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Highlights
Hike the stunning Elbe Sandston Mountains via the Malerweg Trail
Marvel at the bizarre rock formations of the famed Bastei Bridge
Climb to the top of Großer Winterberg for unbelievable views of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains
See the natural wonders of the Lichtenhain Waterfall and Kuhstall Cave
Scale the Pfaffenstein Massif to overlook the imposing Königstein Fortress below
Germany's Malerweg Trail is a classic German hiking tour. Walk in the footsteps of the inspired Swiss artists who gave this scenic route the name 'The Painter's Path' on this stella hiking tour! With striking rock formations, stone arches, caves, and thundering waterfalls, the Malerweg Complete Trail Hike reveals 112km of unbelievable natural beauty.
On the self-guided Malerweg Trail you will hike to the surreal Bastei Bridge, the historic Königstein Fortress, and the famed viewpoints of Papststein and Gohrisch. You'll climb to towering massifs, navigate steel ladders and staircases, and descend through lush gorges and valleys. You'll also scale Großer Winterberg, the region's second-highest mountain. Embark on a journey through Saxon Switzerland National Park with the challenging but rewarding Malerweg Trail. This hiking tour is a must for those keen to explore the best of Saxony!
Germany's Malerweg Trail is a classic German hiking tour. Walk in the footsteps of the inspired Swiss artists who gave this scenic route the name 'The Painter's Path' on this stella hiking tour! With striking rock formations, stone arches, caves, and thundering waterfalls, the Malerweg Complete Trail Hike reveals 112km of unbelievable natural beauty.
On the self-guided Malerweg Trail you will hike to the surreal Bastei Bridge, the historic Königstein Fortress, and the famed viewpoints of Papststein and Gohrisch. You'll climb to towering massifs, navigate steel ladders and staircases, and descend through lush gorges and valleys. You'll also scale Großer Winterberg, the region's second-highest mountain. Embark on a journey through Saxon Switzerland National Park with the challenging but rewarding Malerweg Trail. This hiking tour is a must for those keen to explore the best of Saxony!
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Malerweg Complete Trail Hike Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Pirna
Pirna is a small city known as the ‘gateway to Saxony’ and has a number of attractions to see, with a historic city centre brimming with lovely architecture.
Spend the day settling in and perhaps take a walk to acquaint yourself with the town or to find a patio for dinner.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Pirna
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Pirna to Wehlen/Rathen
The first section of the Malerweg Trail takes you through three lush ravines and deep gorges, with a lovely landscape all around. You can either finish this section at Wehlen or walk a bit further to the spa town of Rathen, both of which are located on the Elbe River.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Wehlen/Rathen
Distance: 4-5.5 hours, 12-17km, 387m of ascent, 423m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Bastei Bridge and Hohnstein Castle
The most striking and famous spot in Saxony, the Bastei Bridge is best seen early in the morning before many tourists arrive, so get up early! Then, enjoy the incredible views of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains and descend to another interesting natural formation, the Hockstein Rock. From here you continue to Hohnstein and see its historic castle.
Spend the night here, perhaps enjoying a pint with the castle in view.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Hohnstein
Distance: 2.5-4 hours, 7-10.5km, 477m of ascent, 396m of descent
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 4 Brand Viewpoint and Tiefen Grund Gorge
The Brand Viewpoint is often referred to as the ‘Balcony of Saxony,’ with panoramic vistas of the mountain range in every direction. This is where you begin your day!
The route then takes you down more than 800 steps into the rocky Tiefen Grund Gorge. You can either finish at Altendorf or Kirnitzschtal today. Depending on availability, you will stay overnight in Altendorf, Kirnitzschtal or Bad Schandau.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Altendorf or Kirnitzschtal
Distance: 6 hours, 15km, 596m of ascent, 518m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Schrammsteine Viewpoint and Lichtenhain Waterfall
A steep and rocky massif, the climb to the Schrammsteine Viewpoint is worth it this morning to get the most incredible views of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains.
The next stop is the rushing Lichtenhain Waterfall and the impressive natural rock arch of the Kuhstall Cave, which you can walk right through. Snap plenty of photos before making your way to Neumannmühle for the evening.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Neumannmühle
Distance: 6.5 hours, 18.5km, 698m of ascent, 755m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Climb to Großer Winterberg
As the second-highest mountain in Saxony at 556 metres, the route to the top of Großer Winterberg is a stunner. Your hike includes stops at the Zeughaus and Goldstein viewpoints to admire the amazing scenery.
