Travel guide Saxon Switzerland
Warm Summers for City Trips and Nature
The Elbe Sandstone Mountains are located in the transitional area from the oceanic to the continental climate zone. As a low mountain range with altitudes between 110 and 723 meters, the average annual temperatures vary between 8 °C in the lowlands and below 7 °C in the higher elevations. The best time for a
city trip to Saxon Switzerland is between June and September with summer temperatures up to 25 °C. In July and August, the most precipitation falls and the risk of thunderstorms increases. Therefore, early and late summer are especially recommended for nature lovers. A dream, also for active vacationers!
Take the Elbe Steamboat to Königstein Fortress
The most sublime impression of the landscape in Saxon Switzerland is experienced by travelers when they take a downstream Elbe steamboat ride from
Dresden. South of Pirna, the characteristic rugged rocks rise between lush green forests, arguably the region's greatest attraction. The Lilienstein is one of the most prominent and largest mountains of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains in Saxony. It is the only right-bank table mountain and represents the symbol of the Saxon Switzerland National Park. On the right bank of the Elbe (on the left hand side in the direction of travel), the spa town of Rathen lies idyllically in one of the river bends. Near
Königstein, the fortress of the same name sits high above on a plateau on the left bank. Covering nearly 10 hectares, it is one of the largest fortress complexes in Europe. 50 buildings from four centuries are preserved within the complex – including, among others, the second deepest castle well in Europe at over 150 meters. Königstein Fortress is a vast open-air museum, transporting visitors back to earlier centuries. It also houses the Military History Museum of the Bundeswehr Dresden in its two armories.
Additionally, there are numerous castles and palaces that you must visit. The Felsenbühne Rathen, located not far from the Bastei Bridge, is Europe's most beautiful natural theater. Where the Wolf's Glen scene was once conceived, the Freischütz celebrates its annual return. It's worth visiting with your loved ones!
Architectural Highlights – Semper Opera House, Zwinger, and Frauenkirche
Art lovers should not miss a detour to Dresden during their trip. The city is characterized by its extraordinary large buildings such as the Semper Opera House, Zwinger, and Frauenkirche. The opera house was rebuilt at the turn of the last century according to plans by the architect Gottfried Semper in the style of Historicism or Classicism. The Frauenkirche was rebuilt after severe destruction in World War II, like many other buildings in the city center. Today, it is one of the city's landmarks and one of the largest sandstone buildings in the world. The Zwinger houses the Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden (SKD), one of the most important museums in Germany. The Old Masters Picture Gallery displays one of Raphael's most important works – the Sistine Madonna from 1512/13. In the New Masters section, paintings by Caspar David Friedrich, among others, are on display. Many of his paintings depict the landscape of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains.
Hearty and Delicious – The Saxon Cuisine
The Saxon-Bohemian cuisine of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains is mostly hearty and robust. Creative chefs in Dresden sometimes know how to conjure up the highest delights from it. Meat dishes with sauce dominate the main courses, and the favorite side dishes are dumplings and knödel instead of potatoes or rice. A traditionally filling appetizer is the Saxon Potato Soup. On Sundays, Saxon Sauerbraten with red cabbage and dumplings is often served. The stuffed cabbage roll, also found on menus as cabbage wrap or sauerkraut sausage, is simpler to prepare. For a small snack in between, the Fettbemme is popular. It consists of a slice of bread with lard, salt, and pickles. A cool beer goes best with all these hearty dishes, though Saxon wine is also not to be underestimated.
Cycling, Hiking, and Climbing – Active Adventures Among Rock Needles and Forests
The Elbe Sandstone Mountains are a paradise for nature lovers. Enjoy a
vacation with your dog in Saxon Switzerland and hike with your family between steeply rising rock needles and gorges on hiking trails through dense forests and historic sites. The Painter's Way is the main hiking trail of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. It got its name because many painters created more or less romantic views of the rock formations over the past centuries. For children, the hiking routes offer numerous destinations such as children's museums, swimming pools, climbing rocks, and adventure playgrounds. Climbers, in particular, will find their paradise in the Saxon Switzerland National Park. The special rules only allow knots and rope loops as aids. In climbing schools, even beginners and children can safely learn to ascend and descend. There are more than 1,000 free-standing climbing peaks to conquer. Nothing stands in the way of hikes between the rocks.
The Bastei and the Painter's Way – Sublime Views and Vistas
In 1819, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's son, August von Goethe, was overwhelmed by the beauty of the rock needles Lilienstein, Königstein, and Pfaffenstein and admitted to finding no words that could do justice to the sight. The Bastei is the major attraction of the region. From the 305-meter-high viewing platform, there is a breathtaking view over the landscape and the Elbe River flowing nearly 200 meters below. The best view of the famous Bastei Bridge is enjoyed from the Ferdinandstein. On the Bastei, there is a hotel and restaurant, perfect for a stop after a hike. Follow the Painter's Way through the Elbe Sandstone Mountains from Liebthal to the border with the Czech Republic and on the other side of the Elbe back to Pirna. Experience the sublimity of the landscape over the eight stages and feel transported into famous Romantic paintings like "Wanderer above the Sea of Fog" by Caspar David Friedrich. Once you have followed the Painter's Way, you will forever remember this magnificent landscape.