Day 1: Arrival

Make your own way by train or car to the hotel in Gohrisch. You can park your car at the hotel for a fee.

The daily walks make use of public transport, so it’s worth buying a suitable weekly ticket (the hotel will provide details on site).

In addition, the hotel has a minibus and can provide transfers for walkers if needed, for a fee.

Day 2: Königstein Fortress, Pfaffenstein with the Barbarine

Walk or take the bus to Königstein, ride the Festungsexpress up to the fortress and take the lift conveniently up to the fortress wall. After a tour and a visit to the museum, head back down to Königstein and climb up to the Pfaffenstein with the Barbarine, the landmark of Saxon Switzerland. Descend via the Nadelöhr and return to the hotel (approx. 13 km, 5 hours).

Day 3: Walk to the Bastei, boat trip on the Elbe

Take the S-Bahn to Wehlen and the ferry across the Elbe. Climb through the Wehlener Grund to the Bastei and Felsenburg Neurathen. After enjoying the wonderful views, descend through the Schwedenlöcher into the Amselgrund and follow the Amselsee to Rathen. Return by steamer on the Elbe to Königstein and from there back to the hotel (11 km, 4 hours).

Day 4: Obere Schleuse, Kirnitzschtal, Königsplatz

By bus or by car to Hinterhermsdorf. Walk to the Obere Schleuse and enjoy a romantic boat ride. Then continue via Hermannseck to Königsplatz, back to Hinterhermsdorf and return to the hotel (approx. 12 km, 4 hours).

Day 5: Walk through the Schrammsteine

From Bad Schandau along the Elbe to Postelwitz, along the Jägersteig to the Schrammsteintor and up to the Schrammstein viewpoints. Continue on the Schrammsteingratweg to the viewpoints at Carolafelsen and Wenzelswand and over the Großen Winterberg to the Kipphornaussicht. Descend to Schmilka and take the bus back to the hotel (approx. 12 km, 4½ hours).

Day 6: Affensteine, Frienstein (Idargrotte), Kuhstall

By Kirnitzschtalbahn or by car to Beuthenfall. Walk through the Affensteine to the Frienstein and the Idargrotte. Continue over the Kleinen Winterberg to the Kuhstall, climbing up to the main keep via narrow steps. After a break, descend to the Lichtenhainer Wasserfall and return to the hotel (approx. 12 km, 4½ hours).

Day 7: Walk to the Prebischtor

By S-Bahn to Schmilka and by ferry across the Elbe to Herrnskretschen (Hrensko) in the Czech Republic. Walk to the Prebischtor and follow the Gabrielensteig to Hotel Rainwiese. Continue to Stimmersdorf and descend into the valley of the Kamnitz. Enjoy a gentle boat ride on the Edmundsklamm to the lower boat station. Then follow the now wild, rushing Kamnitz downstream to Herrnskretschen and back to the hotel (approx. 19 km, 5 hours).

Day 8: Departure

Rail travellers with luggage are taken to the station in Bad Schandau or Königstein (for a fee).

Self-guided centre-based walking holiday in Saxon Switzerland: you stay seven nights in a three-star hotel in Gohrisch on half board and explore the highlights of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains on six walking days. Destinations include Königstein Fortress, Pfaffenstein with the Barbarine, the Bastei and rock castle, the Kirnitzsch Valley, the Schramm- und Affensteine, Frienstein with the Idagrotte, Kuhstall as well as the Prebischtor. An Elbe boat trip, ferry crossings and a boat trip through a gorge complement the walks. Maps and route descriptions help you find your way. Walks are accessed by public transport; a weekly pass is recommended.

Tourist tax payable locally.