© TMGS / Dennis Stratmann

Hiking in Saxony

Discover the region's most beautiful hiking routes

Hiking bliss: from rugged landscapes 
to enchanting vineyards

Saxony is an exceptionally diverse hiking destination, offering an impressive variety of landscapes within a compact area. From the spectacular rock formations of Saxon Switzerland and the dense forests of the Ore Mountains to the volcanic hills of Upper Lusatia and the vineyards of Dresden Elbland, every region has its own unique character.

Whether you're looking for a challenging full-day hike or a leisurely walk surrounded by nature, you'll find well-marked trails for every level. Saxony boasts an excellent hiking infrastructure with many routes awarded the "Wanderbares Deutschland" quality trail certification. Iconic long-distance trails such as the Painters' Way (Malerweg) and the Erzgebirge-Vogtland Ridgeway (Kammweg Erzgebirge–Vogtland) are musts for hiking enthusiasts.

On this page, you'll find inspiration for planning your next adventure, including detailed information on Saxony's 7 most beautiful hiking trails – from the award-winning Caspar David Friedrich Trail to scenic panoramic routes through the Vogtland and Upper Lusatia.

Saxony is a rewarding destination in every season. In winter peaceful landscapes and crisp air create ideal conditions for relaxing walks, while families can enjoy unforgettable outdoor experiences on child-friendly hiking trails. Lace up your boots and discover Saxony's most beautiful landscapes at your own pace.

More hiking experiences in Saxony

Saxon Switzerland

#1 Painters' Way (Malerweg)

The king of hiking trails

© DZT / Francesco Carovillano

Just 45 minutes from Dresden, your adventure begins in Germany’s only national park featuring rock formations. The 116 kilometer long Painters' Way (Malerweg) takes you through the spectacular rocky landscape of Saxon Switzerland, past the Bastei Bridge, Königstein Fortress and the Rathen Rock Theatre.

In 2026, the Painters' Way celebrated its 20th anniversary. Since 2006, it has been delighting hikers across eight stages. To mark the anniversary, 20 new short walks, exhibitions and creative activities were created and a ready for you to explore.

Where artists such as Caspar David Friedrich once found inspiration, you can now experience wild and romantic nature, deep gorges and breathtaking views. On historic Romantic-era paths, you’ll discover, step by step, what makes the Painters' Way one of the most beautiful hiking trails in Germany: a perfect blend of art, history and the natural environment.

Painters' Way facts and figures
  • Start/Finish: Pirna ↔ Stadt Wehlen ↔ Hohnstein ↔ Schmilka ↔ Königstein (8-stage circular route through Saxon Switzerland)

  • Total length: 116 kilometres (8 stages ranging from approx. 11 km to 18 km)

  • Difficulty: moderate (some challenging sections with inclines and rocky steps)

  • Best time to visit: April to October (ideal weather conditions), but possible all year round with the right kit

  • Highlights: historic artists’ trails, spectacular sandstone formations, the Bastei Bridge, Königstein Fortress, the beautiful small village Schmilka and varied landscapes along the route

  • Suitable for hiking enthusiasts of moderate fitness, nature and culture lovers, multi-day long-distance hikers

Painters' Way in stages
  • Open detail page 'Malerweg stage 1: From Pirna-Liebethal to Stadt Wehlen (official version TV Sächsische Schweiz)'
    © Philipp Zieger, Tourismusverband Sächsische Schweiz
    Malerweg stage 1: From Pirna-Liebethal to Stadt Wehlen (official version TV Sächsische Schweiz)
    11.55 km
    141 m
    3:30 h
    110 m
    Hiking · easy
    01796 Pirna
  • 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)
    10.91 km
    345 m
    4:45 h
    499 m
    Hiking · medium
    01829 Stadt Wehlen
  • Open detail page 'Malerweg, stage 3: From Hohnstein to Altendorf (official version TV Sächsische Schweiz)'
    © Philipp Zieger, Tourismusverband Sächsische Schweiz
    Malerweg, stage 3: From Hohnstein to Altendorf (official version TV Sächsische Schweiz)
    13.96 km
    440 m
    5:30 h
    449 m
    Hiking · medium
    01848 Hohnstein
  • Open detail page 'Malerweg, stage 4: From Altendorf to Neumannmühle (official version TV Sächsische Schweiz)'
    © Stephan Junghanß, Tourismusverband Sächsische Schweiz
    Malerweg, stage 4: From Altendorf to Neumannmühle (official version TV Sächsische Schweiz)
    18.35 km
    662 m
    7:15 h
    553 m
    Hiking · difficult
    01855 Sebnitz
  • Open detail page 'Malerweg, Stage 5: From Neumannmühle to Schmilka (official version by TV Sächsische Schweiz)'
    © Iven Eissner, Tourismusverband Sächsische Schweiz
    Malerweg, Stage 5: From Neumannmühle to Schmilka (official version by TV Sächsische Schweiz)
    13.65 km
    676 m
    7:00 h
    587 m
    Hiking · difficult
    01855 Sebnitz
  • Open detail page 'Malerweg, stage 6: From Schmilka to the spa town of Gohrisch (official version TV Sächsische Schweiz)'
    © Jens Wegener DZT, Tourismusverband Sächsische Schweiz
    Malerweg, stage 6: From Schmilka to the spa town of Gohrisch (official version TV Sächsische Schweiz)
    18.00 km
    448 m
    7:00 h
    667 m
    Hiking · medium
    01814 Bad Schandau
  • Open detail page 'Malerweg, stage 7: From the spa town of Gohrisch to Weißig (official version TV Sächsische Schweiz)'
    © Britta Prema Hirschburger, Tourismusverband Sächsische Schweiz
    Malerweg, stage 7: From the spa town of Gohrisch to Weißig (official version TV Sächsische Schweiz)
    16.58 km
    639 m
    6:15 h
    568 m
    Hiking · medium
    01824 Gohrisch
  • Open detail page 'Malerweg, stage 8: From Weißig to Pirna (official version TV Sächsische Schweiz)'
    © Philipp Zieger, Tourismusverband Sächsische Schweiz
    Malerweg, stage 8: From Weißig to Pirna (official version TV Sächsische Schweiz)
    13.77 km
    360 m
    5:00 h
    256 m
    Hiking · medium
    01796 Struppen
  • Open detail page 'Family day route on the Malerweg'
    D. Stratmann, TMGS | CC0
    Family day route on the Malerweg
    13.42 km
    557 m
    4:20 h
    557 m
    Hiking · medium
    01829 Stadt Wehlen
  • Open detail page 'Hiking with Your Dog on the Malerweg Trail'
    Alexander Ratzing, Tourismusverband Sächsische Schweiz | CC-BY-SA
    Hiking with Your Dog on the Malerweg Trail
    118.93 km
    3,678 m
    37:45 h
    3,598 m
    Hiking · medium
    01796 Pirna

#2 Caspar David Friedrich Trail 

Hiking in the footsteps of a Romantic painter

© Britta Prema Hirschburger

On the Caspar David Friedrich Trail, you can follow in the footsteps of the famous painter through Saxon Switzerland. The landscape inspired Caspar David Friedrich to create his world-famous works. Experience the motifs typical of the Romantic era up close, including striking cliffs, sweeping valleys and mystical lighting effects. Information boards combine the natural environment with art history, bringing the painter's visual worlds to life.