From here you descend to Schmilka to cross the Elbe River by ferry. Here you take the train to Krippen 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 7 Table Mountains of Papststein and Gohrisch
Offering incredible views of the imposing Schrammstein massif, today’s route takes you to the crest of the two table mountains of Papststein and Gohrisch. From these two peaks, you’ll go down into the valley to reach the quaint spa town of Gohrisch. Feel free to treat yourself to a massage or facial after your hike!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Gohrisch
Distance: 6.5 hours, 18km, 617m of ascent, 718m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Pfaffenstein Massif to Königstein Fortress
Anoter great day of hiking is ahead! The climb to the top of the Pfaffenstein Massif takes you up a range of narrow steel staircases and ladders, rewarding you with views of the impressive Königstein Fortress. The trail descends into Königstein where you can explore one of Europe’s largest hilltop fortifications.
You’ll stay overnight in Königstein or continue on to Weißig.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Königstein/Weißig
Distance: 4 hours, 9km, 270m of ascent, 469m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 Rauenstein Massif to Pirna
Today you complete the last stage of the Malerweg Trail by hiking to the Rauenstein Massif, with views of the Bastei Bridge and the Elbe River. The descent along the ridge takes you back to the starting point of your adventure, Pirna, completing the circuit.
You should feel proud of your journey! Maybe it’s time to find a restaurant to celebrate at?
Overnight Location: Hotel in Pirna or Dresden
Distance: 7.5 hours, 21.5km, 650m of ascent, 660m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10 Departure from Pirna
Having completed the entire Malerweg Trail through the Elbe Sandstone Mountains, you can either depart from Pirna or add on some additional nights in Pirna or Dresden. Safe travels!
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
2026 Pricing for Self-Guided Complete Malerweg Hiking Tour
The departures are available daily from April to October, 2026. This tour can be customized for you, and prices depend on group size, room types, trip customizations, and date of travel. The starting price for two people sharing a double or twin room is EUR985 per person.
Accommodation on Malerweg Complete Trail Hike
This tour is based in hotels. Each night you will stay in a different hotel on the route. 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
If you are a solo traveller or prefer a single room, the required supplements are included in the listed price.
What’s Included in the Malerweg Complete Trail Hike?
Meals
9 breakfasts and 1 dinner are included in the tour.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 9 nights are included. Accommodations before the tour are not included but can be added as a supplement. You can also add on additional nights at any of the overnight locations along the tour route.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation for your luggage from hotel to hotel is included throughout the tour. Bus tickets on Days 2, 5 and 6 are also included. Airport transfers are not included. Please note, that one ferry transfer is required which is not included and you should budget around 2 EUR per person for it.
Also Included
- 1 package with maps and information per room (in English)
- Service hotline during the walking tour
Not included
- Transportation to and from Pirna
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Flights
- Travel insruance
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Single occupancy upgrades
- GPS data on request
- How hard is the Malerweg Complete Trail Hike?
- I’ve never been on a self-guided trip! How does it work?
- Do I have to carry my luggage?
- Can I take my dog with me?
- Are meals included on the Malerweg Complete Trail Hike?
- How do I get to Pirna to start this tour?
- Where does the Malerweg Complete Trail Hike end?
- Can I stay longer in some of the locations?
- Do I need a visa to travel to Germany?
- Do I need insurance?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to Germany?
- Are there any travel restrictions for Germany?
- When is the best time to travel to Germany for this tour?
We rate this tour as a 3/5. This tour includes consecutive days of hiking up to 8 hours over mountainous terrain. Some easy scrambles may be required. Active hikers will be able to get the most out of this tour.
Self-guided travelling is not difficult! For many, it is a preferred type of travel as you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided all the information on which direction you need to go daily. However, self-guided travelling requires good navigation skills and those who don’t feel confident in unknown places should consider booking guided tours.
Your luggage will be sent from hotel to hotel every day so you do not have to carry your bags with you.
Although in most cases booking this tour with dog is possible, please enquire in advance as it might require some special arrangements for accommodation and might cause some extra charges.
7 breakfasts and 1 dinner are included.
Fly into Dresden Airport (DRS) then take a Virail train to Pirna (approximately 1.5 hours).
The tour ends back in Pirna, when you check out from your hotel on the last day. You can take the train back to Dresden to depart.
Yes, you can stay for additional nights in any of the overnight locations mentioned in the tour. We will be happy to help you arrange accommodations.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover hiking. Get your Travel Insurance.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
The best time to travel to Saxony for this hike is from June to September when the weather in the mountains tends to be at its warmest.
Customer Ratings
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.
