1 - Arrive 2 - Day 1 in Berlin 3 - Day 2 in Berlin 4 - Day 3 in Berlin 5- Potsdam Day Trip 6 - To Dresden 7 - Dresden 8 - To Bad Schandau, hiking 9 - Morning walk, then back to Berlin 10 - Day 4 in Berlin Read more about me. The region is also home to must-see landmarks in Germany like the Bastei Bridge and Knigstein Fortress. Create your own day hike in 3 simple steps. For those who value convenience, local tourist offices offer the option of organizing a trip. They even have their own spacious, wellness area with an outdoor balcony overlooking the Elbe. It gives you some unique vantage points We didnt need hiking boots or anything like that, though I do recommend sturdy shoes. Dresden takes about 45 minutes to traverse 47 kilometers. The most exciting part of the Malerweg trail, aside from the breathtaking views, is the fact that it follows the steps of artists of the Romantic era. The trail starts in the town of Pirnaand and runs through the most interesting and picturesque points of Saxon Switzerland. Ready to plan your own trip to Saxon Switzerland? The regions experts can even point to specific mountain peaks in the piece sticking out above the titular sea of fog. During this phenomenon, clouds and mists sit below the mountain peaks creating a mystical and magical sight. BUT. Its one of the largest hilltop fortifications in Europe and home to the oldest preserved barracks in Germany. The best way is to wake up early and visit the place before everybody else gets there. to Saxon Switzerland from Dresden that I could find! Hi there! The whole area looks lovely, but Id especially love to visit Bad Schandau. I think its really cool that a lot of the hotels include entry into a spa. you 50-70 including just the minimum insurance, plus petrol of course. Those rock formations are really stunning, and love the walking bridge the runs right through them. Enjoy the phenomenal panoramic view and try the local delicacies served in the restaurant Brandsteinbaude. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Reviews and prices here. resultsSorry, we didn't find a result for you! In addition, event and recreation holiday travel packages are put together for you. There are several preserved rock chambers and defense gates remaining. The surrounding sandstone formations are also great for those experienced rock climbers. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Access the Germany Travel BundleContactDisclaimerPrivacy Policy, DestinationsPlanningAccommodationsPackingRental Cars, Germany Travel BundleTrip Planning ServicesAbout, guide on the best Hop On Hop Off Bus tours, best travel scarf with a hidden security pocket. But then I would be heading back to the spa . The Elbe courses through thick forest, past villages and mighty hilltop castles. A top travel website for those who have a passion to explore destinations around the globe. camp, rock climb, all while looking over a sweeping view of the Elbe river. Churches & Cathedrals. In my opinion, its one of the the On most of the rocks, there are no fences or protective railings, making them accessible for the rock climbers. 4 places sorted by traveler favorites. Nowadays the machine runs partly on solar energy (40%) and is also a historical attraction. The vertical rock cliffs with the castle standing on the edge of it are particularly impressive. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. The entrance fee to Toskana Therme is only 2 euros for 2 hours. At one point, it was the largest rock castle in the region, but only a few parts of the structure have survived. Reviews and prices here. I love the sound of Bastei Bridge and the fortress too. Toskana Therme spa sounds inviting to me! They also have a restaurant where you can go for, breakfast in the morning or anytime during the day. Read More about About Us. But in case you do not (or cannot) rent a car, you are in luck because She is from Czech Republic and has been to 30+ countries. We have tried to choose accommodations that offer friendly service, clean and comfortable rooms and local flavour. There are dozens of routes around Saxon Switzerland allowing for a customized itinerary to suit your needs. If you're young and fit, you'll have no problem . It covers two areas of 93.5 km (36.1 mi) in the heart of the German part of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains, which is often called (the) Saxon Switzerland (German: Schsische Schweiz). In fact free-climbing for sport is said to have originated in this region during the mid-19th century. From Dresden, you need to take the S1 to U Fota offers modern bungalows and is close to the main sights of, Bohemian Switzerland. If you purchase something The bridge has become a symbol of the whole national park and I have been longing to visit it for a long time. With its chalky sandstone cliffs, deeply carved valleys, table mountains and gorges, this fascinating landscape is the only one of its kind in central Europe. with an overnight stop at the end of each stage. Marriott Bonvoy Tours & Activities and the programs and products provided under the Marriott Bonvoy Tours & Activities brand are not owned, developed, or sold by Marriott International, Inc. Marriott Bonvoy Tours & Activities uses the Marriott marks under license from Marriott International, Inc. and its affiliates. Since Saxon Switzerland is located near the Czech Republic border, you might want to