Anyone completing the roughly 15 kilometre day hike, voted Germany’s “Most Beautiful Hiking Trail 2025”, will find themselves standing on the Kaiserkrone, the very rock that served as the pedestal for the world-famous “Wanderer above the Sea of Fog” painting.

Caspar David Friedrich Trail facts and figures
  • Start/Finish: circular route starting from Krippen (Bad Schandau), and returning to the starting point

  • Total length: approx. 15 kilometres

  • Difficulty: moderate (easy to moderate with a few inclines)

  • Best time to visit: April to October (ideal weather conditions), possible all year round with the right kit, best in spring and autumn

  • Highlights: cultural-historical themed trail following in the footsteps of Caspar David Friedrich, featuring 12 information boards and panoramic views such as those from the Kaiserkrone and Wolfsberg, voted Germany’s “Most Beautiful Hiking Trail 2025”

  • Suitable for day hikers, art and culture enthusiasts, sportive families

Ore Mountains • Vogtland

#3 Erzgebirge-Vogtland Ridgeway

Hiking with a sense of adventure

© Katja Fouad Vollmer

Setting off in the Eastern Ore Mountains, the Erzgebirge-Vogtland Ridgeway takes you through more than 800 years of Saxon mining history right into the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage site “Erzgebirge/Krušnohoří Mining Region".

Celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2026, each of the 17 unique stretches of the Erzgebirge–Vogtland Ridgeway (Kammweg Erzgebirge-Vogtland) continue to inspire hikers with their diverse landscapes and outstanding trail experience.

Along the way, hikers will find a range of things to see and do. In Seiffen, they can meet the town's famous wooden toy makers. Olbernhau provides insights into the region's former copper mining industry. There are views to enjoy from the 1,215-metre-high Fichtelberg in Oberwiesenthal or the history of German space travel to be explored in Morgenröth-Rautenkranz. And much more…

Erzgebirge-Vogtland Ridgeway facts and figures
  • Certified “Wanderbares Deutschland” quality hiking trail

  • Start/Finish: Geising (Ore Mountains) ↔ Blankenstein (Thuringia)

  • Total length: approx. 287 kilometres (17 stages)

  • Difficulty: moderate to challenging (long stages, some steep climbs)

  • Best time to visit: May to October

  • Highlights: varied low-mountain landscape with dense forests and panoramic views, links to the Rennsteig and Frankenweg trails, the spa town of Oberwiesenthal with the Fichtelberg, and the toy village of Seiffen

  • Suitable for: long-distance hikers, fans of multi-day hikes

Erzgebirge-Vogtland Ridgeway in stages
  • Open detail page 'Ridge trail stage 01 "From Geising to Holzhau"'
    © Birgit Knöbel, Erlebnisheimat Erzgebirge
    Ridge trail stage 01 "From Geising to Holzhau"
    24.61 km
    492 m
    8:00 h
    657 m
    Premium grade hiking trail · difficult
    01773 Altenberg
  • Open detail page 'Kammweg stage 02 "From Holzhau to Sayda"'
    © Erlebnisheimat Erzgebirge
    Kammweg stage 02 "From Holzhau to Sayda"
    12.33 km
    303 m
    3:30 h
    241 m
    Premium grade hiking trail · easy
    09623 Rechenberg-Bienenmühle
  • Open detail page 'Kammweg stage 04 "From Seiffen to Olbernhau"'
    © Dirk Rückschloss, Erlebnisheimat Erzgebirge
    Kammweg stage 04 "From Seiffen to Olbernhau"
    11.21 km
    503 m
    3:30 h
    314 m
    Premium grade hiking trail · medium
    09548 Seiffen/Erzgebirge
  • Open detail page 'Ridge trail stage 03 "From Sayda to Seiffen"'
    © Erlebnisheimat Erzgebirge
    Ridge trail stage 03 "From Sayda to Seiffen"
    9.82 km
    312 m
    3:00 h
    256 m
    Premium grade hiking trail · medium
    09619 Sayda
  • Open detail page 'Ridge trail stage 05 "From Olbernhau to Kühnhaide"'
    © Dirk Rückschloss, Erlebnisheimat Erzgebirge
    Ridge trail stage 05 "From Olbernhau to Kühnhaide"
    20.80 km
    279 m
    6:00 h
    518 m
    Premium grade hiking trail · difficult
    09526 Olbernhau
  • Open detail page 'Kammweg stage 06 "From Kühnhaide to Satzung"'
    © R.+D. B., Community
    Kammweg stage 06 "From Kühnhaide to Satzung"
    13.97 km
    5 m
    4:00 h
    185 m
    Premium grade hiking trail · difficult
    09496 Marienberg
  • Open detail page 'Ridge trail stage 08 "From Bärenstein to Fichtelberg, Oberwiesenthal spa town"'
    Dirk Rückschloss, Erlebnisheimat Erzgebirge | CC-BY
    Ridge trail stage 08 "From Bärenstein to Fichtelberg, Oberwiesenthal spa town"
    18.00 km
    317 m
    6:30 h
    698 m
    Premium grade hiking trail · difficult
    09465 Sehmatal
  • Open detail page 'Ridge trail stage 07 "From Satzung to Bärenstein"'
    © Erlebnisheimat Erzgebirge
    Ridge trail stage 07 "From Satzung to Bärenstein"
    22.48 km
    613 m
    7:00 h
    538 m
    Premium grade hiking trail · medium
    09496 Marienberg
  • Open detail page 'Kammweg stage 09 "From Oberwiesenthal to Rittersgrün"'
    © René Gaens, Tourismusverband Erzgebirge e. V.
    Kammweg stage 09 "From Oberwiesenthal to Rittersgrün"
    13.93 km
    605 m
    4:00 h
    37 m
    Premium grade hiking trail · easy
    09484 Oberwiesenthal
  • Open detail page 'Ridge trail stage 10 "From Rittersgrün to Johanngeorgenstadt"'
    © Erlebnisheimat Erzgebirge
    Ridge trail stage 10 "From Rittersgrün to Johanngeorgenstadt"
    9.89 km
    242 m
    3:00 h
    282 m
    Premium grade hiking trail · easy
    08359 Breitenbrunn/Erzgebirge
  • Open detail page 'Ridge trail stage 11 "From Johanngeorgenstadt to Weitersglashütte"'
    © Birgit Knöbel, Erlebnisheimat Erzgebirge
    Ridge trail stage 11 "From Johanngeorgenstadt to Weitersglashütte"
    20.00 km
    442 m
    5:50 h
    676 m
    Premium grade hiking trail · medium
    08349 Johanngeorgenstadt
  • Open detail page 'Ridge trail stage 12 "From Weitersglashütte to Mühlleithen"'
    © Renè Gaens, Erlebnisheimat Erzgebirge
    Ridge trail stage 12 "From Weitersglashütte to Mühlleithen"
    14.08 km
    345 m
    4:00 h
    332 m
    Premium grade hiking trail · medium
    08309 Eibenstock
  • Open detail page 'Ridge trail stage 12 with detours to the dam and space exhibition'
    Archiv Gemeinde Muldenhammer/ TMGS/Fotograf Rainer Weisflog | CC-BY-SA
    Ridge trail stage 12 with detours to the dam and space exhibition
    25.40 km
    595 m
    6:50 h
    562 m
    Hiking
    08309 Eibenstock
  • Open detail page 'Ridge trail stage 13 "From Muehlleithen to Schoeneck"'
    Archiv TVV/D.Rückschloß | CC-BY-SA
    Ridge trail stage 13 "From Muehlleithen to Schoeneck"
    15.10 km
    216 m
    4:30 h
    134 m
    Premium grade hiking trail · medium
    08248 Klingenthal/Sachsen
  • Open detail page 'Ridge trail stage 14 "From Schoeneck to Eichigt"'
    Archiv TVV (D. Rückschloß) | CC-BY-SA
    Ridge trail stage 14 "From Schoeneck to Eichigt"
    25.05 km
    510 m
    6:20 h
    329 m
    Hiking · difficult
    08261 Schöneck/Vogtland
  • Open detail page 'Kammweg stage 15 "From Eichigt to the Burgstein area"'
    Archiv TVV/D.Rückschloß | CC-BY-SA
    Kammweg stage 15 "From Eichigt to the Burgstein area"
    20.85 km
    346 m
    6:00 h
    287 m
    Premium grade hiking trail · medium
    08626 Eichigt
  • Open detail page 'Kammweg stage 16 "From the Burgstein area to Hirschberg"'
    Archiv TVV/D.Rückschloß | CC-BY-SA
    Kammweg stage 16 "From the Burgstein area to Hirschberg"
    23.04 km
    403 m
    6:30 h
    325 m
    Premium grade hiking trail · difficult
    08538 Weischlitz
  • Open detail page 'Kammweg stage 17 "From Hirschberg to Blankenstein"'
    Tourismusverband Vogtland e.V. (A. Willig) | CC-BY-SA
    Kammweg stage 17 "From Hirschberg to Blankenstein"
    13.81 km
    352 m
    4:00 h
    323 m
    Premium grade hiking trail · difficult
    07927 Hirschberg

