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