Following in the footsteps of the painters - the Painters' Way in 8 days

In the morning, you'll take the S-Bahn (suburban train) to the starting point of your first hike on the Painters' Way, in Stadt Wehlen (tickets included, duration: approx. 40 minutes). The first hike leads you to what is probably the most famous viewpoint in Saxon Switzerland – the Bastei Bridge. Afterwards, you'll descend into the Amselgrund valley and head towards the second highlight of your hike – the Hockstein. Through the Wolfsschlucht gorge, you'll reach the Polenztal valley, below the village of Hohnstein with its castle. 

↑ 428 m ↓ 278 m

Overnight stay: Hohnstein

The viewpoint overlooking Brand in the first third of the hike is today's highlight. From there, you'll descend over 800 steps into the Tiefen Grund valley. Depending on availability, you'll then travel via Waitzdorf to Altendorf or the Kirnitzschtal valley. 

↑ 600 m ↓ 520 m

Overnight stay in Altendorf, Kirnitzschtal or Bad Schandau

Hike directly uphill to the Schrammstein viewpoint and along the ridge path through the Schrammstein massif. Passing the Großer Dom (Great Cathedral) and Kleiner Dom (Little Cathedral), you'll reach the Affensteinweg trail, which leads to the Lichtenhain Waterfall. Via the Kuhstall (Cow Shed) with its Himmelstreppe (Stairway to Heaven), you'll arrive at your destination – the Neumannmühle, a technical monument. From there, take a bus to the Kirnitzschtal valley or to Bad Schandau. 

↑ 440 m ↓ 410 m

Overnight stay: Kirnitzschtal or Bad Schandau

First, you'll take a bus to Neumannmühle. From there, you'll hike through the Hintere Sächsische Schweiz (Back Saxon Switzerland) to the Zeughaus (armory). Shortly after, the breathtaking Goldsteinaussicht viewpoint awaits you, followed by the ascent of the Großer Winterberg (Great Winter Mountain). On your way down to Schmilka, be sure to make a detour to the Kipphornaussicht viewpoint. In Schmilka, you'll take the Elbe ferry and then the S-Bahn (suburban train) to your accommodation in Krippen. 

↑ 506 m ↓ 603 m

Overnight accommodation: Krippen

Enjoy the view of the right bank of the Elbe today, including the Schrammstein massif. The highlight of the day is the ascent of the Papststein and Gohrisch rocks, before you reach your overnight accommodation in Gohrisch. 

↑ 490 m ↓ 260 m

Accommodation location: Gohrisch spa resort

Today's hike along the Painters' Way takes you over the Pfaffenstein, past the Diebeskeller cave, to Königstein. There will still be time for a visit to the "impregnable" Königstein Fortress before you take the S-Bahn back to your hotel in Dresden.

↑ 201 m ↓ 396 m

Accommodation location: Dresden (Note: Overnight stay in Pirna available at an extra charge: €20 per person in a double room, €40 in a single room (on request and subject to availability))

After an unforgettable hiking trip along the Painters' Way, you begin your journey home today. Or you can extend your hiking holiday with an extra night in Dresden.

Overnight stay: Dresden (departure)