Find the tour that suits you

Sächsischer Weinwanderweg, Schönste Weinsicht 2016 Meissen

Vogtland

#4 Vogtland Panorama Trail®

Hiking fun with picture-perfect views

© TVV / T. Peisker

Here comes a picture-perfect circular route: the Vogtland Panorama Trail® starts and ends at the imposing Göltzschtal Bridge, the world’s largest brick arch bridge. Along its 235 kilometres, you can look forward to sweeping views, idyllic valleys and towns steeped in tradition.

Divided into manageable stages, the trail leads through the diverse landscapes of the Vogtland region, passing historic spa towns, scenic reservoirs and the renowned “Musicon Valley”, famous for its long tradition of musical instrument making. A varied trail for nature lovers with an appreciation for culture and craftsmanship.

Facts about the Vogtland Panorama Trail®:
  • Certified “Wanderbares Deutschland” quality hiking trail

  • Start/Finish: circular route (no fixed starting point, e.g. Göltzschtal Bridge in Mylau)

  • Total length: approx. 235 kilometres (12 stages)

  • Difficulty: medium

  • Best time to visit: May to October (ideal weather conditions), accessible all year round with the right equipment

  • Highlights: more than 80 panoramic views, cultural and historical attractions, the Saxon state spas of Bad Elster and Bad Brambach, Plauen, Morgenröthe-Rautenkranz, and a varied landscape featuring hills, valleys and meadows

  • Suitable for hikers of moderate fitness, nature and landscape enthusiasts

Upper Lusatia

#5 Upper Lusatian Mountain Trail

Stunning views guaranteed

TMGS / Dennis Stratmann | CC0

The long-distance Upper Lusatian Mountain Trail (Oberlausitzer Bergweg) winds its way over 128 kilometres through the border triangle of Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic in the Zittau Mountains. The trail links panoramic peaks such as Lausche, Hochwald and Valtenberg with quaint villages, sandstone cliffs and tranquil forests.

On paths that are largely unspoilt, winding through majestic landscapes, you’ll discover the region’s typical half-timbered houses and meet warm-hearted hosts who’ll treat you to regional cuisine.

The varied stages are ideal for anyone looking for active days, peaceful relaxation and authentic discoveries. On the Upper Lusatian Mountain Trail, you won’t just be going for a walk – you’ll be enjoying an experience close to nature, with panoramic views guaranteed and fascinating cultural sights to discover.

Upper Lusatian Mountain Trail facts and figures
  • Certified “Wanderbares Deutschland” quality hiking trail

  • Start/Finish: Neukirch (Butterberg near Bischofswerda) ↔ Zittau (Zittau Mountains)

  • Total length: approx. 128 kilometres (7 stages)

  • Difficulty: medium

  • Best time to visit: March to October (ideal weather conditions), possible all year round with the right equipment

  • Highlights: Upper Lusatian hill scenery, panoramic views from the peaks, Oybin Monastery and Castle, Stone Zoo in the Zittau Mountains, Butterfly House in Jonsdorf, Zittau Narrow-Gauge Railway, Herrnhut stars, Zittau

  • Suitable for long-distance hikers, nature lovers and leisurely walkers

Dresden Elbland

#6 Saxon Wine Trail

A feast for the senses

© Eric Groß

The Saxon Wine Trail  takes you from Pirna through the Saxon Elbe Valley, home to passionate winemakers for more than 850 years.

With every step through the tall, vine-covered hills, your gaze wanders to the table mountains of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains behind Pirna, to the vineyard church in Pillnitz, to the famous old town skyline of Dresden with its Baroque buildings, to Albrechtsburg Castle and Meissen Cathedral, or down to the wide floodplains on the banks of the Elbe towards Diesbar-Seusslitz.

Saxon Wine Trail facts and figures
  • Start/Finish: Pirna → Radebeul → Meissen → Diesbar-Seusslitz (along the Elbe River)

  • Total length: approx. 90 kilometres (6 stages of approx. 15–18 km each)

  • Difficulty: easy to moderate

  • Best time to visit: April to October (the vine blossoming and harvest seasons are particularly attractive)

  • Highlights: vineyard slopes along the Elbe Valley, fine dining at historic wineries, numerous viewpoints and wine taverns during the grape harvest, towns such as Dresden, Meissen, Radebeul and Pirna, Wackerbarth Castle

