. Don't miss the observation tower in town for a stunning panoramic view of Eibenstock and its surroundings. Our accommodation tips for your next family holiday: Hotel Am Bühl, the perfect sports and riding hotel, and the holiday apartments at Bühlwald.

  • Wurzelrudi`s Fairy Tale Trail

  • Wurzelrudi`s Adventure World, featuring adventure playground, all-weather bobsleigh run, tyre slide, maze with climbing area, double chairlift, mountain carts, marble run, pirate ship castle, treetop walkway, water playground, roller playground and more

  • Eibenstock Bathing Gardens

  • Eibenstock Ski Resort

Family-friendly activities in Eibenstock

  • Open detail page 'Wurzelrudi's Fairy Tale Circular Route Eibenstock'
    © Henry Pansch, Tourist-Service-Center Eibenstock
    Wurzelrudi's Fairy Tale Circular Route Eibenstock
    5.23 km
    64 m
    1:30 h
    64 m
    Themed hiking trail · easy
    08309 Eibenstock
  • Open detail page 'Health Resort Eibenstock'
    Tip Health Resort Eibenstock
    Tourist information
    Dr.-Leidholdt-Straße 2, 08309 Eibenstock
  • Open detail page 'Wurzelrudi's adventure world /Skiarena'
    A boy with a red shirt smilingly holds two balls on an outdoor marble run.
    Thomas Schlorke | AI-optimized | CC-BY-SA
    Wurzelrudi's adventure world /Skiarena
    Leisure park
    Lohgasse 1, 08309 Eibenstock
  • Open detail page 'Treasury Ore Mountains Eibenstock'
    Treasury Ore Mountains Eibenstock
    Museum/art collection
    Bürgermeister-Hesse-Straße 7-9, 08309 Eibenstock
  • Open detail page 'Badegärten Eibenstock (Bathing Gardens)'
    © Petra Sobeck
    Tip Badegärten Eibenstock (Bathing Gardens)
    Indoor swimming pool/water park
    Am Bühl 3, 08309 Eibenstock
  • Open detail page 'Hotel Am Bühl'
    © Studio2Media
    Hotel Am Bühl
    Hotel
    Am Bühl 1, 08309 Eibenstock
  • Open detail page 'Reit- & Sporthotel Eibenstock'
    © Reithotel Eibenstock
    Reit- & Sporthotel Eibenstock
    (DEHOGA)
    Hotel
    Gerstenbergweg 5, 08309 Eibenstock
  • Open detail page 'Ferienwohnungen Am Bühlwald'
    Ferienwohnungen Am Bühlwald
    Holiday apartment
    Am Bühl 3, 08309 Eibenstock

Schöneck: a family-friendly town

Discover “Vogtland's balcony”

High up at almost 800 metres, Schöneck is the place to enjoy nature, get active and relax at the same time. Whether you’re hiking, cycling, skiing or simply unwinding, the town in Saxony's Vogtland region offers spectacular views and plenty of adventure for young and old alike. The “IFA Ferienpark Schöneck” holiday park and the Schöneck youth hostel are great accommodation options for families.

  • Children's hiking path "Moosmannleinspuren"

  • Ecki's World of Discovery: water play area, scooter playground, marble run trail, XXL playground

  • Bikewelt Schöneck

  • “Aqua World” Water Park

  • “Skiwelt Schöneck” (Ski World Schöneck)

