The 6-day Malerweg from Pirna to Bad Schandau Trek takes you on a gorgeous journey through the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. The most famous walking route in Saxony, the Malerweg Trail reveals mystical rock formations, craggy cliffs, table mountains, waterfalls, and caves.
On Section 1 you'll visit the route's best sights, including the iconic Bastei Bridge, Brand Viewpoint, and Schrammstein massif, full of caves and waterfalls to explore. With 4-6 hours of walking per day and 55km to cover you can take your time to stop and enjoy the incredible landscapes that the Elbe Sandstone Mountains have to offer.
Malerweg from Pirna to Bad Schandau Trek
The 6-day Malerweg from Pirna to Bad Schandau Trek takes you on a gorgeous journey through the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. The most famous walking route in Saxony, the Malerweg Trail reveals mystical rock formations, craggy cliffs, table mountains, waterfalls, and caves.
On Section 1 you'll visit the route's best sights, including the iconic Bastei Bridge, Brand Viewpoint, and Schrammstein massif, full of caves and waterfalls to explore. With 4-6 hours of walking per day and 55km to cover you can take your time to stop and enjoy the incredible landscapes that the Elbe Sandstone Mountains have to offer.
Stay in picturesque spa towns and historic villages along the Elbe River between hikes.
Hike to the striking Bastei Bridge, the icon of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains.
Climb to Brand Viewpoint for panoramic views of the valleys below.
Navigate the Schrammstein massif and see the lovely Lichtenhain Waterfall.
Trip map for Malerweg from Pirna to Bad Schandau Trek
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This small but charming town is the perfect starting point for the Malerweg Trail, with lovely colourful architecture and a historic city centre to peruse. Enjoy your day here as you please, exploring town or just getting a good sleep before your hiking begins.
In the morning, you’ll take a bus to the starting point of Malerweg Trail Section 1 and hike through three lush ravines en route to Wehlen. An alternative ending location is the spa town of Rathen, located on the Elbe River.
The Bastei Bridge is without a doubt the most unique sight in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains, built through a series of striking rock pillars with views of the mountains below. From this famous spot you then visit Hockstein Rock and descend to Hohnstein.
Known as the 'Balcony of Saxony,’ Brand Viewpoint offers panoramic views of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains below. Then you climb down a whopping 800 steps into the Kirnitzschtal valley where you can stop, or carry on to Altendorf. Depending on availability, you will stay overnight in Altendorf, Kirnitzschtal or Bad Schandau.
It's a steep uphill hike to the Schrammsteine Viewpoint, but you'll be rewarded with the sights of stunning rock formations reaching up to the sky.
On the way down you pass Big and Small Dome to reach Lichtenhain Waterfall and continue down the valley to Neumannmühle where you catch a bus for Bad Schandau.
Having enjoyed a relaxing night in this spa town, Malerweg Trail Section 1 is successfully completed. You can either depart from Bad Schandau or add on some additional nights.
These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you’re viewing.
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.
- Single room: from $950USD*
- Sharing a double room: from $695USD*
*-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.
Meals
5 continental breakfasts and 1 dinner are included in the tour.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 5 nights are included. Accommodations before the tour are not included but can be added as a supplement. You can also add on additional nights at any of the overnight locations along the tour route.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation for your luggage from hotel to hotel is included throughout the tour. Train tickets on Days 2 and 5 are partially included (provided the discount card). Airport transfers are not included.
Also Included
- 1 package with maps and information per room (in English)
- Service hotline during the walking tour
Not Included
- Flights
- Travel insurance
- Transportation to Pirna
- Transportation from Bad Schandau
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Airport transfers
- Guide services
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Additional nights at overnight locations during the tour
- Single occupancy upgrades
Accommodation for Malerweg from Pirna to Bad Schandau Trek
This tour is based in hotels. Each night you will stay in a different hotel on the route. 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.
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 price.
How hard is the Malerweg from Pirna to Bad Schandau Trek?
We rate this tour as a 3/5. You will need to be comfortable hiking 3-6 hours per day on average over mountainous terrain. There are some options to shorten or lengthen hikes are you prefer. Active hikers will be able to get the most out of this tour.
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.
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.
Are meals included on the Malerweg from Pirna to Bad Schandau Trek?
5 breakfasts and 1 dinner are included.
How do I get to Pirna to start this tour?
Fly into Dresden Airport (DRS) then take a Virail train to Pirna (approximately 1.5 hours). Airport transfers are not included.
Where does the Malerweg from Pirna to Bad Schandau Trek end?
The tour ends in Bad Schandau when you check out from your hotel on the last day. You can take the train 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 a visa to travel to Germany?
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 (activity). Get your Travel Insurance.
Do I need special vaccines to travel to Germany?
Check with your family doctor.
Are there any travel restrictions for Germany?
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.
Why book with 10 Adventures?
Self-guided Specialists
Combine the freedom of travelling on your own with the confidence that all of the logistics are taken care of.
Packed with Inclusions
Accommodations, luggage transfers, gear rentals, and more - all taken care of so you can focus on making memories.
World Class Support
Have peace of mind for when travel plans change with our hassle-free booking process and unbeatable support.
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