  • Suitable for leisurely walkers, wine lovers, families and culture enthusiasts

Hiking trails in the Dresden Elbland region
  • Open detail page 'Saxon Wine Trail - Stage 1 - From Pirna to Dresden-Pillnitz'
    © Jens Dauterstedt, Dresden Elbland
    Saxon Wine Trail - Stage 1 - From Pirna to Dresden-Pillnitz
    11.96 km
    140 m
    5:00 h
    156 m
    Hiking · easy
    01796 Pirna
  • Open detail page 'Saxon Wine Hiking Trail - Stage 2 - From Dresden-Pillnitz to Dresden-Wilder Mann'
    © KulturTerrasse Scholz, Dresden Elbland
    Saxon Wine Hiking Trail - Stage 2 - From Dresden-Pillnitz to Dresden-Wilder Mann
    18.31 km
    229 m
    6:00 h
    206 m
    Hiking · easy
    01326 Dresden
  • Open detail page 'Saxon Wine Trail - Stage 3 - From Dresden-Wilder Mann to Radebeul-Zitzschewig'
    Sebastian Weingart, Dresden Elbland | CC-BY
    Saxon Wine Trail - Stage 3 - From Dresden-Wilder Mann to Radebeul-Zitzschewig
    14.25 km
    374 m
    6:00 h
    380 m
    Hiking · easy
    01129 Dresden
  • Open detail page 'Saxon Wine Trail - Stage 4 - From Radebeul-Zitzschewig to Oberau'
    Gabriele Hanke, www.fotografie-pur.de, Dresden Elbland | CC-BY
    Saxon Wine Trail - Stage 4 - From Radebeul-Zitzschewig to Oberau
    14.84 km
    115 m
    5:00 h
    127 m
    Hiking · easy
    01445 Radebeul
  • Open detail page 'Saxon Wine Trail - Stage 5 - From Oberau to Meißen'
    Tobias Ebert , Weingut Schuh  | CC-BY
    Saxon Wine Trail - Stage 5 - From Oberau to Meißen
    13.11 km
    195 m
    5:00 h
    172 m
    Hiking · easy
    01689 Niederau
  • Open detail page 'Saxon Wine Trail - Stage 6 - From Meißen to Diesbar-Seußlitz'
    Sebastian Weingart, Dresden Elbland, Sebastian Weingart-wunderwaldpho | CC-BY
    Saxon Wine Trail - Stage 6 - From Meißen to Diesbar-Seußlitz
    16.24 km
    294 m
    6:00 h
    289 m
    Hiking · easy
    01662 Meißen
  • Open detail page 'Riparian Forest Tour - A Hiker's Favorite in Dresden Elbland'
    Sebastian Weingart, Dresden Elbland | CC-BY
    Riparian Forest Tour - A Hiker's Favorite in Dresden Elbland
    16.38 km
    13 m
    3:55 h
    13 m
    Hiking · medium
    01561 Thiendorf
  • Open detail page 'Through the Triebisch valleys - Hiking favorite Dresden Elbland'
    Sebastian Weingart, Dresden Elbland | CC-BY
    Through the Triebisch valleys - Hiking favorite Dresden Elbland
    19.73 km
    239 m
    5:10 h
    363 m
    Hiking · difficult
    01662 Meißen
  • Open detail page 'Götterfelsenweg - Hiking favorite Dresden Elbland'
    Sebastian Weingart, Dresden Elbland | CC-BY
    Götterfelsenweg - Hiking favorite Dresden Elbland
    4.61 km
    89 m
    1:20 h
    89 m
    Hiking · medium
    01662 Meißen
  • Open detail page 'KARRAS circular route - Hiking favorite Dresden Elbland'
    Tommy Halfter, Dresden Elbland | CC-BY
    KARRAS circular route - Hiking favorite Dresden Elbland
    17.59 km
    87 m
    4:20 h
    87 m
    Hiking · medium
    01640 Coswig
  • Open detail page 'Königsweg - A Hiker's Favorite in Dresden's Elbland Region'
    Stephan Böhlig, Dresden Elbland, Stephan Boehlig | CC0
    Königsweg - A Hiker's Favorite in Dresden's Elbland Region
    11.21 km
    33 m
    4:00 h
    25 m
    Hiking · easy
    01468 Moritzburg
  • Open detail page 'RebkulTour - Dresden Elbland: A Hiker's Favorite'
    Radebeul Weinhänge
    Sylvio Dittrich, Stadtverwaltung Radebeul | Sylvio Dittrich | CC-BY-SA
    RebkulTour - Dresden Elbland: A Hiker's Favorite
    5.91 km
    217 m
    1:55 h
    217 m
    Hiking · easy
    01445 Radebeul
  • Open detail page 'Seußlitz Wine Scenic Tour - Dresden Elbland's Favorite Hike'
    Sebastian Weingart, Dresden Elbland, Sebastian Weingart-wunderwaldpho | CC-BY
    Seußlitz Wine Scenic Tour - Dresden Elbland's Favorite Hike
    4.86 km
    76 m
    1:15 h
    76 m
    Hiking · easy
    01612 Nünchritz

Leipzig Region and Chemnitz.Zwickau.Region.

#7 Luther Trail 

In the footsteps of the Reformation

© Andreas Schmidt

Stretching over 564 kilometres, the Luther Trail in Saxony is a spiritual circular route through the most beautiful landscapes of central Germany. It links churches, monasteries, castles and towns closely associated with the work of Martin Luther and his companions – from Leipzig via Torgau and Grimma to Eilenburg, Leisnig and Bad Düben.

Along quiet forest, field and riverside paths, you’ll experience not only history but also vast heathland, floodplains and charming old towns. Thanks to flexible starting points and rail connections, the route is ideally suited to hiking in stages or weekend pilgrimage tours.

Luther Trail facts and figures
  • Start/Finish: variable (e.g. Leipzig, Torgau, Grimma or Bad Düben)

  • Total length: approx. 564 km (circular route, stages can be planned flexibly)

  • Difficulty: medium (T2)

  • Best time to visit: March to October

  • Highlights: sites of the Reformation, St Thomas’ Church in Leipzig, Torgau, the ruins of Nimbschen Abbey, Rochlitz Castle, Gnandstein Castle

  • Suitable for travellers seeking peace and mindfulness, active pilgrims, and leisurely day hikers

Comparison of Saxony’s hiking trails

Hiking trailDifficultyRegionTotal lengthTravelling by public transportStart/FinishBest time to visit
Painters' WayModerate (some challenging sections)Saxon Switzerland116 km (8 stages)S-Bahn S1 from Dresden (Pirna, Rathen, Bad Schandau, Schmilka)Pirna (circular trail)April – October
Caspar David Friedrich TrailMedium (easy to moderate)Saxon Switzerlandapprox. 15 kmS-Bahn S1 to Krippen stationCircular trail starting from KrippenApril – October (ideal weather conditions, accessible all year round with the right kit, best in spring and autumn)
Erzgebirge-Vogtland RidgewayModerate to challengingOre Mauntains, Vogtlandapprox. 287 km (17 Etappen)Geising station (Müglitztalbahn), return journey from Blankenstein by regional trainGeising ↔ BlankensteinMay – October
Vogtland Panorama Trail®MediumVogtlandapprox. 235 km (12 stages)Vogtlandbahn (RB1/RB5) to Klingenthal or Göltzschtalbrücke (Netzbach)Circular trail (Mylau)May – October (ideal weather conditions; accessible all year round with the right equipment)
Upper Lusatian Mountain TrailMediumUpper Lusatiaapprox. 128 km (7 stages)Train (RE61/RB60) to Neukirch (Lausitz) Ost / Return journey from Zittau stationNeukirch ↔ ZittauMarch – October (ideal weather conditions, accessible all year round with the right equipment)
Saxon Wine TrailEasy to moderateDresden Elblandapprox. 90 km (6 stages)S1 (Pirna/Radebeul), RE50 (Meissen), and excellent rail links along the Elbe RiverPirna ↔ Diesbar-SeußlitzApril – October
Luther TrailMediumLeipzig / Chemnitz / Zwickauapprox. 564 km (modular)Many stops along the route (Leipzig, Grimma, Torgau) are directly accessible by S-Bahn or regional trainVariable (circular trail)March – October

Saxony's most beautiful hiking regions

On the road with the Romantics

Saxon Switzerland

Saxon Switzerland is a paradise for walkers who want to experience spectacular natural scenery and cultural history. The famous Painters' Way winds its way for around 116 kilometres through the wild and romantic rocky landscape of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains – past table mountains, unspoilt forests and picturesque viewpoints. Over eight stages, visitors follow in the footsteps of the Romantics, who found inspiration and wonder here.

Those looking for a shorter walk should try the Caspar David Friedrich Trail, just 15 kilometres long but rich in history and atmosphere. Information boards display original sketches that the artist produced here. Both routes lie in the heart of the Saxon Switzerland National Park – a place that combines nature, tranquillity and a sense of artistry to create a unique hiking experience.

