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One of Germany's most famous hiking routes, the Malerweg Trail reveals the stunning landscapes of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. With 60km to cover and a great mix of peaks and valleys, the Malerweg from Bad Schandau to Pirna Trek is a delightful 6-day journey through Saxony. Enjoy the sky-high views from the top of Großer Winterberg and the Pfaffenstein Massif, visit the impregnable Königstein Fortress, and end each day soaking in the thermal baths in charming spa towns along the Elbe River. Enjoy the beautiful scenery that inspired Swiss artists and poets to call this route “The Painter's Path.”
Discover the best of Saxony on the Malerweg from Bad Schandau to Pirna Trek!
Malerweg from Bad Schandau to Pirna Trek
One of Germany's most famous hiking routes, the Malerweg Trail reveals the stunning landscapes of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. With 60km to cover and a great mix of peaks and valleys, the Malerweg from Bad Schandau to Pirna Trek is a delightful 6-day journey through Saxony. Enjoy the sky-high views from the top of Großer Winterberg and the Pfaffenstein Massif, visit the impregnable Königstein Fortress, and end each day soaking in the thermal baths in charming spa towns along the Elbe River. Enjoy the beautiful scenery that inspired Swiss artists and poets to call this route “The Painter's Path.”
Discover the best of Saxony on the Malerweg from Bad Schandau to Pirna Trek!
Reach the top of Großer Winterberg for unbelievable views of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains.
Stay in quaint spa towns and villages along the beautiful Elbe River.
Climb the steel ladders and staircases to the towering Pfaffenstein Massif.
Visit Königstein Fortress, one of Europe's largest hilltop fortifications.
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Located in Bad Schandau, Krippen is the starting point of the Malerweg Trail Section 2. You can explore Krippen and relax at the popular spa resorts or take a scenic walk on the nearby trails if you have some spare time today.
After taking a morning bus to Neumannmühle you begin your ascent to the top of Großer Winterberg, which at 556 metres is the second-highest peak in Saxony. Stop at the Zeughaus and Goldstein viewpoints to admire the incredible views of the rocky cliffs.
From here, descend to Schmilka to cross the Elbe River by ferry. Here either take the train back or walk another 8 km on the
Malerweg trail.
Your destination today is the town of Gohrisch via the Schrammstein massif. En route, you’ll be climbing to the crest of the two table mountains Papstein and Gohrisch. From these two peaks, you descend into the valley and overnight in the lovely spa town of Gohrisch.
Get ready to climb up the narrow steel staircases and ladders on the Nadelöhr route to the top of Pfaffenstein Massif. From here you get amazing views of the Königstein Fortress below, one of Europe's largest hilltop fortifications. The route ends in Königstein, or you can continue to Weißig if you prefer.
The last leg of the Malerweg Trail Section 2 goes through the town of Thürmsdorf, which is known for its castle and chocolate shops, and continues up the Rauenstein massif. The trail ends in Pirna, a charming city with lots of medieval architecture to admire.
It's been a great journey hiking the Malerweg Trail Section 2 of the amazing Elbe Sandstone Mountains! Today you can either depart from Pirna or add on some additional nights in Pirna or Dresden.
The reviews below are from all the tours organized by the local team in Germany.
This self-guided tour is always run as a private tour for your group only.
2024 Departures
The departures are available daily, from April to October, with some exceptions in spring and early summer.
- Single room: from $925USD*
- Sharing a double room: from $675USD*
*-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 breakfasts are included in the tour.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 5 nights are included. You can add on additional nights at any of the overnight locations along the tour to extend your stay. Accommodations before and after the tour are not included but can be added as a supplement.
Transportation during the Tour
Transportation for your luggage from hotel to hotel is included throughout the tour. Train tickets are included partially (discount card provided). Airport transfers, bus tickets and ferry tickets 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
- Visas if required
- Transportation to Pirna
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Transportation to Krippen
- Transportation from Pirna
- Bus and ferry tickets
- Lunch and dinner
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Single occupancy upgrades
- GPS data on request
Accommodation for Malerweg from Bad Schandau to Pirna Trek
This tour is based in hotels. 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
Rooms are double occupancy. If you prefer a single room, the required supplement is included in the listed price. The required supplement for solo travellers is also included in the listed price.
How hard is the Malerweg from Bad Schandau to Pirna Trek?
We rate this tour as a 4/5. This tour requires participants to have a suitable level of fitness for consecutive days of walking or hiking long distances and some elements of climbing. Trails may include basic scrambling sections and mountainous terrain, so active hikers will be best suited to 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.
Are meals included on the Malerweg from Bad Schandau to Pirna Trek?
5 breakfasts are included.
How do I get to Krippen to start this tour?
Fly into Dresden Airport (DRS) then take a train to Krippen Station (approximately 1.5 hours).
Where does the Complete Elbe Sandstone Mountains Malerweg Trail Tour end?
The tour ends in Pirna when you check out from your hotel on the last day. From here you can take a 25-minute taxi or bus to Dresden.
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 hiking. 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.
When is the best time to travel to Germany for this tour?
The best time to travel to Saxony for this hike is from May to September when the weather in the mountains tends to be best.
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.
Let's start talking about your next adventure!