connect it with a trip to Prague. Saxon, Switzerland. The cliffs, mesas, gorges, and spires of this city in stone are the result of more than 100 million years of work by wind and by the waters of the Elbe River and tributaries as they flow into the North Sea. The tram Kirnitzschtalbahn called yellow car started its run in 1898. The Saxon Switzerland National Park, one of 16 national parks in Germany, is located in the Free State of Saxony in the eastern part of Germany. Given the complexity of using public transit in this case, One of the most famous works by Saxon Switzerland is Caspar David Friedrichs The Wanderer above the Sea of Fog. for that part of the journey. Cheryl J Indianapolis. Saxon Switzerland ( German: Schsische Schweiz) is a hilly climbing area and national park in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains, located around the Elbe valley south-east of Dresden in Saxony, Germany. The only thing that they could improve would be to connect the hotel with the spa via an underground tunnel so that the guests wouldnt have to cross the square in their bath robes . Filed Under: Adventure Travel, Europe, Germany, Historic Travel, National Parks, Off-the-Beaten Path Travel Tagged With: Jacek Sowik, Saxony German, Travel in Germany, Your email address will not be published. This Malerweg Trail Classic Route is a moderate-grade itinerary following the complete trail in 10 days, giving you plenty of time to take in all the natural and cultural highlights of the Painters Path. .aA8vBwuYrS8strokeColor-str,.icon3-str{stroke:#797468;stroke-opacity:1} The Natural Adventure. So what to do so that you dont end up lost in the crowds? Soon many other artists followed their steps. All that in a little over 2.5h, which Id say is quite ok. (3.5 kilometers). Construction of rock castles and fortresses is typical for the area of Saxon and Bohemian Switzerland, but most of them were abandoned by the end of 15th century. Level Contributor 177 posts 284 reviews 72 helpful votes 1 or 2 day itinerary for Saxon Switzerland NP? This unique place is equally perfect for rock climbing, cycling and hiking as it is for a romantic weekend with art and nature. recommend the elegant Hotel Elbresidenz. Heres how to best reach Saxon Switzerland National Park from Its about 30 kilometers away from Dresden, the capital of Saxony Land, in the Elbe River valley. travel How Reach Saxon Switzerland from Berlin, Dresden, or Prague Last updated July 1, 2021 9 minutes 1836 words berlin tips saxony summer germany Europe / Germany / Saxon Switzerland Saxon Switzerland (or, Schsische Schweiz in German) is a hilly region only 30 kilometers from Dresden, Germany. Impressive views of the valley and the Basteibrcke bridge can also be enjoyed. It just kept getting better and better! The remaining parts include rooms carved out of the rock, some passages, the cistern, and timber of the former wooden structure. Regional trains leave from Dresden approximately every 30 minutes. Why are so many dead whales washing up on the East Coast? The level of commitment to keeping the area as natural as possible is impressive. Welcome to the Elbe Sandstone Mountains! We visited Saxon Switzerland during our short stay in Dresden. No spam, unsubscribe anytime. Other nearby airports are in Prague and Leipzig. It all depends on exactly The Knigstein Fortress is a hilltop fortress looking over the town of Knigstein on the left bank of the River Elbe. In this post, I focus on all the places that shouldnt be missed. The tour ends after breakfast. this was our option. The most popular trail is called The Painters Way (Malswerg in German) which takes you to crowd favorite spots like the main rock formations. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. On my last trip the weather was a bit moody but the town was enjoyable nevertheless. rent a car. There is a region in Europe called Saxon Switzerland, where you can plunge into another world and time. This gorgeous landscape is ideal for anyone planning a quiet and slow holiday. Share 0. . Swiss painters discovered the sandstones as a unique landscape setting just over two hundred years ago. Hey Catherine, going to spa is one of the best things to do in autumn and winter! the best guided tours. About 40km south of Dresden, Saxon Switzerland (Schsische Schweiz, aka Elbsandsteingebirge or Elbe Sandstone Mountains) embraces a unique and evocative landscape. So start planning your next trip with Travel-Wise. Explore the region called Hintere Schsische Schweiz with Zeughaus and Goldstein viewpoints, before climbing up to Groer Winterberg, with 556m the second highest mountain in Saxon Switzerland. The Bastei Bridge rises above the Elbe River in Germanys Saxon Switzerland National Park. Photography buffs love Moritzburg Castle for its almost perfect symmetry. We built this trip in to a roadtrip to Prague In 2006 the 115km long Painters Path (Malerweg) was inaugurated, leading you in the footsteps of these romantic painters. From the top, you can catch sight of the Bastei Bridge on the other side of the Elbe River. Saxon Switzerland. Required fields are marked *. Travel to the parks by comfortable air-conditioned vehicle and enjoy all seasons avaliable guided hike to landmarks such as the Bastei Bridge, Snnk Lookout Tower and Tisa Rock city (The Narnia Labyrinth). One of the most popular ones is a Tuscan spa called Toskana Therme, located right on the banks of the River Elbe. By public transport: this was our option. 