© DZT / Francesco Carovillano
© Philipp Herfort

Hiking with a sense of adventure

Ore Mountains

The Ore Mountains captivate visitors with their forested hills, crisp mountain air and boundless views. The Erzgebirge-Vogtland Ridgeway is among the “Top Trails of Germany” and stretches for 287 kilometres along the historic Saxon-Bohemian border. Over 17 day stages, walkers experience a fascinating blend of nature, culture and panoramic views. Gentle slopes alternate with mountain meadows, reservoirs and sweeping views stretching all the way to the Bohemian Basin. Along the way, museums and show workshops recount the history of centuries-old mining traditions – now recognised as the UNESCO World Heritage site “Erzgebirge/Krušnohoří Mining Region”.

Those who set out on the Erzgebirge-Vogtland Ridgeway will encounter not only impressive landscapes, but also proud people who have shaped their homeland through mining, craftsmanship, music and tradition. Walkers can look forward to a genuine chance to slow down and enjoy authentic encounters in the heart of Saxony.

Of music and magnificent views

Vogtland

The Vogtland region combines time-honoured craftsmanship with unspoilt nature. Along the 235-kilometre-long Vogtland Panorama Trail®, certified as a “Wanderbares Deutschland” quality trail, the idyllic route winds its way through forests, moors and valleys, featuring more than 80 panoramic viewpoints. The iconic Göltzschtal Bridge near Greiz serves as both the starting point and the finish.

Romance awaits walkers on the Elsterperlenweg®, a trail featuring river landscapes and villages. Nature lovers will particularly enjoy the circular walk around the Zeulenroda Dam – idyllic, rich in water and an invitation to simply let time stand still.

© TVV / T. Peisker
© Philipp Herfort Photography

Volcanic cones and half-timbered houses

Upper Lusatia

Amidst volcanic cones, orchard meadows and historic villages, Upper Lusatia reveals itself at its most beautiful. The region is characterised by its unique half-timbered log houses – a blend of half-timbered and log cabin architecture that is found nowhere else in such abundance.

The Upper Lusatia Mountain Trail stretches 128 kilometres in seven stages from Western Lusatia to the Zittau Mountains, past basalt hilltops, valleys and dense forests. Those hiking north of Dresden will discover unspoilt villages, old trade routes and magnificent viewpoints along the Gräfenhain Hiking Route K. Highlights include the railway viaduct over the Pulsnitz Valley and the viewing tower on Keulenberg mountain. A region brimming with history, nature and the joy of discovery – perfect for leisurely walkers.

Hiking routes by difficulty level and length

From short walks to adventures lasting several days – in Saxony, you’ll find the perfect hike to suit every pace and every level of ability. Easy walks, family-friendly trails, accessible routes and challenging hikes all invite you to actively experience nature. Guided walks and bookable activities round off the experience.

Easy walks lasting less than 2 hours

  • Open detail page 'Oberlausitzer Bergweg - Legendary panoramic views!'
    Matthias Ludwig, Matthias Ludwig | CC-BY-SA
    Tip Oberlausitzer Bergweg - Legendary panoramic views!
    128.49 km
    2,930 m
    35:00 h
    2,796 m
    Hiking · medium
    01877 Bischofswerda
  • Open detail page 'Circular hike Burgleite Elsterberg - Elstersteigen'
    Archiv TVV_S. Theilig created by Canva | CC-BY-SA
    Tip Circular hike Burgleite Elsterberg - Elstersteigen
    9.19 km
    229 m
    2:40 h
    229 m
    Hiking · medium
    07985 Elsterberg
  • Open detail page 'Path of the Dropouts - Göltzschtouren'
    Tip Path of the Dropouts - Göltzschtouren
    9.66 km
    197 m
    2:55 h
    197 m
    Hiking · medium
    07973 Greiz
  • Open detail page 'Malerweg (all stages /official version)'
    Sonnenuntergang über einer bewaldeten Landschaft mit Felsen und sanften Hügeln im Hintergrund.
    © Jacqueline Voigt, Tourismusverband Sächsische Schweiz
    Tip Malerweg (all stages /official version)
    115.66 km
    3,563 m
    44:15 h
    3,524 m
    Hiking · medium
    01796 Pirna
  • Open detail page 'Through the Triebisch valleys - Hiking favorite Dresden Elbland'
    Sebastian Weingart, Dresden Elbland | CC-BY
    Through the Triebisch valleys - Hiking favorite Dresden Elbland
    19.73 km
    239 m
    5:10 h
    363 m
    Hiking · difficult
    01662 Meißen
  • 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 'Children's hiking trail "Ecki's Nature Trail"'
    © Marie-Julie Hahn, Schöneck Tourismus
    Children's hiking trail "Ecki's Nature Trail"
    2.57 km
    7 m
    2:00 h
    11 m
    Hiking · easy
    08261 Schöneck/Vogtland
  • Open detail page 'Königsweg - A Hiker's Favorite in Dresden's Elbland Region'
    Stephan Böhlig, Dresden Elbland, Stephan Boehlig | CC0
    Königsweg - A Hiker's Favorite in Dresden's Elbland Region
    11.21 km
    33 m
    4:00 h
    25 m
    Hiking · easy
    01468 Moritzburg
  • Open detail page 'Natura Trail "Großer Weidenteich"'
    Natura Trail "Großer Weidenteich"
    9.73 km
    127 m
    2:37 h
    127 m
    Hiking · medium
    08523 Plauen
  • Open detail page 'Saxon Wine Trail - Stage 1 - From Pirna to Dresden-Pillnitz'
    © Jens Dauterstedt, Dresden Elbland
    Saxon Wine Trail - Stage 1 - From Pirna to Dresden-Pillnitz
    11.96 km
    140 m
    5:00 h
    156 m
    Hiking · easy
    01796 Pirna
  • Open detail page 'Barrier-free hiking trail from Waldbad Rodau to Leubnitz Castle'
    Barrier-free hiking trail from Waldbad Rodau to Leubnitz Castle
    4.11 km
    57 m
    1:04 h
    55 m
    Hiking · medium
    08539 Mehltheuer
  • Open detail page 'Anniversary route Burgstein-Feilitzsch'
    Archiv Tourismusverband Vogtland, T. Peisker | CC-BY-SA
    Anniversary route Burgstein-Feilitzsch
    19.25 km
    215 m
    4:50 h
    159 m
    Hiking · difficult
    08538 Weischlitz
  • Open detail page 'Hike 1 - Innerer Ringweg'
    Hike 1 - Innerer Ringweg
    11.07 km
    199 m
    2:55 h
    199 m
    Hiking · medium
    08261 Schöneck/Vogtland
  • Open detail page 'Herrnhut: "In the Footsteps of Faith"'
    Tourismuszentrum Naturpark Zittauer Gebirge, Das Landschaftswunderland Oberlausitz | CC-BY-SA
    Herrnhut: "In the Footsteps of Faith"
    13.92 km
    163 m
    3:35 h
    166 m
    Hiking · difficult
    02747 Herrnhut
  • Open detail page 'Plauen circular hiking trail - stage 3: Neundorf - PLAMAG'
    © © Stadt Plauen/sb, Vogtland - Sinfonie der Natur
    Plauen circular hiking trail - stage 3: Neundorf - PLAMAG
    5.84 km
    79 m
    1:30 h
    47 m
    Hiking · easy
    08525 Plauen
  • Open detail page 'Saxon Wine Hiking Trail - Stage 2 - From Dresden-Pillnitz to Dresden-Wilder Mann'
    © KulturTerrasse Scholz, Dresden Elbland
    Saxon Wine Hiking Trail - Stage 2 - From Dresden-Pillnitz to Dresden-Wilder Mann
    18.31 km
    229 m
    6:00 h
    206 m
    Hiking · easy
    01326 Dresden
  • Open detail page 'Beaver Trail Königsbrücker Heide'
    STAATSBETRIEB SACHSENFORST | CC-BY-SA
    Beaver Trail Königsbrücker Heide
    13.11 km
    102 m
    3:15 h
    102 m
    Hiking · easy
    01936 Königsbrück
  • Open detail page 'Lochbauer Eisenberg valley path'
    Archiv Tourismusverband Vogtland, T. Peisker | CC-BY-SA
    Lochbauer Eisenberg valley path
    8.10 km
    199 m
    2:25 h
    200 m
    Hiking · medium
    08543 Pöhl
  • Open detail page 'Oberlausitzer Bergweg - Stage 7'
    © Philipp Herfort, Das Landschaftswunderland Oberlausitz
    Oberlausitzer Bergweg - Stage 7
    12.43 km
    178 m
    3:00 h
    48 m
    Hiking · difficult
    02797 Oybin
  • Open detail page 'Circular hiking trail Treuen'
    Circular hiking trail Treuen
    28.56 km
    303 m
    8:30 h
    303 m
    Hiking · difficult
    08233 Treuen
  • Open detail page 'Through the border forests to Czechia'
    Mike Schöffmann, Touristinformation Sohland a.d. Spree | CC-BY-SA
    Through the border forests to Czechia
    16.91 km
    220 m
    5:00 h
    220 m
    Hiking · medium
    02689 Sohland an der Spree
  • Open detail page 'Neighbors meet'
    Jürgen Walter, Touristinformation Sohland a.d. Spree | CC-BY-SA
    Neighbors meet
    14.68 km
    169 m
    4:00 h
    169 m
    Hiking · medium
    02689 Sohland an der Spree
  • Open detail page 'Border hiking trail On the Trail of the Red Wood Ant - Sohland a.d. Spree'
    Jana Häntschel, Touristinformation Sohland a.d. Spree | CC-BY-SA
    Border hiking trail On the Trail of the Red Wood Ant - Sohland a.d. Spree
    12.44 km
    249 m
    4:30 h
    360 m
    Hiking · difficult
    02689 Sohland an der Spree
  • Open detail page 'circular hike to Aschberg'
    © Michael Grimm, Klingenthal
    circular hike to Aschberg
    14.65 km
    525 m
    4:26 h
    525 m
    Hiking · difficult
    08248 Klingenthal/Sachsen
  • Open detail page 'Hiking from Neukirch via Steinigtwolmsdorf and Sohland to the Kälbersteine'
    © Marketing-Gesellschaft Oberlausitz-Niederschlesien mbH
    Hiking from Neukirch via Steinigtwolmsdorf and Sohland to the Kälbersteine
    27.58 km
    694 m
    6:00 h
    650 m
    Hiking · difficult
    01904 Neukirch/Lausitz

