Holiday in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains
The Elbe Sandstone Mountains, one of the most spectacular and romantic natural landscapes in Central Europe, stretch across both sides of the German-Czech border. The region is better known by the names Saxon Switzerland and Bohemian Switzerland. A vacation here promises a unique blend of active nature experiences, historical discoveries, and relaxing moments in a picturesque setting.
The low mountain range is composed almost exclusively of sandstone and reaches a maximum height of 723 meters (located in the Czech Republic). The German part of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains is generally referred to as Saxon Switzerland, and the Czech part as Bohemian Switzerland. Large parts of the region are designated as protected landscape areas.
The heart of the region is its bizarre and beautiful landscape. Over millions of years, the Elbe River has carved a deep valley into the sandstone plateau, creating a fairytale world of steeply rising rock pinnacles, majestic table mountains, deep gorges, and wildly romantic valleys. World-famous formations like the Bastei Bridge, which elegantly spans from rock to rock offering dizzying views, or the monumental Pravčická brána (Pravčice Gate) in Bohemian Switzerland, the largest natural sandstone arch in Europe, are unforgettable photo opportunities and experiences. Countless viewpoints, such as those on the Schrammsteine or the Lilienstein, reward every ascent.
An excellently developed network of hiking trails offers a suitable tour for every level of ability. Everything is available, from leisurely walks through cool valleys like the Schwedenlöcher to challenging scrambles over stairs and ladders. The Malerweg (Painters’ Way), Germany’s most beautiful hiking trail, leads for 112 kilometers in eight stages to the places that inspired Romantic painters like Caspar David Friedrich.
The region is the birthplace of rock climbing in Germany. In addition, the well-maintained Elbe Cycle Route invites you to enjoy relaxed bike tours, and the Elbe River itself is perfect for a trip by canoe or a historic paddle-wheel steamer.
Amidst the impressive nature, there are witnesses of a rich history waiting to be discovered. The Königstein Fortress, one of the largest mountain fortresses in Europe, is enthroned on a table mountain above the Elbe. A visit is a journey through 800 years of military and cultural history, crowned by an unparalleled 360-degree panorama. Numerous other sites such as Hohnstein Castle, the Neurathen Rock Castle, or Weesenstein Castle are waiting to be explored.
Holiday in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains – Excursion tips
In beautiful weather, we set off from Bad Schandau to tackle our planned hike to the Bastei. First we take the train to Rathen.
Bad Schandau in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains is easily accessible by train. It is easy to discover many different hiking routes from here. We did two half-day tours, which were very varied and left lots of wonderful and atmospheric impressions.
Three days in Bad Schandau and one firm goal: We are going to go hiking despite the temperature being 30 degrees!
During a short trip to Saxon Switzerland, I was drawn to the fortress Königstein. My last visit was more than 10 years ago and the weather was awful – this time it was sunny and I enjoyed my visit to the fullest.
Indoor bouldering is a great alternative for Berliners. Still, there is something about the idea to do “the real thing” in the outside world. We made rock climbing in the Elbe Sandstone Highlands our first outdoor climbing experience.
In Saxon Switzerland on the banks of the Elbe, there is a bastion. Numerous tourists enjoy the wonderful view over the Elbe valley and the Elbe Sandstone Highlands from here.
Accommodation
Antonov im Garten – Flugzeug-Ferienwohnung
Waldsaumhütte mit Ausblick
Laurichhof
Hotel Bei Gretel, Wellness & Ayurveda
Burghotel Stolpen
Hotel Elbresidenz an der Therme
Travel information about the Elbe Sandstone Mountains
Getting there
By plane
The nearest airport on the German side is in Dresden, on the Czech side the airport is in Prague.
By car
The mountain range begins about 30 kilometres from Dresden. The A 17 and A 4 motorways lead into the region. From the exits, federal roads and much smaller roads lead through the mountain range.
By bus
German and international bus lines go to Dresden (main station). From there you can take the S 1 to the Elbe Sandstone Mountains.
By train
Saxon Switzerland, i.e. the German part of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains, is easily accessible by train. Regional trains run from Dresden to the region. The IC train in the direction of Prague stops in Bad Schandau.
On the way in...
Public transport
The National Park railway station in Bad Schandau is one of the region’s transport hubs. From there you can reach almost all places by S-Bahn, bus or ferry. Another central transfer station is in Pirna.
The S-Bahn line S 1 connects the entire region with Dresden and Meißen.
In addition, special hiking buses travel to the most popular hiking areas in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains.
Saxon-Bohemian Switzerland National Park Railway
The railway line connects Bad Schandau with Sebnitz. It runs through 7 tunnels on its 16-kilometre route and crosses the Sebnitz River 28 times.
Kirnitzschtalbahn
The tram runs from Bad Schandau into the National Park. Some of the trains are old.
Steamship travel on the Elbe
The largest and oldest paddle steamer fleet in the world takes holidaymakers across the Elbe.
On foot
The entire region is criss-crossed by numerous well-signposted hiking trails.