Russell Hafter Holidays - Saxon and Bohemian Switzerland

Telephone enquiries about this holiday: 01946 861652

Saxon and Bohemian Switzerland 2012

Countryside popularised by Romantic Artists

You should expect a fairly demanding walk with some steep climbs, while descents are sometimes along steep and narrow paths or steps. On some days there is over 2000 feet of ascent.

This walking tour will introduce you to much of the finest countryside in this fascinating corner of Germany and the Czech Republic. The contrast between lush riverscapes and dramatic cliffs and rock outcrops makes for a superb holiday.

Much of the route follows the Malerweg or Painters Trail. Saxon Switzerland was much favoured by the artists of the German Romantic school, such as Caspar David Friedrich and this trail was very much inspired by walks popularised by these artists.

This is not only the region that Julia Bradbury explored in her Saxon walk in the BBC TV series German Wanderlust, but also the setting for scenes from the major films "Inglorious Basterds" and "The Reader".

Day 1. Arrive in Bad Schandau. Day 2. The walk starts with a steady climb up the side of the valley to Brand which offers a breathtaking view over the Elbe Sandstone Hills. Then you continue upwards to the imposing ruins of Hohnstein Castle. From here there is a more relaxing descent through idyllic valleys back to the Elbe at Rathen (about 13 miles, taking about 6 hours). If you prefer, you can take the bus from Hohnstein to Rathen

Day 3. Walk up to the world famous rocky viewpoint of the Bastei, then back to the river at Stadt Wehlen. Take the ferry across the river, then walk via the Bärenstein rock outcrops to the impressive fortress of Königstein. Overnight in the town of Königstein (about 10 miles, taking about 5-6 hours). Day 4. Today starts with a walk through forest to the famous Barbarine rock needle. Then you walk to the top of the Pfaffenstein, from where there is a fine view to the Lilienstein. The day ends at the pretty spa village of Gohrisch (about 11 miles, taking about 5-6 hours).

Day 5. Your route lies through country known at the Empire of Stones. First to the summit of Gohrisch mountain, then to the Papststein. Continue to the villages of Cunnersdorf and Kleingiesshubel to end back on the river at Krippen (about 10 miles, taking about 5-6 hours). Day 6. Today you cross the border into the Czech Republic. Cross the river by ferry to Hřensko and walk to the Pravčická brána, the largest natural rock arch in Europe. Descend to the valley of the Kamenice river. Continue back to the valley of the Elbe at Hřensko and return to Krippen (about 10 miles, taking about 5-6 hours). Day 7. Cross the Elbe by ferry and walk to the Schramstein rocks. There are a number of very steep rocky paths and sections where the route requires you to use iron steps in the rock. On leaving the rocks you walk through fine woodland to the cave at Kuhstall. Continue to the valley of the Kirnitzsch. From here you return to Bad Schandau, either along the path by the river, or using the historic Kirnitzsch valley trams (about 8 miles, taking about 5 hours).

Tour Details: 7 nights bed & breakfast in hotels, in rooms with shower/WC. The minimum size for bookings is two persons. Baggage transfer. Taxi transfers from Bad Schandau station to the hotel and back are not included. Extra nights may be taken at any point. Twin rooms are not available on this walking tour. Information on double and twin rooms. Dates: Available from April to October. Tour Code: SBS 2012 Tour Price: By rail from London via Brussels/Cologne - £779 2012 Tour Price: By sea from Newcastle / direct sleeper from Amsterdam - £ask 2012 Tour Price: By rail from Berlin or Prague - £543 2012 Tour Price: By rail from Dresden Airport - £506 2012 Tour Price: By rail from Frankfurt Airport - £584 2012 Tour Price: No Travel Included - £483 2012 Tour Price: Single Supplement - £129 2012 Tour Price: Extra Night (Double Room) - £ask
Please check our travel page for information on other ways of travelling to your holiday. Please contact us for prices when using one of these other routes, and also for single supplements, child discounts and so on. Our telephone number is 01946 861652.

Return to Saxony

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