Moderate hikes lasting less than 4 hours

  • Open detail page 'Circular hike Burgleite Elsterberg - Elstersteigen'
    Archiv TVV_S. Theilig created by Canva | CC-BY-SA
    Tip Circular hike Burgleite Elsterberg - Elstersteigen
    9.19 km
    229 m
    2:40 h
    229 m
    Hiking · medium
    07985 Elsterberg
  • Open detail page 'Path of the Dropouts - Göltzschtouren'
    Tip Path of the Dropouts - Göltzschtouren
    9.66 km
    197 m
    2:55 h
    197 m
    Hiking · medium
    07973 Greiz
  • 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 'Natura Trail "Großer Weidenteich"'
    Natura Trail "Großer Weidenteich"
    9.73 km
    127 m
    2:37 h
    127 m
    Hiking · medium
    08523 Plauen
  • Open detail page 'Hike 1 - Innerer Ringweg'
    Hike 1 - Innerer Ringweg
    11.07 km
    199 m
    2:55 h
    199 m
    Hiking · medium
    08261 Schöneck/Vogtland
  • Open detail page 'George Bähr circular hiking trail'
    Tourist-Information Altenberg | CC-BY-ND
    George Bähr circular hiking trail
    13.91 km
    309 m
    3:50 h
    309 m
    Hiking · medium
    01773 Altenberg
  • Open detail page 'Lochbauer Eisenberg valley path'
    Archiv Tourismusverband Vogtland, T. Peisker | CC-BY-SA
    Lochbauer Eisenberg valley path
    8.10 km
    199 m
    2:25 h
    200 m
    Hiking · medium
    08543 Pöhl
  • Open detail page 'Neighbors meet'
    Jürgen Walter, Touristinformation Sohland a.d. Spree | CC-BY-SA
    Neighbors meet
    14.68 km
    169 m
    4:00 h
    169 m
    Hiking · medium
    02689 Sohland an der Spree
  • 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 'Gornsdorf Circular Hiking Route'
    Vanessa Schüppel, Greifensteinregion | CC-BY-ND
    Gornsdorf Circular Hiking Route
    9.47 km
    247 m
    2:35 h
    247 m
    Hiking · medium
    09390 Gornsdorf
  • Open detail page 'Seiffen-Neuhausen-Seiffen'
    © E. Schalling, Touristinformation Seiffen
    Seiffen-Neuhausen-Seiffen
    8.70 km
    292 m
    2:36 h
    292 m
    Hiking · medium
    09548 Seiffen/Erzgebirge
  • Open detail page 'circular hike "Through the Zwotaer Land"'
    © Michael Grimm, Klingenthal
    circular hike "Through the Zwotaer Land"
    12.95 km
    357 m
    3:43 h
    357 m
    Hiking · medium
    08248 Klingenthal/Sachsen
  • Open detail page 'circular route Adorf-Siebenbrunn-Remtengrün-Adorf'
    circular route Adorf-Siebenbrunn-Remtengrün-Adorf
    10.46 km
    130 m
    2:45 h
    130 m
    Hiking · medium
    08626 Adorf
  • Open detail page 'Adventure trail "Historic Seiffen"'
    © E. Schalling, E. Schalling
    Adventure trail "Historic Seiffen"
    12.21 km
    238 m
    3:15 h
    238 m
    Hiking · medium
    09548 Seiffen/Erzgebirge
  • Open detail page 'Tiglitz circular route'
    Thomas Bichler, www.best-of-wandern.de, LEIPZIG REGION | CC-BY
    Tiglitz circular route
    16.34 km
    38 m
    4:00 h
    38 m
    Hiking · medium
    04849 Bad Düben
  • Open detail page 'Through Zwotaer Land 4'
    Archiv Gasthof zum Walfisch | CC-BY-SA
    Through Zwotaer Land 4
    11.40 km
    291 m
    3:15 h
    290 m
    Hiking · medium
    08248 Klingenthal/Sachsen
  • Open detail page 'Hiking trail "To the Göltzschtal Bridge"'
    Archiv TVV / Sebastian Theilig | CC-BY-SA
    Hiking trail "To the Göltzschtal Bridge"
    13.45 km
    332 m
    3:54 h
    332 m
    Hiking · medium
    08468 Reichenbach/Vogtland
  • Open detail page 'Luchsenburgweg'
    Region Westlausitz, Das Landschaftswunderland Oberlausitz | CC-BY-SA
    Luchsenburgweg
    12.61 km
    215 m
    3:15 h
    215 m
    Hiking · medium
    01896 Ohorn
  • Open detail page 'Via the nature trail to the Lausche (793 m)'
    Tourismuszentrum Naturpark Zittauer Gebirge, Das Landschaftswunderland Oberlausitz | CC-BY
    Via the nature trail to the Lausche (793 m)
    7.53 km
    355 m
    4:00 h
    350 m
    Hiking · medium
    02779 Großschönau
  • Open detail page 'Göltzschtal Circular Route'
    Archiv TVV / Sebastian Theilig | CC-BY-SA
    Göltzschtal Circular Route
    11.94 km
    264 m
    3:20 h
    258 m
    Hiking · medium
    08468 Reichenbach/Vogtland
  • Open detail page 'Hiking route 3 - to Marieney and Eschenbach'
    Hiking route 3 - to Marieney and Eschenbach
    13.29 km
    330 m
    3:40 h
    330 m
    Hiking · medium
    08261 Schöneck/Vogtland
  • Open detail page 'Winter hike from Mühlleithen to Klingenthal'
    © Klingenthal
    Winter hike from Mühlleithen to Klingenthal
    10.30 km
    404 m
    2:50 h
    94 m
    Winter hikes · medium
    08248 Klingenthal/Sachsen
  • Open detail page 'Vogtland Panorama Way® - Stage 5 (Bad Elster - Bad Brambach)'
    Archiv TVV / Christoph Beer | CC-BY-SA
    Vogtland Panorama Way® - Stage 5 (Bad Elster - Bad Brambach)
    12.16 km
    159 m
    3:15 h
    245 m
    Premium grade hiking trail · medium
    08645 Bad Elster
  • Open detail page 'Meißen Walking - Porcelain Route'
    © X-Weinzar, Wikimedia Commons
    Meißen Walking - Porcelain Route
    5.78 km
    225 m
    2:30 h
    225 m
    Hiking · medium
    01662 Meißen
  • Open detail page 'Kammweg stage 04 "From Seiffen to Olbernhau"'
    © Dirk Rückschloss, Erlebnisheimat Erzgebirge
    Kammweg stage 04 "From Seiffen to Olbernhau"
    11.21 km
    503 m
    3:30 h
    314 m
    Premium grade hiking trail · medium
    09548 Seiffen/Erzgebirge

