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Elbe Sandstone Mountains Circular Walking Tour

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Elbe Sandstone Mountains Circular Walking Tour
From $1,095USDBook Now
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8 days from $1,095USD
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Bad schandau, Malerweg AugustusTours
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Tucked away in the rugged landscape of southeast Germany, the Elbe Sandstone Mountains are a treasure trove of hiking routes through sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, deep valleys, and table mountains. The 8-day Elbe Sandstone Mountains Circular Walking Tour reveals the stunning scenery of 'Saxon Switzerland' with natural and historic sites like the incredible rock formations at Bastei Bridge and the Barbarine pinnacle, and the impressive Königstein Fortress. A hiker’s paradise!

Each day's route is carefully planned to show off the variety of viewpoints and attractions, including the Rock Arch Pravčická Brána, the largest natural rock arch in Europe, and the views from the steep Schrammstein Cliffs. As a bonus, you can relax in the quaint spa towns where you stay along the way after a long day of walking through this gorgeous scenery.

Keen to explore Germany’s incredible mountains? See you on the trail!

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Elbe Sandstone Mountains Circular Walking Tour

Explore the incredible Elbe Sandstone Mountains of Saxony on a self-guided hiking tour
4.70
(69 reviews)
8 days from $1,095USD
Easy quote
Duration
8 days
Season
Apr-Oct
Activity
Walking
Type
Self-guided, Private
Accommodation
Hotels
Difficulty
Moderate (3/5)
From $1,095USD (see prices for this tour)
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National Geographic
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FodorsTravel
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National Geographic
Guardian
Bad schandau, Malerweg AugustusTours
Personalized Service
Let our experienced travel advisors plan your perfect adventure

Tucked away in the rugged landscape of southeast Germany, the Elbe Sandstone Mountains are a treasure trove of hiking routes through sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, deep valleys, and table mountains. The 8-day Elbe Sandstone Mountains Circular Walking Tour reveals the stunning scenery of 'Saxon Switzerland' with natural and historic sites like the incredible rock formations at Bastei Bridge and the Barbarine pinnacle, and the impressive Königstein Fortress. A hiker’s paradise!

Each day's route is carefully planned to show off the variety of viewpoints and attractions, including the Rock Arch Pravčická Brána, the largest natural rock arch in Europe, and the views from the steep Schrammstein Cliffs. As a bonus, you can relax in the quaint spa towns where you stay along the way after a long day of walking through this gorgeous scenery.

Keen to explore Germany’s incredible mountains? See you on the trail!

rating
Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.
Trip highlights

Marvel at the Elbe Sandstone Mountains' amazing rock formations at Bastei Bridge and Barbarine.

Visit Rock Arch Pravčická Brána, the largest natural rock arch in Europe.

See historic sites like the impressive Königstein Fortress and Hohnstein Castle.

Navigate gorgeous gorges, verdant valleys, and waterfalls en route to quaint spa towns.

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Day by day itinerary
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Day 1
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Arrival in Bad Schandau
One of the most popular health resort and spa towns in Saxony, Bad Schandau is a charming spot on the Elbe river with a historic downtown full of Medieval architecture. Check in to your hotel and have the day free to stroll around admiring the sights.
Distance None
Overnight Location Hotel in Bad Schandau
Included Meals Dinner
Day 2
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Brand to Hohnstein Castle and Rathen
Your first day of walking starts with the climb to Brand, known as the 'Balcony of the Saxon National Park' with panoramic views of the Sandstone Mountains. From here you continue to the regal Hohnstein Castle and go through the Wolfsschlucht Gorge. You finish in the lovely spa town of Rathen, passing beautiful, green-shrouded Amsel Lake on the way.
Distance 5.5hours, 18km, 678m of ascent, 677m of descent
Overnight Location Hotel in Rathen
Included Meals Breakfast, dinner
Day 3
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Circular hike around Rathen
Start early in the morning to appreciate the Bastei Bridge with its stunning views over the Elbe river valley and the Table Mountains of the Saxon Switzerland fairly undisturbed. After passing the small village Wehlen the next highlight is the Rauenstein before descending again to Rathen or further to Königstein (according to hotel availability).
Distance 4 hours, 11km, 474m of ascent, 480m of descent
Overnight Location Hotel in Rathen
Included Meals Breakfast, dinner
Day 4
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Barbarine Pinnacle to Gohrisch
Today's hike takes you through forest paths to the striking Barbarine rock pinnacle, a 42m high freestanding rock that is an icon of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. Take those photos! After admiring the views of the Königstein Fortress below, you continue through Muselweg to reach the spa town of Gohrisch. Perhaps a massage is in order?
Distance 5.5 hours, 17km, 703m of ascent, 544m of descent
Overnight Location Hotel in Gohrisch
Included Meals Breakfast, dinner
Day 5
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Circular walking tour to Lilienstein from/to Gohrisch
Experience a breathtaking hike from Gohrisch to Lilienstein, another landmark in Saxon Switzerland.
Distance 4 hours, 11km, 481m of ascent, 481m of descent
Overnight Location Hotel in Gohrisch
Included Meals Breakfast, dinner
Day 6
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To Krippen
After a short warm up you walk slightly uphill crossing meadows and fields. You make your way to the top of the Table Mountains Gohrisch (448 m) and Papststein (451 m). From the tops wonderful views will compensate for the effort. An old mill with gastronomic offers is worth a break before you continue towards Krippen. Overnight stay in Krippen or Bad Schandau.
Distance 4 hours, 10km, 289m of ascent, 447m of descent
Overnight Location Hotel in Krippen or Bad Shandau
Included Meals Breakfast, dinner
Day 7
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Schrammstein Cliffs to Lichtenhain Waterfall
It's a steep climb via steel ladders and staircases to the Schrammstein Cliffs, but it's worth it to see the panoramic views of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. Follow the Malerweg Trail to reach the rushing Lichtenhain Waterfall, and return by bus or train to Bad Schandau for the tour's last night.
Distance 4.5 hours, 14km, 530m of ascent, 457m of descent
Overnight Location Hotel in Bad Schandau
Included Meals Breakfast, dinner
Day 8
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Departure from Bad Schandau
From Bad Schandau it’s time to begin your journey home, though you are welcome to prolong your holidays. Either way, safe travels!
Distance None
Overnight Location None
Included Meals Breakfast