Family-friendly activities in Schöneck

  • Open detail page 'City Schöneck'
    Aerial view of Schöneck in summer, surrounded by green meadows and forests under a blue sky.
    Archiv Tourismusverband Vogtland, S. Theilig | AI-optimized | CC0
    Tip City Schöneck
    Tourist information
    Hohe Reuth 9, 08261 Schöneck/Vogtland
  • Open detail page 'Children's hiking path "Moosmannleinspuren" Schöneck'
    Children's hiking path "Moosmannleinspuren" Schöneck
    4.67 km
    96 m
    2:45 h
    96 m
    Hiking · medium
    08261 Schöneck/Vogtland
  • Open detail page 'Bikewelt Schöneck'
    Qoosie Pics, Schöneck Tourismus | CC-BY
    Tip Bikewelt Schöneck
    Bike park
    Hohe Reuth, 08261 Schöneck/Vogtland
  • Open detail page 'Skiwelt Schöneck (Ski World Schöneck)'
    © Rainer Weisflog
    Skiwelt Schöneck (Ski World Schöneck)
    Ski resort
    Hohe Reuth, 08261 Schöneck/Vogtland
  • Open detail page 'IFA Schöneck Hotel & Ferienpark'
    IFA Schöneck Hotel & Ferienpark
    Hotel
    Hohe Reuth 5, 08261 Schöneck/Vogtland
  • Open detail page 'Jugendherberge Schöneck (TMGS)'
    Jugendherberge Schöneck (TMGS)
    Youth hostel
    Am Stadtpark 52, 08261 Schöneck/Vogtland

Oberwiesenthal, a family-friendly spa town

Summer and winter holiday fun for the entire family

The spa town of Oberwiesenthal is perfect for a family break full of adventure. Whether it’s thrilling downhill runs in winter or exciting discovery tours in summer – the Fichtelberg area offers unforgettable holiday fun all year round. Our accommodation tips for your next family holiday: Elldus Resort Oberwiesenthal, AHORN Hotel Am Fichtelberg.

  • Fichtelchen Erlebnispfad - a family adventure trail

  • Various playgrounds, low rope climbing course, all-year toboggan run “O'thal Coaster”, Jump & Slide Park

  • Ski resort with a children’s ski area and a winter toboggan run from the Fichtelberg down into the valley

Family-friendly activities in the spa town of Oberwiesenthal

  • Open detail page 'Health Resort Oberwiesenthal'
    A family sits on a meadow, watching the Fichtelbergbahn train pass by.
    © Sandro Lindner | AI-optimized
    Health Resort Oberwiesenthal
    Tourist information
    Markt 8, 09484 Oberwiesenthal
  • Open detail page 'Elldus Resort'
    Elldus Resort
    (DEHOGA)
    Hotel
    Werner-Seelenbinder-Straße 46, 09484 Oberwiesenthal
  • Open detail page 'AHORN Hotel Am Fichtelberg'
    AHORN Hotel Am Fichtelberg
    Superior (DEHOGA)
    Hotel
    Karlsbader Straße 40, 09484 Oberwiesenthal (Oberwiesenthal)
  • Open detail page 'Fichtelbergbahn'
    © S-Print, Michael Findeisen
    Fichtelbergbahn
    Railway/narrow-gauge railway
    Bahnhofstraße 7, 09484 Oberwiesenthal

All discovery tours at a glance

© TMGS / Dennis Stratmann

Enjoy the ride

Cycling with children in Saxony

Family adventures are even more fun on two wheels. In Saxony, well-maintained cycle paths, mostly flat routes and countless places to stop and explore make cycling with children easy and enjoyable. Whether you're looking for a relaxed day trip or a family cycling holiday, you'll find routes that combine nature, culture and exciting experiences along the way.

  • The Elbe Cycle Route is a favourite for families thanks to its mostly flat terrain, excellent infrastructure and picturesque riverside scenery. Along the route, historic towns such as Dresden, Meissen and Pirna invite you to take a break, while castles, vineyards and playgrounds provide plenty of reasons to stop and explore.

  • For families with children who enjoy relaxed rides in beautiful surroundings, the Oder–Neisse Cycle Route is an excellent choice. Mostly flat and well signposted, it follows the Neisse River through peaceful landscapes, picturesque villages and fascinating nature. Along the way, families can discover the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage site of Muskau Park/Park Mużakowski, making every stage a rewarding adventure for young and old alike.

  • If your family loves spending time by the water, Leipzig's New Lakeland Cycle Route is an ideal choice. Gentle cycling paths connect sparkling lakes, sandy beaches and marinas, with opportunities to swim, enjoy a picnic or try exciting activities such as canoeing and water sports. The flat terrain makes it especially suitable for younger cyclists.

  • For families with older children looking for a little more adventure, sections of the Spree Cycle Route offer a wonderful mix of nature, charming towns and wildlife. Cycling through the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of the Upper Lusatian Heath and Pond Landscape is a memorable experience for young explorers.

