The route
The walks follow mainly well-marked trails and paths. A good basic level of fitness is recommended to comfortably complete the daily stages. Some sections are more demanding, with steeper climbs through rocky terrain and narrow gorges, as well as passages involving bridges, footbridges and rock steps. Sure-footedness and a reasonable head for heights are therefore important. On several days, there are options to shorten the route or choose an easier alternative.
Itinerary
If time allows, spend the afternoon exploring this charming spa town on the banks of the Elbe. One of its most recognisable landmarks is St. John’s Church, which has stood in its present form since the 17th century. Together with the riverside buildings and bridges across the Elbe, the church helps create Bad Schandau’s distinctive townscape.
Category B: Hotel (example): Elbhotel Bad Schandau
Category A: Hotel (example): Hotel Elbresidenz Bad Schandau
Today’s walking holiday begins in either Bad Schandau or nearby Krippen on the southern bank of the Elbe. The route leads through the peaceful Liethen Valley towards the fascinating caves of Kleinhennersdorf.
From here, continue towards the impressive sandstone formations of Papststein (451 m) and Gohrisch (448 m). Both offer wonderful viewpoints across the rugged landscape of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains.
The walk ends in the Gohrisch area, surrounded by the characteristic table mountains and rock formations that make this part of Saxon Switzerland so special.
Category B - Hotel (example): Parkhotel Margaretenhof
Category A - Hotel (example): Parkhotel Margaretenhof (upgraded room)
A beautiful circular walk takes you from Gohrisch towards Lilienstein, one of the most distinctive table mountains in Saxon Switzerland.
The striking sandstone massif rises prominently above the surrounding landscape and is considered one of the region’s best-known natural landmarks. Along the route, there are superb views across the Elbe Valley and towards the dramatic rock formations of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains.
After enjoying the scenery, return to Gohrisch for another overnight stay.
Category B - Hotel (example): Parkhotel Margaretenhof
Category A - Hotel (example): Parkhotel Margaretenhof (upgraded room)
Leave Gohrisch and follow the trails towards Pfaffenstein, another of Saxon Switzerland’s characteristic table mountains. The climb is rewarded with excellent views across the surrounding landscape, including towards Lilienstein.
Continue to the famous Barbarine, a spectacular free-standing sandstone pinnacle rising more than 40 metres from the surrounding rocks. It is one of the most recognisable natural symbols of Saxon Switzerland.
The route then continues through forests towards Königstein. Here you have the opportunity to visit Königstein Fortress, an enormous historic fortification perched high above the Elbe Valley.
Continue via Weißig before crossing the Elbe by ferry and making your way to Rathen, where today’s walk comes to an end.
Category B - Hotel (example): Hotel Amselgrundschlößchen
Category A - Hotel (example): Steiger Hotel Rathener Hof
Today you discover some of the most famous scenery in Saxon Switzerland. From Rathen, climb towards the spectacular Bastei rock formations and the iconic Bastei Bridge.
From the viewpoints high above the Elbe, there are magnificent panoramas across the river valley and the surrounding sandstone landscape.
Continue through Höllengrund and Wehlener Grund towards the picturesque town of Stadt Wehlen. Cross the Elbe by ferry (payable locally) and continue towards Rauenstein.
A path across this elongated sandstone ridge provides yet more impressive views, including back towards the Bastei. Afterwards, return to Rathen.
Category B - Hotel (example): Hotel Amselgrundschlößchen
Category A - Hotel (example): Steiger Hotel Rathener Hof
From Rathen, walk through quiet forests and scenic valleys, passing the idyllic Amselsee before continuing towards Hohnstein.
The route climbs to historic Hohnstein Castle, which stands dramatically above the surrounding landscape. From here, continue through Saxon Switzerland towards the famous Brand viewpoint.
Often referred to as the “Balcony of Saxon Switzerland”, Brand offers a magnificent panorama across the sandstone mountains and deep valleys below.
The route then descends via a long staircase of around 800 steps before continuing towards Bad Schandau. After a rewarding day on the trail, you can enjoy the evening back in this pleasant spa town beside the Elbe.
Category B: Hotel (example): Elbhotel Bad Schandau
Category A: Hotel (example): Hotel Elbresidenz Bad Schandau
The final walking stage is another highlight of the journey. The day begins gently along forest trails before the route becomes more adventurous on the ascent towards the Schrammsteine.
Steel ladders and stairways help you negotiate the rocky terrain and reach the impressive Schrammstein ridge. The effort is well rewarded, with sweeping views across the extraordinary landscape of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains.
Continue along forest paths and the Affensteig towards Lichtenhain Waterfall. From here, return to Bad Schandau by bus or aboard the historic Kirnitzschtal tram.
Category B: Hotel (example): Elbhotel Bad Schandau
Category A: Hotel (example): Hotel Elbresidenz Bad Schandau
The tour is now over. You will leave the last hotel during the morning.
Pictures from the trip
Prices and dates
The price includes
ACCOMMODATION
- 7 nights in hotels of the selected category
FOOD & DRINKS
- Breakfast every day
- Dinner every day
HIKING
- 6 days of hiking (approximately 79 km in total)
- Detailed descriptions of the carefully selected routes (route maps, route descriptions, information about relevant tourist attractions, and important phone numbers – in English)
- Access to the route in our GPS app, which also works offline (one access per person)
- Possibility of GPX files for use in your own GPS
TRANSPORT
- Luggage transport from hotel to hotel
- Most public transport related to the hiking routes (with a few exceptions where tickets must be purchased locally for a few euros)
OTHER
- Entrance to Toscana Therme Bad Schandau (only if you select hotel category A)
- 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
- Transport to/from Germany
- Travel insurance
- Handling fee (€ 25)
REQUIRED AND PAID LOCALLY
- Possible tourist taxes at 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 cost of approximately €10–20 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 can choose between two hotel categories.
Category B: 3-star hotels and guesthouses
Category A: 3- and 4-star hotels including 3 nights in a premium hotel in Bad Schandau and at least one other hotel with wellness and/or sauna.
Important: The hotels along the route cannot offer rooms with two separate single beds; all double rooms have only one double bed.
Half board is included on this tour.
This includes 7 breakfasts and 7 dinners (usually a two-course menu or buffet).
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.
Starting in 2025, travelers from visa-exempt countries will need an ESS or ETIAS authorization to enter EU nations. This system enhances border security while simplifying entry procedures. Ensure compliance by applying online before your trip to avoid delays.
You can read more about it here.
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.
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When you book a trip with us, we plant a tree in Kenya.
Bering Travel partners with Growing Trees Network, which has been planting trees in Kenya since 2020 in collaboration with Seniorer uden Grænser (Seniors Without Borders). The trees are planted with small-scale local farmers in the Mount Kenya region, as well as at schools, where the fruit helps supplement students’ diets and is incorporated into their learning.
The trees are planted using the shamba method – a sustainable approach that combines reforestation with agricultural crops. This keeps the soil covered with vegetation throughout the year, helping to prevent nutrient loss and reduce erosion.
The contribution to tree planting comes directly from Bering Travel’s own earnings and is not added to the price of your trip.
This initiative is not intended as a carbon offset for travel, but as a way to make a positive contribution.
"We look forward to making your holiday dreams come true"
