Malerweg, Stage 2: From Stadt Wehlen to Hohnstein (official version by TV Sächsische Schweiz)

10.91 km long
Difficulty: medium
Condition: medium
Great panorama
Hiking

4:45 h
10.91 km
499 m
345 m
114 m
328 m
214 m
Start: City of Wehlen
Destination: Hohnstein

A challenging hike through the Saxon Switzerland National Park, featuring some steps and ladders, with several places to stop for refreshments

ATTENTION: A severe storm caused significant damage in the spa town of Rathen on July 31, 26. The Amselgrund area—including Amselsee and the “Wanderrast”—and the Rathen Rock Theater were particularly affected. There is a risk to life due to fallen trees, falling or loose branches, and other hazardous areas. Therefore, the FOREST IS CLOSED in the Amselgrund AREA between Bastei, Rathen, Hohnstein, and the Polenztal. The Malerweg trail from Wehlen to the Bastei is passable. Please walk directly from the Bastei via the Schwedenlöcher and the Amselfall to Rathewalde. Since the Schindergraben trail in the Polenztal valley—which leads up to Hohnstein—is currently closed, please follow the “green line” trail markers from the Polenztal Inn up to Hohnstein Castle.

Town of Wehlen - Schwarzbergweg - “Steinerner Tisch” Rest Area - Fremdenweg - Bastei - Bastei Bridge - Basteiweg - Rathen Spa - Amselgrund - Rathen Rock Theater - Amselsee - Amselfall - Rathewalde - Querweg - Hockstein Parking Lot - Hockstein - Wolfsschlucht - Polenztal - Schindergraben - Hohnstein

Start

City of Wehlen

Viewpoint/viewing tower

Destination

Hohnstein

Best to visit

suitable

Depends on weather

Directions

In the town of Wehlen, we walk a short distance upriver along the Elbe, climb the Schwarzbergweg trail, and arrive at the “Steinerner Tisch” rest area. The structure of the same name was once commissioned by Elector Augustus the Strong so he could dine here during a hunting trip. The Fremdenweg trail takes us to one of the most famous landmarks of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains, the Bastei. From the Bastei Bridge and the surrounding vantage points, we’re treated to fantastic views of the landscape. We descend the Basteiweg via a flight of steps. From here, you can turn right toward the spa town of Rathen to stop for a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants, but you’ll have to hike back the same way. We’ll walk through the Amselgrund, passing the Rathen Rock Stage with its spectacular natural backdrop. We continue past Lake Amsel—where we can take a short boat ride—to the Amsel Falls and then on to Rathewalde. The cross-country trail runs parallel to the road toward the Hockstein parking lot. From there, we hike to the Hockstein and descend via steps through the Wolfsschlucht gorge into the Polenztal valley. The “Schindergraben” nature trail leads to Hohnstein. Here, the castle and the Hohnstein Kasper heritage site at the tourist information office are well worth a visit.

GPS data updated in 2021

Tour information

Cultural Interesting
Stop at an Inn

Equipment

Sturdy footwear required

Directions & Parking facilities

Getting there

A17 Highway: From the A4 at the Dresden-West interchange, take the A17 to the Pirna junction; stay on the access road (S 51) until the Pillnitz / Pirna-Copitz exit. Drive toward Pirna-Copitz.

From Dresden, take the B172 to Pirna: In Pirna, cross the Elbe Bridge over Pirna-Copitz to the Stadt Wehlen junction or the Pötzscha neighborhood (on the left bank, near the train station): then continue on the B172 through Pirna toward Pirna-Sonnenstein until the Struppen turnoff (turn left), through Struppen until the “Stadt Wehlen” turnoff

through Dresden toward Pillnitz: (Pillnitzer Landstraße), via Graupa to Pirna (P.-Copitz)

Parking

Elbe Parking Lot or Train Station Parking Lot (ferry ride required)

Public transportation

Directions:

Takethe S1 S-Bahn (Meißen–Schöna) to Stadt Wehlen
Cross by ferry
Bus line 238 (Stadt Wehlen–Pirna, Mon–Fri)
Bastei-Kraxler, steamboat

Departure:

Bus lines 236 (Sebnitz–Pirna, Mon–Fri) and 237 (Sebnitz–Pirna), stop: Hohnstein Polenztal
Bus Route 264 (Hohnstein–Neustadt, Mon–Fri), stop: Hohnstein Eiche
Bastei-Kraxler

Additional information

Hohnstein Tourist Information: +49 (0) 035975 19433 or 86813

Rathen Spa Tourist Information: +49 (0) 035024 70422

Wehlen Tourist Information: +49 (0) 035024 70414

Accommodations certified as “Hiker-Friendly on the Malerweg” along Stage 2

Hiking with a dog:

You can bypass the steep and narrow descent via iron stairs into the Wolfsschlucht by taking the nature trail to Hohnstein.

Literature

Order now: "Maerweg Elbe Sandstone Mountains"(Publisher: Saxon Switzerland Tourism Association e.V.)

Author

Yvonne Brückner

Organization

Tourismusverband Sächsische Schweiz

Website

License (master data)

Yvonne Brückner

Author´s Tip / Recommendation of the author

The Rathen Rock Theater is located in the heart of the Saxon Switzerland National Park. Surrounded by the wild beauty of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains and their unique rocky landscape, a one-of-a-kind theatrical experience awaits you—the Rock Theater Festival. Enjoy impressive highlights from musicals, operas, and plays against a wildly romantic backdrop. Experience the fascination of the Rathen Rock Theater as the perfect finale to your Malerweg adventure on Stage 2! Program & Tickets: www.felsenbuehne-rathen.de

(Side trip distance: 0.5 km)

Safety guidelines