5 of the best new nature books to explore the UK's wild isles. The national park is also a great place for rock climbing, biking, and hiking. Plus, you can visit year-round. Alternatively, later in the afternoon could be fine as well; I got there after 6 pm to find there were few people around the bridge. There are many places to explore, and distances between them are short. As we hiked in autumn, we could enjoy occasional moments of solitude, which might be difficult to find in summer. I would be recharging in a spa continuously. Here you can find information about the National Park: Malerweg trail information, map and stages: Trails proposals with maps and descriptions: Themes of the tour, like Culture attractions, wellness information etc. Diese Manahme wird mitfinanziert durch Steuermittel auf der Grundlage des von den Abgeordneten des Schsischen Landtags beschlossenen Haushaltes. Thousands of years of exposure to wind and water have eroded into bizarre and beautiful shredded rock formations and peaks. Itinerary of the week > Relaxing in Saxon in Switzerland and Germany. The first record of the castle date to the 13th century. We have carefully hand-picked all places and regularly monitor their quality. The rich variety of sandstone makes free climbing a popular option but climbers must be trained and follow certain rules to protect the cliffs. During summer weekends, you can watch shows varying from traditional performances, musicals, and classical plays. Follow in their footsteps and see the most beautiful . This park is located in eastern Germany and spans all the way to the Czech Republic, being shared by both countries. The flexibility of self guided holidays means that there are no fixed dates, and you can start your trip on any date in the season so please indicate desired beginning date when booking. In the park is a trail stretching over 93 kilometers between the German city of Pirna and the Czech border. Reviews and prices here. If you visit in winter or simply encounter bad weather, you can always warm up at Bad Schandau; the legendary spa town is open all year round. what you want to see, as well as your budget. Experience the best of the Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland National Parks without having to worry about transportation on a full-day small-group tour. Passing Waitzdorf, you will reach Altendorf or continue along the Panorama trail to the Kirnitzschtal valley. It can get crowded along the river at summer weekends, if you don't like this, try the colder days. Unauthorized use is prohibited. Before you will reach the spa town Gohrisch, you will cross the two table mountains of Papststein and Gohrisch and enjoy the views of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains from their peaks. Theyll even pick you up from your hotel! Castles and Vineyards of the Rhine Valley, Detailed road notes and maps (1 pack per room), 9 nights in 3-star hotels and guesthouses (only double rooms are available), Luggage transfers from hotel to hotel on all walking days (1 piece up to 20kg per person), Phone assistance by our local office/representative, Any items not explicitly listed as included, Supplement applies to members of a group who require a single room / single use of a double room, This holiday is available for solo travellers; a supplement will be charged as accommodation and luggage transfer costs are not shared (we never mix and match solo travellers will be accommodated in single rooms), Extra nights in Pirna and Dresden or along the route. No wonder such fabled beauty was a big hit with 19th-century Romantic artists, including the painter Caspar David Friedrich. Embedded in the magnificent landscape of the Saxon Switzerland National Park, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Elbe valley and the bizarre rock formations. Dresden to Saxon Switzerland. The route is marked with the letter M inscribed in a white square. Hiking and nothing but hiking probably the greatest thing to do in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. Author Bio: Jacek Sowik is a polish journalist, traveler and culture manager. Furthermore, you can use ferries. For those who like nature, it is surely the most beautiful landscape in Saxony. Located inside the raw castle walls is a hostel for travelers. Its strangely eroded rock formations, which date to the Cretaceous period, are an unforgettable sight, and not something that you normally see in this part of Europe. Veronika Tomanova is the founder of award-winning solo female travel blog Veronikas Adventure, featuring travel tips, guides and stories from around the world. An outdoor lovers paradise, with steep cliffs and vast array of hiking trails, Saxon Switzerland is a great destination for casual nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Travel south just a little ways and you will be in Bohemian Switzerland, a picturesque area in the northern Czech Republic. This trip is available from April until October, except between 16-19 June. In the park is a trail stretching over 93 kilometers between the German city of Pirna and the Czech border. Go World Travel Magazine is a digital magazine for world travelers. prefer. that its in a language you know! If possible, when Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic SocietyCopyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. If you want to fly in, the nearest airport to Saxon Switzerland is the Dresden Airport. Saxon Switzerland (German: Schsische Schweiz) is an area in Saxony, Germany, so named after its picturesque upland scenery.. About 30 km (18 mi) upward the Elbe River from Dresden this is a mountain area made of sandstone. The Knigstein Fortress, which dates to at least 1241, is perched dramatically on a towering mesa and affords stunning views across Saxon Switzerland. Discover the world-famous Bastei formation and the bridge spanning across it. It hovers at a death-defying 305 metres above sea level, offering amazing views of the surrounding area. 1 year ago Save We will be driving from Munich on our way to Berlin and plan 1 or 2 days / overnights at this NP. disclose it when renting the car. Luckily both have good world by working abroad. Cool, isnt it? Some natural landmarks include the Groer Winterberg mountain, one of the tallest points of Saxon Switzerland, the Lilienstein, a distinctive flat-top table mountain, and the Kamenice Gorge, a beautiful rocky ravine with the river Kamnitz flowing through it. how many people, preferred type of room (double bed or twin beds), specific requirements etc. I highly recommend using 4 wild and wonderful places for outdoor adventures in Canada, Visiting Maine? For this particular hike, I advise leaving your car in Schmilka. Discover Austin, Texas, with a Nat Geo photographer, Video Story, Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic Society, Copyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. Required fields are marked *. In case a particular hotel is fully booked for your desired dates, we will replace it with a hotel of equal value and quality level. Therefore, the fastest way to get to the other side of the river is by pedestrian ferries, of which there are many. Their salads are very tasty, as well as the ribs:) An alternative choice in Czech Republic is Hrensko. The climate in the region is continental, cold and temperate. After crossing the Elbe River by ferry in Schmilka (additional costs), you walk up steps to Schna and soon reach your todays destination. You can find other similar itineraries to plan your trip with Travel-Wise here. If this sounds like your ideal day trip, then heres everything you need to know about visiting Saxon Switzerland! There is no better thing than a brewery and a hotel under one roof Brewery Falkenstein offers exactly that: a great selection of beers as well as newly refurbished rooms. Saxon Switzerland is known for its fascinating landscape, which is the only one of its kind in central Europe, so make sure you have enough time to just wander around. After walking up another set of stairs we were at the famous Bastei Bridge. There is just enough to do and yet enjoy the calm and beautiful landscape. Passing Thrmsdorf and Weissig, the last hiking stage on the Malerweg trail leads you to the Rauenstein massif. Do it in autumn if you can; the colors at that time are simply stunning. We have 30+ years experience traveling in Germany and are here to help you plan your dream trip to Deutschland -- even if you do not know where to begin! Day 4. Together with Bohemian Switzerland in the Czech Republic, the region is known as Saxon-Bohemian Switzerland. I had visited the neighboring region of Bohemian Switzerland already before, and finally, the time had come to visit the German side. Follow along on You can have a few quiet days of relaxation in Saxon Switzerland, Germany, for just $400-600 (USD). The hike itself is very manageable since youll find the path to be paved with a staircase on stacks of large rocks. Is it like Switzerland (hence the name)? because it can be explored in a day, or extended into a weekend trip if you Alemannisch; . Bastei is a monumental bridge stretching between jagged rocks formed by water erosion over one million years ago. Once at the top we enjoyed stunning views from various lookouts. Its not only home to the Bastei rocks but some other tourist attractions like the local Amselgrund valley, where you can visit the Amselsee lake and the Amsel Falls. You will arrive at Dresden airport. Itinerary, especially about Dresden and Saxon Switzerland 1 year ago Save Hi there, this is my current itinerary for a week and a bit in Germany. The entrance fee to Toskana Therme is only 2 euros for 2 hours. Go World Travel is reader-supported and may earn a commission from purchases made through links in this piece. The fortress is encircled by unique sandstone walls reaching 42 meters in height and nearly two kilometers in length. After about 50 minutes on the train we got off in the village of Kurort Rathen and caught a ferry across the river. In addition, it is only a short regional train trip to Saxonys administrative and cultural capital Dresden with its world-famous heritage. We recommend you to take a walk through the citys historic centre with its medieval alleys and numerous artfully decorated townhouses. Schmilka - Kirnitzsch - Groer Winterberg - Schmilka, This park is located in eastern Germany and spans all the way to the Czech Republic, being shared by both countries. All rights reserved. This unusual climate has allowed two flowers normally found in tundra climates, the gelbe Veilchen ("yellow violet") and the Sumpfporst (wild rosemary) to survive here since the last ice age. Today you will hike to the Brand viewpoint which is also called the Balcony of Saxon Switzerland. