Painters’ Way / Malerweg Trail
€1000
per person
Step into a masterpiece and discover why The Painters’ Way (Malerweg Trail) is celebrated as one of Germany’s most beautiful self-guided walks. For centuries, artists have flocked to Saxon Switzerland National Park, finding endless inspiration in its dramatic landscapes. Now, it’s your turn! Follow in the footsteps of the masters, charting your own course through a stunning national park. You will hike along impressive paths—weaving through gorges and ravines, climbing ancient stairways and bridges, and reaching panoramic summits that offer ever-changing views of the majestic Elbe Sandstone Mountains. High above the valley, discover powerful history at sites like the imposing Königstein Fortress and the iconic Bastei Bridge. Your unforgettable week of independent hiking along the Painters’ Way (Malerweg Trail) is rounded out by unique local highlights: a ride on a historic streetcar through the Kirnitzsch Valley, charming ferry crossings on the Elbe, and relaxing stays in welcoming spa towns.
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Destination
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Duration7 (9) Days I Level: 3 (of 5)
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What is included6 overnight stays in 3/4* hotels (check the Rates&Remarks tab for details) incl. breakfast; Luggage transfers; Detailed roadbook and access to digital maps and GPS tracks via navigation app; Service hotline;
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What is not includeddrinks and other meals, entry fees
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Best periodApril, May, June, July, August, September, October
FROM OUR GALLERY
Self-guided inn to inn walking tours along the Painters' Way / Malerweg Trail in Germany.
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Day 1: Arrival in health resort Rathen
Rathen is a charming town situated in the Saxony region of Germany, renowned for its stunning natural landscapes. Nestled in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains, it serves as a gateway to the Saxon Switzerland National Park, attracting hikers and nature enthusiasts. Your afternoon, your pace: Escape the crowds! Spend the early afternoon embracing the freedom of a self-guided walk along the beautiful Elbe River. Afterward, unlock the unique history and enchanting atmosphere of the town's most picturesque streets, completely on your schedule. (*Easiest arrival via Dresden/Dresden Airport. The train journey takes appr. 35-40min (one change in Bad Schandau). Leipzig Airport and Berlin are also within easy reach (2,30-3hrs train ride).
2
Day 2: Circular walk around Rathen (9km, 3hrs, +340m/-330m)
Your self-guided walking adventure begins with a fun crossing of the Elbe on the "Flying Bridge". Soon, you'll be ascending to the Rauenstein, a stunning rock plateau that rewards your effort with sweeping, unforgettable views over the river landscape. After a restorative break by the shore, you'll follow the famous Painters' Path through peaceful pine forests to the legendary Bastei. Prepare for a spectacle: its world-famous bridge and breathtaking viewpoints are a true highlight before your relaxed descent back to your hotel in Rathen.
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Day 3: Health resort Rathen - Bad Schandau (19km, 6hrs, +560m/-550m)
Continue your self-guided hiking journey along the Malerweg Trail (Painters' Way) with a rewarding climb from Amselgrund to the Hockstein, where the surrounding highlands offer stunning panoramic sights. The walking trail then guides you through the unique, narrow passage of the Wolfschlucht and into the picturesque Polenztal. Our route takes you right through the tranquil core zone of the National Park—a place few visitors see! Your effort is rewarded at the Brandbaude hut, a traditional stop with unforgettable views. Choose your perfect finish: hop on a bus down to the valley or continue your walk to the National Park Railway. You will spend the next two nights relaxing in the historic charm of Bad Schandau.
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Day 4: Circular walk around Bad Schandau (16km, 5,30hrs, +530m/-460m)
Prepare for a rewarding challenge as you ascend the Schrammsteine via steep, secure steps. Your effort is immediately rewarded with breathtaking, panoramic views of those striking, unique sandstone pinnacles. The independent walking adventure continues as the ridge trail threads you through a fascinating, twisting rock labyrinth, guiding you past the imposing Affenstein. Your descent brings you to the charming Lichtenhainer Waterfall, before you climb once more along the famous Painters' Way to the awe-inspiring Kuhstall rock cave. Conclude your epic hiking day along the Malerweg Trail with a relaxing, scenic ride back along the Elbe on the historic Kirnitzschtal tram!
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Day 5: Bad Schandau – Health resort Gohrisch (14km, 5hrs, +610m/-720m)
A short, comfortable train ride brings you right to the Czech border! From the edge of the Elbe, your self-guided walking journey climbs to the high plateau, guiding you through charming, authentic villages. Don't miss the chance to discover a delightful hidden gem: the ornate Bauernbarock Church in Schöna. After a rewarding ascent to the Papststein summit, the cozy hut offers the perfect spot to rest and refuel. You will then continue past the striking sandstone peak of Gohrisch, tracing the scenic high plateau route right into the welcoming spa town of Gohrisch, where you will stay the next two nights. The area is famous for its serene, wooded landscapes and unique table mountains.
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Day 6: Circular walk around health resort Gohrisch (17km, 6hrs, +570m/-420m)
The final stage of your self-guided walking tour begins with an adventurous ascent up the steep steps of the Nadelöhr rock opening, leading you straight to the Pfaffenstein summit. From the observation tower, you will be rewarded with sweeping, truly panoramic views! Wander along wooden walkways to the majestic Barbarine, the region’s iconic, towering landmark. Your journey culminates at Königstein, where a final climb takes you to the breathtaking, largest fortress in Europe, offering views you will never forget. Conclude your hiking adventure at the charming castle Schloss Thürmsdorf before hopping on public transport back to to your hotel in Gohrisch.
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Day 7: Departure day
Services end after breakfast. You can take a local bus for 5min ride to Königstein train station and depart from there to your next destination.
TOUR LOCATION
Price (2027)
1000 Euro per person in twin/dbl room (25/03-16/04; 25/09-31/10)
1040 Euro per person in twin/dbl room (17/04-14/05; 07-27/08)
1090 Euro per person in twin/dbl room (15/05-06/08; 28/08-24/09)
Single room & Solo Traveler supplement
Single room supplement: 430 Euro
Solo Traveler supplement (incl. also sgl. room supplement): 500 Euro
Tips
Daily arrivals between the beginning of April and the end of October. The Painters Way follows a mix of well-marked paths and trails. Expect daily hikes of up to 5,30hrs, so a good basic level of fitness is required. The walking trail is famous for its stunning sandstone formations and table mountains. Be aware that some sections are more challenging, involving rocky terrain, narrow gorges, bridges, and many stone steps. Because of this, you should be surefooted and comfortable with heights. Daily stages can be shortened or adjusted for an easier walking experience.
Accommodation
Pretty 3/4* hotels, incl. breakfast (en-suite rooms). Samples of the inns we would normally book (subject to availability), or similar category: Days 1/2: Rathen - Hotel Rathener Hof & Zeitgeist bei Steiger Hotels; Days 3/4: Schandau - Elbhotel Bad Schandau; Days 5/6: Gohrisch - Hotel Quartier 5, Parkhotel Margaretenhof;
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