The route
You will hike along a mix of paths and trails, with daily stages of up to 5.5 hours that require a good basic level of fitness. The Malerweg is well marked and leads past impressive sandstone formations and across beautiful ridges. Some sections are more demanding, taking you through rocky terrain and narrow gorges with bridges, walkways, and many stone steps along the way. Here, surefootedness and a steady head for heights are an advantage. However, the stages can be shortened or adapted if you prefer an easier walk.
Itinerary
Stroll through the charming streets of Pirna’s historic old town and visit Sonnenstein Castle. From here, you can enjoy sweeping views of the town and the rolling hills of Saxon Switzerland.
Hotel (example): Pirnscher Hof
A short bus ride takes you across the Elbe to the starting point of the Malerweg. Walk through the peaceful Liebethal Valley, cross sunny plateaus, and arrive in Lohmen – the gateway to the national park. From here, descend into the Uttewalde Valley and pass through the famous rock gate. After a riverside rest, the trail winds through pine forests up to the legendary Bastei, featuring its iconic bridge and breathtaking viewpoints.
Hotel (example): Rathener Hof
Cross the Elbe on the so-called “Flying Bridge” and ascend to the Rauenstein, a striking rock plateau with wide views. The trail continues through the forest from Königsnase down to the Elbe at Obervogelgesang, where a short train ride provides an easy return. For those with more stamina, the day’s final highlight is the Lilienstein, with fantastic views of the Elbe’s meander and a cosy mountain hut offering refreshments.
Hotel (example): Rathener Hof
From Amselgrund, the trail leads to the surrounding plateaus and up to the summit of Hockstein. Descend through the narrow Wolfschlucht into the idyllic Polenztal. A scenic forest path winds above the valley, taking you through the core zone of the national park. At the Brandbaude hut, spectacular views await – a perfect place for a traditional refreshment. The trail continues to the National Park Railway station, where you return to the valley. Overnight stay in the charming spa town of Bad Schandau.
Hotel (example): Elbhotel Bad Schandau
Climb the Schrammsteine via steep steps and be rewarded with breathtaking views of the unique sandstone pinnacles. The ridge trail winds through a rock labyrinth, past the Affenstein, and descends into the valley to the Lichtenhainer Waterfall. From there, the Malerweg climbs again to the impressive Kuhstall rock cave. Finally, enjoy a nostalgic tram ride through the scenic Kirnitzsch Valley back to Bad Schandau.
Hotel (example): Elbhotel Bad Schandau
A bus takes you directly into the national park. Scenic trails through open pine forests lead to the historic Zeughaus – an ideal spot for a break. Continue with a climb to the Goldstein viewpoint, offering panoramas stretching to Bohemian Switzerland. The trail then leads over the Großer Winterberg, the region’s highest peak, and down to the eco-village of Schmilka. Cross the Elbe by ferry and complete the day with a bus or train ride to the spa town of Gohrisch.
Hotel (example): Parkhotel Margaretenhof
A short train ride takes you to the Czech border. From the Elbe, climb to the high plateau, passing through charming villages along the way. Don’t miss the ornate Bauernbarock Church in Schöna – a delightful hidden gem. After a steep ascent to the summit of Papststein, enjoy a rest in the hut at the top. The route continues past the striking Gohrisch sandstone peak, across the plateau, and back to the spa town of Gohrisch.
Hotel (example): Parkhotel Margaretenhof
The final stage begins with steep steps through the Nadelöhr rock passage up to the Pfaffenstein. From the observation tower at the top, you are rewarded with stunning panoramic views. Following wooden walkways, you reach the Barbarine – the region’s iconic sandstone pillar. Continue past the Diebeshöhle to Königstein, where a climb to the fortress – the largest in Europe – offers unforgettable views. The stage ends at Thürmsdorf Castle, from where a short public transport ride takes you back to Pirna.
Hotel (example): Pirnscher Hof
After unforgettable days on the Malerweg, it’s time to head home – or perhaps extend your adventure.
Pictures from the trip
Prices and dates
The price includes
ACCOMMODATION
- 7 nights in 3- and 4-star hotels
FOOD & DRINK
- Breakfast every day
HIKING
- 7 days of walking (approx. 115 km in total)
- Detailed route descriptions and maps (in English)
- Access to the route in our GPS-app which works offline
TRANSPORT
- Luggage transport from hotel to hotel
OTHER
- 24-hour local and international service hotline for the duration of the tour
- This is a packaged holiday and is therefore covered by The Travel Guarantee Fund - See which benefits this means for you - click here
GENERAL
- Handling fee (20 EUR)
NECESSARY AND PAID LOCALLY
- Ferry crossing at Rathen (approx. €2 per person)
- Journeys by public transport (often free with a “guest card” from the hotels)
- Possible tourist taxes in the hotels
Use the button "Calculate price" on this page to see what the tour will cost with your wanted inclusions.