Challenging routes & multi-day tours

  • Open detail page '"Höhensteig" Circular Route Klingenthal'
    Tip "Höhensteig" Circular Route Klingenthal
    49.35 km
    1,425 m
    10:00 h
    1,425 m
    Premium grade hiking trail · difficult
    08248 Klingenthal/Sachsen
  • Open detail page 'Quality Hiking Trail: Heide-Biber-Tour'
    Elbtalfotografie Neuland+, WelterbeRegion Anhalt Dessau Wittenberg e.V. | CC-BY-SA
    Tip Quality Hiking Trail: Heide-Biber-Tour
    30.05 km
    135 m
    7:30 h
    150 m
    Premium grade hiking trail · difficult
    04849 Bad Düben
  • Open detail page 'Through the Triebisch valleys - Hiking favorite Dresden Elbland'
    Sebastian Weingart, Dresden Elbland | CC-BY
    Through the Triebisch valleys - Hiking favorite Dresden Elbland
    19.73 km
    239 m
    5:10 h
    363 m
    Hiking · difficult
    01662 Meißen
  • Open detail page 'Kammweg stage 06 "From Kühnhaide to Satzung"'
    © R.+D. B., Community
    Kammweg stage 06 "From Kühnhaide to Satzung"
    13.97 km
    5 m
    4:00 h
    185 m
    Premium grade hiking trail · difficult
    09496 Marienberg
  • Open detail page 'Vogtland Panorama Path® - Stage 11 (Vogelsgrün - Lengenfeld)'
    Klaus Hurtienne - Wandermagazin | CC-BY-SA
    Vogtland Panorama Path® - Stage 11 (Vogelsgrün - Lengenfeld)
    27.02 km
    653 m
    6:59 h
    397 m
    Premium grade hiking trail · difficult
    08209 Auerbach/Vogtland
  • Open detail page 'Kammweg stage 16 "From the Burgstein area to Hirschberg"'
    Archiv TVV/D.Rückschloß | CC-BY-SA
    Kammweg stage 16 "From the Burgstein area to Hirschberg"
    23.04 km
    403 m
    6:30 h
    325 m
    Premium grade hiking trail · difficult
    08538 Weischlitz
  • Open detail page 'Anniversary route Burgstein-Feilitzsch'
    Archiv Tourismusverband Vogtland, T. Peisker | CC-BY-SA
    Anniversary route Burgstein-Feilitzsch
    19.25 km
    215 m
    4:50 h
    159 m
    Hiking · difficult
    08538 Weischlitz
  • Open detail page 'Circular hiking trail Treuen'
    Circular hiking trail Treuen
    28.56 km
    303 m
    8:30 h
    303 m
    Hiking · difficult
    08233 Treuen
  • Open detail page 'Border hiking trail On the Trail of the Red Wood Ant - Sohland a.d. Spree'
    Jana Häntschel, Touristinformation Sohland a.d. Spree | CC-BY-SA
    Border hiking trail On the Trail of the Red Wood Ant - Sohland a.d. Spree
    12.44 km
    249 m
    4:30 h
    360 m
    Hiking · difficult
    02689 Sohland an der Spree
  • Open detail page 'circular hike to Aschberg'
    © Michael Grimm, Klingenthal
    circular hike to Aschberg
    14.65 km
    525 m
    4:26 h
    525 m
    Hiking · difficult
    08248 Klingenthal/Sachsen
  • Open detail page 'Hiking from Neukirch via Steinigtwolmsdorf and Sohland to the Kälbersteine'
    © Marketing-Gesellschaft Oberlausitz-Niederschlesien mbH
    Hiking from Neukirch via Steinigtwolmsdorf and Sohland to the Kälbersteine
    27.58 km
    694 m
    6:00 h
    650 m
    Hiking · difficult
    01904 Neukirch/Lausitz
  • Open detail page 'Along the Floßmeister into the Schwarzwasser valley'
    © Matthias Drechsel, Olbernhau - Mitten im Erzgebirge
    Along the Floßmeister into the Schwarzwasser valley
    15.72 km
    356 m
    4:41 h
    401 m
    Hiking · difficult
    09526 Olbernhau
  • Open detail page 'Hike 2 - Outer Ring Route'
    Hike 2 - Outer Ring Route
    15.58 km
    254 m
    4:05 h
    254 m
    Hiking · difficult
    08261 Schöneck/Vogtland
  • Open detail page 'Tour to two mountain peaks'
    © TMGS Dennis Stratmann
    Tour to two mountain peaks
    20.54 km
    171 m
    5:40 h
    489 m
    Hiking · difficult
    09526 Olbernhau
  • Open detail page 'Ridge trail stage 08 "From Bärenstein to Fichtelberg, Oberwiesenthal spa town"'
    Dirk Rückschloss, Erlebnisheimat Erzgebirge | CC-BY
    Ridge trail stage 08 "From Bärenstein to Fichtelberg, Oberwiesenthal spa town"
    18.00 km
    317 m
    6:30 h
    698 m
    Premium grade hiking trail · difficult
    09465 Sehmatal
  • Open detail page 'Bimmelbahn Adventure Trail'
    © Sven Oettel, Sven Oettel
    Bimmelbahn Adventure Trail
    18.80 km
    140 m
    5:10 h
    379 m
    Hiking · difficult
    09465 Sehmatal
  • Open detail page 'Ridge trail stage 05 "From Olbernhau to Kühnhaide"'
    © Dirk Rückschloss, Erlebnisheimat Erzgebirge
    Ridge trail stage 05 "From Olbernhau to Kühnhaide"
    20.80 km
    279 m
    6:00 h
    518 m
    Premium grade hiking trail · difficult
    09526 Olbernhau
  • Open detail page 'Kammweg stage 17 "From Hirschberg to Blankenstein"'
    Tourismusverband Vogtland e.V. (A. Willig) | CC-BY-SA
    Kammweg stage 17 "From Hirschberg to Blankenstein"
    13.81 km
    352 m
    4:00 h
    323 m
    Premium grade hiking trail · difficult
    07927 Hirschberg
  • Open detail page '2nd route: Hiking through the volcanic basin - geology & old mining in the caldera "Tharandt Forest"'
    Robert Michael, GEOPARK Sachsens Mitte e.V. | CC-BY-ND
    2nd route: Hiking through the volcanic basin - geology & old mining in the caldera "Tharandt Forest"
    26.50 km
    441 m
    8:00 h
    441 m
    Hiking · difficult
    01737 Tharandt
  • Open detail page 'circular hike to Mühlleithen'
    © Jaqueline Becher, Klingenthal
    circular hike to Mühlleithen
    16.62 km
    498 m
    4:53 h
    498 m
    Hiking · difficult
    08248 Klingenthal/Sachsen
  • Open detail page 'Ridge trail stage 14 "From Schoeneck to Eichigt"'
    Archiv TVV (D. Rückschloß) | CC-BY-SA
    Ridge trail stage 14 "From Schoeneck to Eichigt"
    25.05 km
    510 m
    6:20 h
    329 m
    Hiking · difficult
    08261 Schöneck/Vogtland
  • Open detail page 'Oberlausitz Mountain Trail - Stage 5'
    Tourismuszentrum Naturpark Zittauer Gebirge, Das Landschaftswunderland Oberlausitz | CC-BY-SA
    Oberlausitz Mountain Trail - Stage 5
    23.89 km
    391 m
    6:30 h
    606 m
    Hiking · difficult
    02739 Eibau
  • Open detail page 'Isenburg Loop Bad Schlema – Wildbach Terrain Route 10'
    Mirko Haude, Große Kreisstadt Aue-Bad Schlema, Amt für Kultur und Tourismus | CC-BY-ND
    Isenburg Loop Bad Schlema – Wildbach Terrain Route 10
    13.17 km
    318 m
    5:00 h
    318 m
    Hiking · difficult
    08280 Aue-Bad Schlema
  • Open detail page 'Hike 6 - to Eschenbach, Saalig, Hermsgrün and Wohlbach'
    Hike 6 - to Eschenbach, Saalig, Hermsgrün and Wohlbach
    17.61 km
    366 m
    4:50 h
    422 m
    Hiking · difficult
    08261 Schöneck/Vogtland
  • Open detail page 'Hike 5 - to Gunzen and Oberzwota'
    Hike 5 - to Gunzen and Oberzwota
    17.69 km
    313 m
    4:45 h
    313 m
    Hiking · difficult
    08261 Schöneck/Vogtland

