Nature, Castles & Quiet Trails: Our 3-Day Saxon Switzerland Adventure, Germany

🧭 Intro: A Journey into the Wild Heart of Germany

Tucked away in the eastern part of Germany, Saxon Switzerland (German: Sächsische Schweiz) is a magical pocket of Europe where dramatic sandstone cliffs meet quiet forest trails, charming villages, and centuries-old fortresses. It’s not a place of big cities or crowded attractions, it’s where nature takes center stage and adventure whispers through every bend in the path.

In late May, me and my husband decided to took an impromptu trip to this hidden gem in Germany. We just packed our backpack, hopped on a train from Berlin, and set out for a 3-day escape into this dreamy corner of the country. Our base was the peaceful village of Stadt Wehlen, nestled by a shimmering lake and surrounded by scenic trails. We booked a Pension from Airbnb and they have breakfast included.

Over three days, we wandered across the famous Bastei Bridge, stood in awe at Königstein Fortress, explored sleepy villages like Rathewalde and Lohmen, and rode a scenic train through lush valleys. We also hiked deep into dense forests where no one was around. It was just us, the sound of leaves, and the calm quiet of nature.

🚆 Getting There & Getting Around

We traveled from Berlin to Saxon Switzerland using the €58 Deutschland-Ticket (D-Ticket), which gave us unlimited access to all regional trains and local transport across Germany. It’s by far the most affordable and convenient way to reach even the remotest corners of the country, especially if you’re up for slow travel.

Our destination was the peaceful village of Stadt Wehlen, and our stay was just a 5-minute walk from the train station, so we didn’t need to cross the river to get there. Although Stadt Wehlen Fährstelle am Bahnhof (the nearest ferry) was just 5 minutes away from our Pension. The location couldn’t have been more convenient.

We did, however, use ferries during our hikes, especially while trekking toward Bastei Bridge and connecting between trails. For these local crossings, the Deutschland-Ticket was accepted, except for one: the Bastei Bridge ferry, which required a small additional fare of €1.50 per adult (one way) since it’s not included in the D-Ticket coverage.

Our host also provided us with a Gästekarte (guest card), which is mandatory in this region. It covers local public transport and offers small perks, like discounts at selected places. While we didn’t use it extensively, it’s a nice backup for local mobility.

With the Deutschland-Ticket and the Gästekarte combined, we were free to move across the area, from forest trails to fortress visits, without worrying about extra travel costs.

🛏️ Arrival & First Impressions

The moment we arrived at Stadt Wehlen, it felt like time slowed down. The train rolled into a quiet, postcard-like village tucked between cliffs and a shimmering lake. We reached our pension, which turned out to be even more beautiful than expected.

The area around our pension felt like something out of a storybook. It was so peaceful, scenic, and tucked right into a network of beautiful hiking trails. Every direction invited us to wander through forests, along ridges, and toward quiet viewpoints waiting to be discovered. Stadt Wehlen is a popular starting point for many incredible hikes in the region, including routes to Bastei Bridge, Rathen via Amselgrund, the Schwedenlöcher Trail, and even parts of the Malerweg like the scenic stretch to Hohnstein.

The pension was decorated for spring and summer with overflowing flower boxes, pastel cushions, and tiny thoughtful details that made the space feel like a cozy retreat. Right by the lake, surrounded by green hills and absolute stillness, it set the tone for the rest of our adventure: quiet, slow, and deeply refreshing.

That evening, we kept things simple. We strolled by the lake, watched the light change on the water, admired locals and tourists drifting by on ferries, and let ourselves slow down. It was the kind of quiet that lingers calm, grounding, and just what we needed to ease into the weekend. 🌿🌅

🥾 Day 1: Hiking Through Quiet Trails & Iconic Views

Our first full day in Saxon Switzerland began with a hearty homemade breakfast prepared by our host. It was a cozy and energizing start for a long day ahead. We took the short walk to the ferry and crossed the Elbe River, stepping straight into nature’s calm. With barely 7 or 8 hikers around, the trail felt peaceful, almost like it was reserved just for us.

We followed a scenic path toward the iconic Bastei Bridge, hiking through dense forests, narrow ridges, and hidden lookouts. This route is actually part of Stage 2 of the famous Malerweg trail, a 112 km route inspired by painters who once found their muse in these landscapes. The trail from Stadt Wehlen to Hohnstein is considered one of its most beautiful sections, and we could see why. Every turn revealed something new, from moss-covered boulders to sudden, wide-open views across the Elbe Valley.

1. 🌉 Bastei Bridge: Crowds & Clifftop Views

The peaceful forest path suddenly gave way to a different kind of energy as we reached the Bastei Bridge. Built in 1851, this sandstone bridge stretches across jagged rock formations high above the Elbe River and remains one of Saxon Switzerland’s most visited landmarks.

From the top, the view was nothing short of surreal. Jagged peaks, deep gorges, and the Elbe River winding through the valley below came into view. Even with the crowds, the moment held its magic. You don’t just see the view from Bastei; you feel it.

After soaking in the views and catching our breath, we continued hiking. This time we moved away from the crowds and back into the forest.

2. 🌲 Rathewalder Mühle, Sleepy Villages & Riverside Walk

Our trail took us past Tiedge Aussicht and then down through Teufelsgrund, a quiet ravine filled with wildflowers and cool air. We wandered past Rathewalder Mühle, an old mill now surrounded by green meadows, and explored the peaceful village of Rathewalde.