PARKING
It is possible to park at the first hotel or nearby. Parking cannot be reserved in advance and must be arranged directly with the hotel (expect a price of around €10–15 per day).
Practical information
The price is based upon two people sharing. It is also possible travel alone in a single room. Simply choose "1 person" in the booking form and it will automatically add the single room surcharge.
On this tour you will be on your own supplied with maps, route descriptions and luggage transfers. That means that your time is your own and you have plenty of time to enjoy the stages in your own pace.
Check the price quickly
You can quickly check the price of your desired trip without having to fill out any forms. Here’s how:
- Click on the "Calculate Price" button (you’ll find it in the "Dates and Prices" section) – this will take you to the first pages of the booking form
- Select your preferred date, number of people, room distribution, any extra nights, and any available add-ons you may want
- See the price
Get a quote
If you would like a flight included, or changes made to the trip, you can request a customized offer by clicking the "Get Quote" button at the top of the page. Remember to describe in detail what changes you would like.
The booking process
When you book the trip, we will begin booking hotels and arranging all the practical aspects of your tour. This process typically takes 5–8 working days, but in some cases it may take longer for certain bookings. If you arrange your own transportation, we recommend waiting until we have confirmed your booking before making any arrangements.
Dates
If you can select a date in the trip calendar (in the booking form), then this is a possible start date. We regularly update our trips with sold-out dates; these dates will then appear in red/grey and cannot be selected.
The flights to/from Dresden are not included in the price. You can easily find a suitable flight via a flight booking engine such as Momondo or Skyscanner.
Notice: we recommend that you book with us and wait for the confirmation before you book your flights.
It works like this:
- You book your chosen holiday with us
- We confirm your holiday (usually within 3-5 business days)
- You arrange your transportation
Get a quote
If you prefer that we handle your flight, then we would be happy to arrange this for you. You simply book a quote below the map on this page and we will return with a quote as soon as possible (usually within 48 working hours). Please note that we add a handling fee of 45 euro to each flight and this means that the flight will be cheaper if you book it yourself.
On this tour, you will stay in 3-star hotels and guesthouses where breakfast is included.
Important: The hotels along the route cannot offer rooms with two separate single beds; all double rooms have only one double bed.
Breakfast is included every day. It is easy to find restaurants in the towns where you stay overnight.
Please note that if you travel at the edges of the season, there may be fewer dining options available.
Luggage transfer is included on this tour. Upon arrival at the first hotel you will be given luggage tags along with the rest of the welcome package. You fill out the luggage tags and put them on your bags where they will remain for the duration of the tour.
Your luggage is picked up from the hotel lobby around 9am every morning and will arrive at your next hotel at 6pm at the latest (often long before that). If there are any special exceptions to the luggage transfer you will be notified upon arrival.
Luggage transfer includes one bag per guest and the bags can weigh 20kg each.
This journey has difficulty level 2
Grade 2
Easy hiking on reasonably good trails. The day walks will last 4-6 hours in hilly terrain. Anyone in good physical condition can participate. Your luggage will be transported and you only carry a light daypack. Requires comfortable footwear such as trekking shoes or hiking boots.
Read more about our grading system here.
On this tour, you will receive the following documents:
Upon booking
Immediately after booking this trip, you'll recieve a pre-booking-email where you can get a complete overview of your booking. Once the tour is confirmed you get a confirmation email from us along with practical information about the tour.
One month before departure
You will receive a hotel list and final travel documents.
Upon arrival at the first hotel
You'll receive the welcome pack, which contains everything you need for the trip. There will be route descriptions, maps, luggage tags and specific local vouchers. The documents are in English.
Notice: On some tours it is necessary to either print the documents yourself or to bring them electronically.
We recommend taking out travel insurance that covers at least illness, accident, repatriation, lost holiday, luggage and liability. As a customer, you are responsible for taking out the necessary travel insurance to cover these costs.
Before taking out insurance, you should check whether you are already covered by travel or cancellation insurance through your home insurance company, credit card or similar - please note that there may be differences in insurance coverage.
After booking this trip, you get access to various discount schemes.
Here is no text
"We look forward to making your holiday dreams come true"
