Explore the incredible Elbe Sandstone Mountains of Saxony on a self-guided hiking tour
Tucked away in the rugged landscape of southeast Germany, the Elbe Sandstone Mountains are a treasure trove of hiking routes through sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, deep valleys, and table mountains. The 8-day Elbe Sandstone Mountains Circular Walking Tour reveals the stunning scenery of 'Saxon Switzerland' with natural and historic sites like the incredible rock formations at Bastei Bridge and the Barbarine pinnacle, and the impressive Königstein Fortress. A hiker’s paradise!
Each day's route is carefully planned to show off the variety of viewpoints and attractions, including the Rock Arch Pravčická Brána, the largest natural rock arch in Europe, and the views from the steep Schrammstein Cliffs. As a bonus, you can relax in the quaint spa towns where you stay along the way after a long day of walking through this gorgeous scenery.
Keen to explore Germany’s incredible mountains? See you on the trail!
Highlights of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains Circular Walking Tour
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Elbe Sandstone Mountains Circular Walking Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Bad Schandau
One of the most popular health resort and spa towns in Saxony, Bad Schandau is a charming spot on the Elbe river with a historic downtown full of Medieval architecture.
Check in to your hotel and have the day free to stroll around admiring the sights.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Bad Schandau
Distance: None
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 Brand to Hohnstein Castle and Rathen
Your first day of walking starts with the climb to Brand, known as the 'Balcony of the Saxon National Park' with panoramic views of the Sandstone Mountains. From here you continue to the regal Hohnstein Castle and go through the Wolfsschlucht Gorge.
You finish in the lovely spa town of Rathen, passing beautiful, green-shrouded Amsel Lake on the way.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Rathen
Distance: 5.5hours, 18km, 678m of ascent, 677m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 3 Circular hike around Rathen
Start early in the morning to appreciate the Bastei Bridge with its stunning views over the Elbe river valley and the Table Mountains of the Saxon Switzerland fairly undisturbed. After passing the small village Wehlen the next highlight is the Rauenstein before descending again to Rathen or further to Königstein (according to hotel availability).
Overnight Location: Hotel in Rathen
Distance: 4 hours, 11km, 474m of ascent, 480m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 4 Barbarine Pinnacle to Gohrisch
Today's hike takes you through forest paths to the striking Barbarine rock pinnacle, a 42m high freestanding rock that is an icon of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. Take those photos!
After admiring the views of the Königstein Fortress below, you continue through Muselweg to reach the spa town of Gohrisch. Perhaps a massage is in order?
Overnight Location: Hotel in Gohrisch
Distance: 5.5 hours, 17km, 703m of ascent, 544m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 5 Circular walking tour to Lilienstein from/to Gohrisch
Experience a breathtaking hike from Gohrisch to Lilienstein, another landmark in Saxon Switzerland.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Gohrisch
Distance: 4 hours, 11km, 481m of ascent, 481m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 6 To Krippen
After a short warm up you walk slightly uphill crossing meadows and fields. You make your way to the top of the Table Mountains Gohrisch (448 m) and Papststein (451 m). From the tops wonderful views will compensate for the effort. An old mill with gastronomic offers is worth a break before you continue towards Krippen. Overnight stay in Krippen or Bad Schandau.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Krippen or Bad Shandau
Distance: 4 hours, 10km, 289m of ascent, 447m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 7 Schrammstein Cliffs to Lichtenhain Waterfall
It's a steep climb via steel ladders and staircases to the Schrammstein Cliffs, but it's worth it to see the panoramic views of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains.
Follow the Malerweg Trail to reach the rushing Lichtenhain Waterfall, and return by bus or train to Bad Schandau for the tour's last night.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Bad Schandau
Distance: 4.5 hours, 14km, 530m of ascent, 457m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 8 Departure from Bad Schandau
From Bad Schandau it’s time to begin your journey home, though you are welcome to prolong your holidays. Either way, safe travels!
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
This self-guided tour is always run as a private tour for your group only.
2025 Departures
Daily departures are available from April to October, with some exceptions in the spring and early summer.
- Single room: from $1,375 USD*
- Sharing a double room: from $1,050 USD*
*-Pricing for this tour depends on the dates of your trip and all the prices are per person. Please click the booking button below to get the exact pricing for your trip dates.
Book NowAccommodation on Elbe Sandstone Mountains Circular Walking Tour
This tour is based in hotels and guesthouses. Hotels on this trip are 3-star and offer modern conveniences that can make this trip more pleasant. Rooms may have fireplaces or access to amenities such as hot tubs, steam rooms, or private decks to lounge on. You can also upgrade the accommodation to Deluxe (please inquire for more information).
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
If you are a solo traveller or prefer a single room, the required supplements are included in the listed prices.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Hotel in Bad Schandau
Bad Schandau is a charming spa town built along the Elbe River with a market square, the historic St. Johns Church, and the Bad Schandau Elevator to explore.
Hotel in Rathen
The pretty village of Rathen is the gateway to the Bastei Bridge rock formations.
Hotel in Gohrisch
A historic spa town by the Elbe River, Gohrisch has lovely scenery and table mountains.
Hotel in Krippen
Laying on the opposite side of the Elbe River, Krippen is home to the train station that connects with the Czech Republic.
Hotel in Bad Schandau
Bad Schandau is a charming spa town built along the Elbe River with a market square, the historic St. Johns Church, and the Bad Schandau Elevator to explore.
What’s Included in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains Circular Walking Tour?
Meals
7 breakfasts and 7 dinners are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 7 nights are included. Additional nights at every overnight location can be added as a supplement to give you more time to explore.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation for your luggage from hotel to hotel is included throughout the walking tour.
Also Included
- 1 package with maps and information per room (in English)
- Service hotline during the walking tour
Not included
- Transportation to and from Bad Schandau
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Guide services
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Single occupancy upgrades
- GPS data on request
- Upgrade to Deluxe Accommodation
Frequently Asked Questions about Elbe Sandstone Mountains Circular Walking Tour
AugustusTours is an established tour operator in Dresden which is well known for its customized tours for both groups and individual travellers. As an experienced incoming operator, we do not only organize city and cultural tours to the capital of Saxony and the picturesque surroundings including the enchanting vineyards of the Elbe valley. Besides classical city tour programmes, we also offer trips to the sights of the region.
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