Malerweg Trail from Pirna to Bad Schandau Trek
Hike Section 1 of the Malerweg Trail in the beautiful Elbe Sandstone Mountains
Lifetime Deposit
Self-Guided
Malerweg Trail from Pirna to Bad Schandau Trek Overview
The 6-day self-guided Malerweg hiking tour goes from Pirna to Bad Schandau. This section of the Malerweg Trail takes you on a gorgeous hiking 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 55 km to cover you can take your time to stop and enjoy the incredible landscapes that the Elbe Sandstone Mountains have to offer.
Trip highlights
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.
Day By Day Itinerary
Arrive in Dresden today to begin your Malerweg hiking tour. If time permits, enjoy a walking tour through beautiful “Elbflorenz,” Dresden’s charming nickname as the Florence of the Elbe.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Dresden
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- None
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.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Wehlen/Rathen
- Distance:
- 4-6 hours, 12-17km
- Meals:
- Breakfast
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.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Hohnstein
- Distance:
- 2.5-4 hours, 7-10.5km, 477m of ascent, 396m of descent
- Meals:
- Breakfast, dinner
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.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Altendorf or Kirnitzschtal
- Distance:
- 6 hours, 15km, 596m of ascent, 518m of descent
- Meals:
- Breakfast
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.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Neumannmühle
- Distance:
- 6.5 hours, 18.5km, 698m of ascent, 755m of descent
- Meals:
- Breakfast
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.
- Overnight Location:
- None
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Tour Map
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Inclusions
Included
- 5 continental breakfasts and 1 dinner are included in the tour.
- 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 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.
- 1 package with maps and information per room (in English)
- Service hotline during the walking tour
Not included
- Flights
- Travel insurance
- Transportation to Dresden
- 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
- Start the tour in Pirna instead of Dresden
Reviews
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These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you’re viewing.
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FAQ
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.
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.
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.
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.
5 breakfasts and 1 dinner are included.
Fly into Dresden Airport (DRS) and transfer to your hotel to begin this tour.
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.
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.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover (activity). Get your Travel Insurance.
Check with your family doctor.
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 Malerweg Trail from Pirna to Bad Schandau Trek 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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