From there, we descended toward Kurort Rathen, crossing paths with small bridges and the Amselsee, a charming little lake. As we made our way back to our pension, we chose a different route to experience a new side of the landscape. The scenic Wehlener Weg trail hugged the Elbe River on one side, with tranquil water views, while the other side revealed forested slopes and charming homes nestled into the hillside.

After hours of hiking and exploration, we returned to Stadt Wehlen in the early evening. We kept the pace slow, wandered through the village, watched ferries cross the river, and let the day settle in as the sun dipped behind the hills.

Day 2 – Fortress Views, Forest Magic & Hidden Rock Canyons

Our second morning in Saxon Switzerland began with another delicious breakfast served by our host. Well-fed and energized, we caught a local train from Stadt Wehlen to Königstein. It was a short and scenic ride that brought us closer to one of the most famous landmarks in the region.

4. 🏰 Königstein Fortress: A View from the Top

Once we arrived in Königstein, we began our uphill hike via the Seilerweg, which partially follows Stage 7 of the Malerweg trail. The path was shaded, steadily rising, and full of charm. Soon, we reached Königstein Fortress, one of the largest hilltop fortifications in Europe.

Dating back over 750 years, the fortress sits on a rocky plateau overlooking the Elbe Valley, offering sweeping panoramic views that are absolutely worth the climb. Entry cost €13 per person, and we found it to be a worthwhile experience. The scale of the structure, the views, and the peaceful surroundings made it a perfect combination of history and scenery.

After exploring the fortress, we returned to Stadt Wehlen by train and prepared for the second half of our adventure.

5. 🌿 Burgruine Wehlen & the Uttewalder Wonderland

Crossing the river by ferry, we started our hike to Burgruine Wehlen, the romantic ruins of a small medieval castle perched above the village. From there, the trail led us deep into the Uttewalder Grund into a mystical, green canyon carved by time and water.

As we walked through Rundgang Teufelsschlüchte and Teufelskammer, it felt like stepping into another world. We were completely alone in these narrow gorges, walking under mossy boulders and between tall rock walls where sunlight barely reached the ground. The air was cool and fresh, and the only sound was the crunch of gravel under our shoes. It was easily one of the most magical hikes we’ve done, so peaceful, immersive, and beautifully wild.

6. 🪟 Hidden Viewpoints & a Quiet Return

We continued toward Uttewalde, then climbed up to Pavillonaussicht. Pavillonaussicht is a view point across the national park where you can just seat, relaxed and admire the beauty around you. It was a peaceful hike up here. Later we reached Basteiaussicht platform which reopened in early 2023. This viewing platforms offers magical view of Elbe river, and majestic mountains like the Lilienstein and Königstein. Moving forward, we head over to the most famous Ferdinandstein viewing platform which gives the direct view of Bastei Bridge. We get to see postcard-perfect view of the Bastei bridge with very less tourist. Unlike the midday crowd at Bastei Bridge the day before, these views in the evening were serene and still.

By the time we returned to Stadt Wehlen, it was around 8 PM. The golden hour was settling in, the village was calm, and we ended our day with a quiet stroll and a feeling of deep contentment.

Day 3 – Waterfalls, Scenic Trams & One Last Forest Walk

Our final day in Saxon Switzerland began with a slightly slower morning. After breakfast, we packed our backpack and set off for a more relaxed but still beautiful adventure deeper into the national park.

We first took the train to Krippen, then crossed the Elbe River by ferry to Bad Schandau, a charming riverside town and a key gateway into the national park. From there, we boarded the nostalgic Kirnitzschtalbahn, a vintage yellow tram that’s been rolling through the forest since 1898. The ride itself was a delight. The tram slowly weaved through the trees, past wildflower-covered meadows, and along the Kirnitzsch River.

7. 💦 Lichtenhainer Waterfall & the Peaceful Valley Trail

The tram dropped us at Lichtenhainer Wasserfall, a small but charming waterfall tucked away in the forest. It might not be the tallest or most dramatic, but the setting was lovely, green, and soothing. From here, we followed the trail along the Lichtenhainer Bach, a gentle stream that guided us into one of the most peaceful corners of the park.

This part of the trail touched a portion of Stage 4 of the Malerweg, and we could feel the change in energy. There were fewer people, more birdsong, and dense, shaded forests that felt like they hadn’t changed in decades. We passed mossy rocks, wooden bridges, and trickling brooks, letting the rhythm of the forest set the pace.

🌳 A Gentle Goodbye

As the afternoon wore on, we turned back toward Bad Schandau, catching the tram and ferry once again. Our legs were tired, but our spirits were full. We arrived back in Stadt Wehlen in time for one last walk through the village — our favorite ritual to close each day.

This final day felt like a soft goodbye. It was not dramatic or rushed, just quiet, warm, and reflective. We knew we’d only scratched the surface of Saxon Switzerland, but what we saw, felt, and walked through was enough to leave a lasting mark.

This trip was never about ticking off sights or chasing an itinerary. It was about escaping the city noise, slowing down, and reconnecting with something quieter—nature, ourselves, and the joy of simply walking.

Every trail we hiked, every quiet corner of forest we passed through, reminded us what it feels like to be fully present. Saxon Switzerland surprised us not with grand gestures, but with stillness, texture, and beauty in its simplest forms: a footbridge over a stream, the sound of leaves crunching underfoot, a village hidden between hills.

What started as an impromptu getaway turned into one of the most grounding trips we’ve taken. We hiked more than we thought we could, stepped out of our comfort zones, and came back lighter, happier, and full of stories.

If you ever feel the need to unplug and stretch your legs—and your soul—Saxon Switzerland might be just the place.

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