  • Need even more inspiration? Discover our selection of the 10 most beautiful cycle routes in Saxony, where you'll find family-friendly tours, practical route information and ideas for your next cycling adventure. Many routes can easily be adapted to shorter day trips, allowing you to enjoy Saxony at your own pace.

  • With certified family-friendly accommodation, exciting attractions and plenty of opportunities to combine cycling with nature, swimming, castles and outdoor adventures, Saxony is the perfect destination for creating unforgettable memories on two wheels.

Family-friendly cycle routes

  • Open detail page 'Family bike tour - For seafarers and water lovers'
    © Sandra Engelbrecht, Schöneck Tourismus
    Family bike tour - For seafarers and water lovers
    19.16 km
    162 m
    1:27 h
    160 m
    Cycling · medium
    08261 Schöneck/Vogtland
  • Open detail page 'Family bike tour at Berzdorfer See, Görlitz'
    Europastadt GörlitzZgorzelec GmbH, Archiv Europastadt GörlitzZgorzelec GmbH | CC-BY-SA
    Family bike tour at Berzdorfer See, Görlitz
    15.62 km
    14 m
    2:00 h
    14 m
    Cycling · easy
    02827 Görlitz
  • Open detail page 'Bike route 2 - to Saurierpark and Kleinwelka'
    Jens-Michael Bierke, Das Landschaftswunderland Oberlausitz | CC-BY-SA
    Bike route 2 - to Saurierpark and Kleinwelka
    19.74 km
    111 m
    1:25 h
    72 m
    Cycling · easy
    02625 Bautzen
  • Open detail page 'Obstland Cycling Route - Sub-route II - History of fruit cultivation'
    © Sylvia & Helene Graupner, LEIPZIG REGION
    Obstland Cycling Route - Sub-route II - History of fruit cultivation
    21.07 km
    191 m
    1:45 h
    188 m
    Cycling · easy
    04769 Mügeln
  • Open detail page 'KRABAT meets Lessing - KRABAT zetka Lessinga'
    OHTL e.V., Das Landschaftswunderland Oberlausitz | CC-BY-SA
    KRABAT meets Lessing - KRABAT zetka Lessinga
    16.28 km
    55 m
    3:00 h
    55 m
    Cycling · medium
    01920 Nebelschütz
  • Open detail page 'Circular route 3: Nature experience trail Biological diversity & local history Kreba-Neudorf'
    S. Grau, Archiv TGG Neisseland | CC-BY-SA
    Circular route 3: Nature experience trail Biological diversity & local history Kreba-Neudorf
    4.32 km
    3 m
    1:00 h
    3 m
    Cycling · medium
    02906 Kreba-Neudorf
  • Open detail page 'Circular route Mulde-Elbe cycle route / Döllnitztal cycle route'
    Christian Hüller, www.christianhueller.de, LEIPZIG REGION | CC-BY
    Circular route Mulde-Elbe cycle route / Döllnitztal cycle route
    38.64 km
    162 m
    2:40 h
    162 m
    Cycling · easy
    04779 Wermsdorf
  • Open detail page 'Circuit at Olbersdorfer See'
    © TMGS Dennis Stratmann
    Circuit at Olbersdorfer See
    4.76 km
    22 m
    0:21 h
    20 m
    Cycling · easy
    02785 Olbersdorf
  • Open detail page 'Family-friendly: On a discovery tour through the land of horses - cycle tour from Moritzburg to Weinböhla'
    FOTOGRAFISCH - Juliane Mostertz, Dresden Elbland | CC-BY-SA
    Family-friendly: On a discovery tour through the land of horses - cycle tour from Moritzburg to Weinböhla
    21.41 km
    130 m
    1:25 h
    69 m
    Cycling · easy
    01468 Moritzburg
  • Open detail page '“Sandhusenringel” Geyer'
    Patrick Eichler, Greifensteinregion | CC-BY-ND
    “Sandhusenringel” Geyer
    14.10 km
    178 m
    1:30 h
    178 m
    Cycling · medium
    09468 Geyer
  • Open detail page 'Landpartie Großenhain Zabeltitz - family time between nature and historic castles'
    FOTOGRAFISCH - Juliane Mostertz, Dresden Elbland | CC-BY-SA
    Landpartie Großenhain Zabeltitz - family time between nature and historic castles
    27.33 km
    52 m
    1:55 h
    52 m
    Cycling · easy
    01558 Großenhain
  • Open detail page 'Family-friendly: Elbzauber cycle route from Zeithain to Strehla'
    FOTOGRAFISCH - Juliane Mostertz, Dresden Elbland | CC-BY-SA
    Family-friendly: Elbzauber cycle route from Zeithain to Strehla
    24.12 km
    56 m
    1:40 h
    56 m
    Cycling · medium
    01619 Zeithain
  • Open detail page 'Cycle path Falkenstein-Oelsnitz'
    Cycle path Falkenstein-Oelsnitz
    27.80 km
    239 m
    1:55 h
    93 m
    Cycling · medium
    08223 Falkenstein/Vogtland
  • Open detail page 'Syrau Dragon Circuit'
    Syrau Dragon Circuit
    10.34 km
    85 m
    2:35 h
    85 m
    Hiking · easy
    08539 Mehltheuer
  • Open detail page 'Through nature by bike and the Preßnitz Valley Railway'
    © Jürgen Herold, IG Preßnitztalbahn, Erlebnisheimat Erzgebirge
    Through nature by bike and the Preßnitz Valley Railway
    8.81 km
    222 m
    0:45 h
    76 m
    Cycling
    09477 Jöhstadt
  • Open detail page 'Family bike route - For little forest and meadow explorers'
    Archiv TI Schöneck/M.Rohne | CC-BY-SA
    Family bike route - For little forest and meadow explorers
    11.62 km
    65 m
    0:50 h
    65 m
    Cycling · easy
    08261 Schöneck/Vogtland

