Tour Details for Saxon and Bohemian Switzerland 2009 | |
 |
This walking tour will introduce you to much of the finest countryside
in this fascinating corner of Germany. 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 although this trail was only opened in 2006, it was very much inspired by walks popularised by these 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. |
|
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 and follow it downstream. The narrowest part of the gorge is impassable on foot, so you take a boat through until the gorge widens out again. 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 for the last time 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. Baggage transfer. Taxi transfers from
Bad Schandau station to the hotel and back are not included.
Extra nights may be taken at any point. Dates: Available in principal throughout the year. Tour Code: SBS 2009 Tour Price: Rail via Brussels/Cologne - £706 2009 Tour Price: Self Drive via Harwich-Hoek van Holland - £532 2009 Tour Price: From Berlin or Prague - £525 2009 Tour Price: From Dresden Airport - £416 2009 Tour Price: Single Supplement - £140 2009 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. |
|