Saxon Switzerland

Outdoor adventures in Saxon Switzerland

Rock & Ridge Adventures

This collection explores the rugged landscape of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains across the German-Czech border. It features geological landmarks like the Bastei bridge and Pravčice Gate, alongside historic climbing peaks such as Falkenstein and Bloßstock. The list also highlights the region's unique trekking infrastructure, including managed alpine huts and remote wilderness cabins along the Forststeig trail, designed for multi-day hikers and rock climbers seeking authentic stays in the sandstone wilderness.

Rock & Ridge Adventures — Map

Harald Hoyer / CC BY-SA 2.0

A

Bastei

The Bastei is a rock formation rising 194 metres above the Elbe River in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains of Germany.

IngolfBLN / CC BY-SA 2.0

B

Pravčice Gate

The Pravčická brána is a narrow rock formation in Bohemian Switzerland in the Czech Republic, approx. 3 km northeast of Hřensko.

Prazak / CC BY 2.5

C

Affensteine

The Affensteine are a long chain of deeply fissured rocks in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains that are located east of Bad Schandau in the…

Jörg Hempel / CC BY-SA 3.0 de

D

Falkenstein

The Falkenstein is one of the best known climbing peaks in Saxon Switzerland.

Wahldresdner / Public domain

E

Mönch

The Mönch is a rock pinnacle and popular climbing peak in Saxon Switzerland in Germany near the spa town of Rathen.

Prazak / CC BY 2.5

F

Frienstein

The Frienstein, also called the Vorderes Raubschloss, is a rock formation, about 130 metres high, in Saxon Switzerland.

Unukorno / CC BY-SA 3.0

G

Nonne

The Nonne is a roughly 18-metre-high, isolated, standing sandstone rock and climbing peak in Saxon Switzerland in Germany.

Zitronenpresse / CC BY-SA 3.0

H

Bloßstock

Prominent sandstone rock and climbing peak located within the Affensteine rock group in Saxon Switzerland.

I

Kirnitzschturm

Sandstone climbing tower located in the Schrammsteine area near the Kirnitzsch valley.

J

Klettergarten Liebethal

Climbing garden situated in a former sandstone quarry in the Liebethaler Grund, offering multiple routes for varied skill levels.

K

Großer Zschirnstein Südwand

The south face of the highest mountain in Saxon Switzerland, featuring vertical sandstone walls and a summit plateau with panoramic views.

L

Arnsteiner Hütte

Alpine club hut located near the ruins of Arnstein rock castle, serving as a base for local hikers and climbers.

M

Aussichtspunkt Breitenstein

Small shelter and viewpoint overlooking the Elbe valley near the town of Pirna.

N

Bielatal-Hütte

Mountain hut in the Bielatal valley managed by the German Alpine Club, specializing in climber accommodations.

O

Trekkinghütte "Grenzbaude"

Simple wooden trekking hut located on the Forststeig trail near the Czech border, providing overnight shelter for hikers.

P

Trekkinghütte "Willys Ruh"

Basic wilderness hut on the Forststeig Elbsandstein trekking route, equipped with wooden sleeping platforms.

Q

Trekkinghütte "Haselmausbaude"

Small, rustic trekking cabin designed for hikers on multi-day tours through the forest regions of Saxon Switzerland.

R

Trekkinghütte "Rotsteinhütte"

Remote trekking shelter on the Forststeig trail, offering basic overnight facilities in a secluded forest setting.

S

Zschirnstein-Biwak

Open-sided wooden bivouac site located near the Großer Zschirnstein, providing legal overnight camping for hikers.

T

Taubenteich-Biwak

Bivouac area with a simple wooden shelter located next to the Taubenteich pond on the Forststeig trekking route.

Other Lists

Saxon Switzerland Essentials Best Viewpoints in Saxon Switzerland Historic Heritage Sites Regional Food & Drink