A superstar among cycle routes

Elbe Cycle Route

The Elbe Cycle Route is an ideal choice for a cycling adventure with children. In Saxony, the mostly flat route follows the Elbe from the dramatic landscapes of Saxon Switzerland through the scenic Elbe Valley to Dresden, Radebeul, Meissen and Torgau

Along the way, families can discover castles, vineyards, historic towns and plenty of spots for a break by the river. With cyclist-friendly accommodation and good public transport connections, individual stages can be planned flexibly – perfect for a relaxed family cycling holiday.

© TMGS / Dennis Stratmann
© Philipp Herfort Photography

Stop for tranquil walks through parks and history

Oder-Neisse Cycle Route

The Oder-Neisse Cycle Route is a great option for a relaxed cycling adventure with children. Following the Neisse River through Saxony, the mostly flat and well-signposted route leads from Zittau through peaceful riverside landscapes, picturesque villages and the historic town of Görlitz

Highlights include St. Marienthal Abbey and the impressive Muskau Park/Park Mużakowski, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With plenty of opportunities to stop, explore and enjoy nature along the way, the route combines cycling, history and outdoor experiences for the whole family.

Discover the lakes of Leipzig

New Lakeland Cycle Route

The New Lakeland Cycle Route is perfect for a fun-filled family cycling day near Leipzig. The almost 100-kilometre circular route links several lakes, including Lake Markkleeberg, Lake Störmthal and Lake Cospuden

Along the way, families can stop for a swim, enjoy water sports, visit the floating VINETA, explore the Mining and Technology Park or add a thrill-packed stop at Belantis theme park. The mostly easy route combines cycling with plenty of opportunities for play, adventure and relaxation.

 

 

© TMGS / Dennis Stratmann
© Philipp Herfort Photography

Cycling along an idyllic river

Spree Cycle Route 

The Spree Cycle Route offers a wonderful mix of nature and culture for families with older children. In Saxony, the route follows the Spree from its source in the Upper Lusatian hills through peaceful forests, picturesque ponds and the historic old town of Bautzen

Along the way, you can discover charming Sorbian villages with traditional half-timbered houses and explore the UNESCO Upper Lusatian Heath and Pond Landscape Biosphere Reserve. A great choice for families looking to combine cycling, nature and regional culture.