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. Haha exactly. by Andrew Deans. Renting a car in Germany for a single day will usually run Then, continue on the B172 toward Bad Schandau from the Pirna exit. These include booking accommodation and transporting luggage allowing for an easier, lighter walk between stops at your hotel. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. It begins in the northern mountains of the Czech This quiet spa town makes for a great base for exploring Saxon Switzerland; you can reach all the main sights easily from it. Today schools enthusiastically teach the sport to newcomers. It is a popular park with such spectacular locations as. The airport shuttle train leaves half-hourly at xx.17 and xx.47. In fact, with some excellent planning, you can have a vacation without much walking or exerting yourselves, though there are some gorgeous places you can visit by trekking a bit. The train S2 (direction: Dresden main station / Pirna) takes about 15/17/20min to get to the stations Dresden Neustadt/ Dresden Mitte and Dresden main station. If you come across such a sign on the route you can be sure that you are walking a part of the trail. The castle was built in the 13th century and has since delighted visitors with views of the valley of the Polenz River. find a rental car, because you can compare prices across different companies Our recommended arrival airport for this holiday is Dresden. A view from the famous Bastei bridge into the jagged sandstone cliffs definitely . Saxon Switzerland really looks like your kind of place. Both the castle ruins and the fortress look like great places to have a wander around. Be careful when picking a tour These are the only English-speaking tours There are several spectacular natural landscapes to visit here including the Pravcicka Gate stone arch, the Vilemnina stna, the Gorge of Kamenice, the Nationalparkzentrum Bad Schandau, and the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. Inside the fortress, you can visit exhibits on royal history, join guided tours and hands-on activities, and even try out themed culinary experiences. Sign up for my newsletter for a once-a-week email with new posts on the blog, travel tips and deals, as well as exclusive content! No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. Through the Wolfsschlucht gorge, you walk down into the lovely Polenztal valley, and via the Schindergraben you will reach Hohnstein. By public transit You can take a train from the Berlin Hauptbahnhof (main station) This regions scenery fascinates its visitors with its landscape variety including table mountains, elevated plains, cliff tops and rock needles, gorges, woods and the valley of the River Elbe. including driving directions, how to reach it with public transit, and The park lies within the district of Schsische Schweiz-Osterzgebirge and adjoins the Bohemian Switzerland National Park by the Czech Republic border. It is possible to walk the trail from the beginning to the end within 8 days. Stop at Bastei Bridge, perched high above the River Elbe. The lookout from Bastei Bridge is superb, what amazing views over those rocks! You start the day by taking the bus back to Neumannmhle to continue the walking tour along the Malerweg Trail. Hey Melody, cool you have seen my other post on Instagram:). Leipzig, Dresden and Saxon . For updated info you can visit, If you want to enjoy some comfort in a hotel with thermal spa included, I, recommend the elegant Hotel Elbresidenz. The bridge not only offers a beautiful view of the Elbe Valley on one side and the rocky peaks on the other, but it is also a visually very interesting tourist attraction. Knigstein Fortress The heights of this romantic landscape are dotted with castles and fortresses, many of which are themselves fascinating tourist draws. That makes everything so convenient! The Neurathen Castle is located near the Bastei rocks and the town of Rathen. got a pretty nice view over the river! Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This national park is located southeast of Dresden in the Free State of Saxony in the eastern region of Germany. The park is about 19 miles (30 kilometers) southeast of Dresden. The landscape of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains, eroded to picturesque rugged scenery of Cretaceous origin, provides a fascinating micro-climate and is home to a real treasure of rare animals and plant species. This is wonderfully rugged country where nature has chiselled porous rock into bizarre columns, battered cliffs, tabletop mountains and deep valleys. I would recommend taking the train to Dresden, and then He loves traveling during which he takes pictures and writes down his observations. The only thing you need to take care of is the timing of your visit: there are 1,5 million tourists per year at Bastei. How can you tell if a wild animal really needs your help? We had so much fun on this day trip! and visit either Dresden or Prague as part of your itinerary! It was also at the centre of events during the most decisive points in European history, such as the Reformation, Napoleonic . More detailed info on route navigation will be included in your holiday information pack. You will walk through three distinct wild and romantic areas.
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