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Dates and prices

This self-guided tour is always run as a private tour for your group only.

2025 Departures
Daily departures are available from April to October, with some exceptions in the spring and early summer.

  • Single room: from $1,450USD*
  • Sharing a double room: from $1,095USD*

*-Pricing for this tour depends on the dates of your trip and all the prices are per person. Please click the booking button below to get the exact pricing for your trip dates.

What’s included

Meals

7 breakfasts and 7 dinners are included.

Accommodations

Accommodations for 7 nights are included. Additional nights at every overnight location can be added as a supplement to give you more time to explore.

Transportation during the Tour

Transportation for your luggage from hotel to hotel is included throughout the walking tour.

Also Included

  • 1 package with maps and information per room (in English)
  • Service hotline during the walking tour

Not included

  • Transportation to and from Bad Schandau
  • Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
  • Guide services

Optional Extras

  • Additional nights before or after the tour
  • Single occupancy upgrades
  • GPS data on request
  • Upgrade to Deluxe Accommodation

Accommodation for Elbe Sandstone Mountains Circular Walking Tour

This tour is based in hotels and guesthouses. 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. You can also upgrade the accommodation to Deluxe (please inquire for more information).

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 prices.

Frequently asked questions

How hard is the Elbe Sandstone Mountains Circular Walking Tour?

We rate this tour as a 3/5. This tour requires participants to have a suitable level of fitness for consecutive days of walking or hiking 10km or more, with some elements of climbing or scrambling potentially required. Active hikers who are comfortable in varied terrain will get the most out of this tour.

Can I take my dog with me?

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.

I’ve never been on a self-guided trip! How does it work?

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.

Do I have to carry my luggage?

Your luggage will be sent from hotel to hotel every day along the tour, so you do not have to carry your bags with you.

Are meals included on the Elbe Sandstone Mountains Circular Walking Tour?

7 breakfasts and 7 dinners are included.

Do I need a visa to travel to Germany and the Czech Republic?

Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.

Do I need insurance?

Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover hiking. Get your Travel Insurance.

How do I get to Bad Schandau to start this tour?

Fly into Dresden Airport (DRS) or Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) and then take a train to Bad Schandau (approximately 2 hours). Alternatively, you can take a 5-hour train from Hamburg Airport (HAM) to Bad Schandau.

Where does the Elbe Sandstone Mountains Circular Walking Tour end?

The tour ends back in Bad Schandau when you check out from your hotel on the last day. You can take the train back to your departure airport.

Can I stay longer in some of the locations?

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.

Do I need special vaccines to travel to Germany and the Czech Republic?

Check with your family doctor.

Are there any travel restrictions for Germany and the Czech Republic?

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.

When is the best time to travel to Germany for this tour?

The best time to travel to the Elbe Sandstone Mountains for this hiking tour is from April to October, with the warmest weather in the mountains is at its warmest. Please note that this tour is not available from 21st to 24th of June.

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Why travellers choose this tour
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