Hike the second section of the Malerweg Trail of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains
One of Germany's most famous hiking routes, the Malerweg Trail reveals the stunning landscapes of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. With 60km to cover and a great mix of peaks and valleys, the Malerweg from Bad Schandau to Pirna Trek is a delightful 6-day journey through Saxony. Enjoy the sky-high views from the top of Großer Winterberg and the Pfaffenstein Massif, visit the impregnable Königstein Fortress, and end each day soaking in the thermal baths in charming spa towns along the Elbe River. Enjoy the beautiful scenery that inspired Swiss artists and poets to call this route “The Painter's Path.”
Discover the best of Saxony on the Malerweg from Bad Schandau to Pirna Trek!
Highlights of the Malerweg from Bad Schandau to Pirna Trek
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Malerweg from Bad Schandau to Pirna Trek Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Krippen
Located in Bad Schandau, Krippen is the starting point of the Malerweg Trail Section 2. You can explore Krippen and relax at the popular spa resorts or take a scenic walk on the nearby trails if you have some spare time today.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Krippen
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Climb to Großer Winterberg
After taking a morning bus to Neumannmühle you begin your ascent to the top of Großer Winterberg, which at 556 metres is the second-highest peak in Saxony. Stop at the Zeughaus and Goldstein viewpoints to admire the incredible views of the rocky cliffs.
From here, descend to Schmilka to cross the Elbe River by ferry. Here either take the train back or walk another 8 km on the
Malerweg trail.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Schmilka/Krippen
Distance: 5.5 hours, 13.5km, 617m of ascent, 718m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Table Mountains of Papstein and Gohrisch
Your destination today is the town of Gohrisch via the Schrammstein massif. En route, you’ll be climbing to the crest of the two table mountains Papstein and Gohrisch. From these two peaks, you descend into the valley and overnight in the lovely spa town of Gohrisch.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Gohrisch
Distance: 6.5 hours, 18km, 617m of ascent, 718m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Pfaffenstein Massif to Königstein Fortress
Get ready to climb up the narrow steel staircases and ladders on the Nadelöhr route to the top of Pfaffenstein Massif. From here you get amazing views of the Königstein Fortress below, one of Europe's largest hilltop fortifications. The route ends in Königstein, or you can continue to Weißig if you prefer.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Königstein
Distance: 4-5.5 hours, 9km, 270m of ascent, 469m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Königstein to Pirna or Dresden
The last leg of the Malerweg Trail Section 2 goes through the town of Thürmsdorf, which is known for its castle and chocolate shops, and continues up the Rauenstein massif. The trail ends in Pirna, a charming city with lots of medieval architecture to admire.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Pirna or Dresden
Distance: 7.5 hours, 21.5km, 670m of ascent, 660m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Departure from Pirna
It's been a great journey hiking the Malerweg Trail Section 2 of the amazing Elbe Sandstone Mountains! Today you can either depart from Pirna or add on some additional nights in Pirna or Dresden.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
This self-guided tour is always run as a private tour for your group only.
2024 Departures
The departures are available daily, from April to October, with some exceptions in spring and early summer.
- Single room: from $850 USD*
- Sharing a double room: from $625 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 the Malerweg from Bad Schandau to Pirna Trek
This tour is based in hotels. 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.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. If you prefer a single room, the required supplement is included in the listed price. The required supplement for solo travellers is also included in the listed price.
Hotels on Standard Tour
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 Schmilka or Reinhardtsdorf
Located right on the Elbe River, Schmilka is a charming little town to stay in, or walk further to the rural village of Reinhardtsdorf.
Hotel in Gohrisch
A historic spa town by the Elbe River, Gohrisch has lovely scenery and table mountains.
Hotel in Königstein/Weißig
Stay the night in Königstein with its famous fortress, or carry on to the small town of Weißig.
Hotel in Pirna
A picturesque little city in the Elbe Valley, Pirna boasts a historic town centre brimming with medieval architecture.
What’s Included in the Malerweg from Bad Schandau to Pirna Trek?
Meals
5 breakfasts are included in the tour.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 5 nights are included. You can add on additional nights at any of the overnight locations along the tour to extend your stay. Accommodations before and after the tour are not included but can be added as a supplement.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation for your luggage from hotel to hotel is included throughout the tour. Train tickets are included partially (discount card provided). Airport transfers, bus tickets and ferry tickets are not included.
Also Included
- 1 package with maps and information per room (in English)
- Service hotline during the walking tour
Not included
- Flights
- Travel insurance
- Visas if required
- Transportation to Pirna
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Transportation to Krippen
- Transportation from Pirna
- Bus and ferry tickets
- Lunch and dinner
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Single occupancy upgrades
- GPS data on request
Frequently Asked Questions about Malerweg from Bad Schandau to Pirna Trek
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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