Walking trails for families

  • Open detail page 'Fairy Tale Route on the Pöhlberg'
    © Anna-Lena Jost, Stadt Annaberg-Buchholz
    Fairy Tale Route on the Pöhlberg
    2.75 km
    35 m
    0:45 h
    34 m
    Themed hiking trail · easy
    09456 Annaberg-Buchholz
  • 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 '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 'Hinterhermsdorf: Waldhusche - forest adventure trail'
    © Yvonne Brückner, Tourismusverband Sächsische Schweiz
    Hinterhermsdorf: Waldhusche - forest adventure trail
    2.67 km
    98 m
    1:00 h
    98 m
    Hiking · easy
    01855 Sebnitz
  • 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 '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 '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 '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 '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

Frequently asked questions about hiking holidays

Everything you need when hiking in Saxony

Practical tips for your hiking holidays

  • Getting there & getting around
    Want to enjoy a relaxing hike without a car? No problem in Saxony! Take advantage of hiking buses, the National Park Railway in Saxon Switzerland and regional visitor cards that include public transport. They provide convenient access to some of the region's most beautiful trailheads and make it easy to plan one-way or multi-day hikes without having to return to your starting point. It's a practical and environmentally friendly way to explore Saxony's landscapes.

  • Finding your way made easy
    In Saxony’s hiking areas, coloured markings guide you safely to your destination: a yellow dot, a blue line or a green arrow – each symbol shows the way. The signposting is comprehensive and well maintained. We also recommend hiking apps such as Outdooractive for digital maps and GPS tracks. That way, you’ll always stay on the right track.

  • Smart timing
    Set off early in the morning or make the most of the golden light in the late afternoon. That way, you’ll avoid the rush at the popular hotspots and experience Saxony’s natural beauty to the full, almost entirely to yourselves.

© Rene Gaens
Wandern im Zittauer Gebirge // Hiking in the Zittauer Mountains
© Katja Fouad Vollmer
  • Hiking-friendly accommodation
    Saxony offers a wide range of hiking-friendly accommodation – from cosy guesthouses and hotels to holiday flats. Many hosts cater specifically for hikers and offer packed lunches, drying rooms or luggage transport for multi-day tours.

    • In Saxon Switzerland, thanks to the “Gästekarte mobil” regional visitor card, you can hike the Painters' Way starting from just one accommodation – perfect if you don’t want to pack up every day. More information at www.saechsische-schweiz.de/en.
       
    • In the Ore Mountains, Seiffen is certified as a family-friendly town and an ideal starting point for hikes. Highlight: the Schwartenberg where hiking fun and woodcraft go hand in hand.
       
    • In the Vogtland region, Schöneck stands out as a family-friendly destination with the “Mossmännleinspuren” children’s hiking trail, a youth hostel, a bike park and Ecki’s Discovery World – perfect for active families.
       
  • Nature conservation and safety
    Help protect Saxony's natural landscapes by staying on marked trails, taking your litter with you and keeping a respectful distance from wildlife. Protected areas, such as Saxon Switzerland National Park, have specific regulations, so be sure to check them before your visit. In case of emergency, dial 112 – the European emergency number, which is available throughout Saxony.

© Archiv TVV / S.Theilig

Winter hiking in Saxony

As soon as the first snow falls, Saxony’s low mountain ranges become the ideal destination for winter walks. Whether on trails through snow-covered forests or on snowshoes across untouched slopes, you’ll experience the crisp winter air with particular intensity.

Between the Fichtelberg in Oberwiesenthal and the bizarre rock formations in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains, you’ll find routes to suit every ability. Panoramic tours in the Zittau Mountains and hikes along the ridges of the Ore Mountains and the Vogtland are particularly popular. Even without snow, these regions offer charming routes for long walks. After a brisk walk in the cold, numerous mountain inns invite you to stop for a bite to eat and warm up with regional specialities.