Saxon Switzerland National Park, Germany

Saxon-Switzerland National Park: Adventure Travel in Germany

It may surprise you to discover that even in the heart of Central Europe, there are still ancient forests and sandstone cliffs that exist the same way they did thousands of years ago. Tucked away in the eastern corner of Germany, just 200 kilometers (124 miles) south of Berlin, is the Saxon-Switzerland National Park, where rocky terrain, mountain forest and lush gorges occupy an area of almost 200 square kilometres (77 square miles). This remarkable natural wonder is the only one of its kind remaining in Germany and one of the few examples of virgin forest left in Central Europe.

The Saxon-Switzerland National Park is Germany’s adventure playground, offering over 400 kilometers (248 miles) of hiking paths, 50 kilometers (31 miles) of cycling routes and around 750 climbing locations. The area’s convenient position and spectacular beauty make it one of the most revered and well-maintained national parks in Europe. Visitors come to the Saxon-Switzerland area to indulge in the tranquillity of lush green forests, soak up the beauty of wildflower meadows, or enjoy one of the many outdoor activities on offer.

The park is located in the German state of Saxony, near the city of Dresden. It is in the heart of the German part of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains (Elbsandsteingebirge). Due to the park’s mountainous terrain, it is called Saxon Switzerland, or Sächsische Schweiz in German.

A designated a national park since 1990, the Saxon-Switzerland National Park is a diverse environment of chalky sandstone cliffs, carved valleys, ancient mountains and lush gorges. This unique landscape was formed during the Cretaceous period (over 66 million years ago), when the rivers flowing from the nearby Ore Mountains left behind sediment and shells as they emptied into the ocean. This area was once covered by a large stretch of sea, and the haunting rock shapes carved into the sandstone cliffs of the Elbe river are the result of thousands of years of erosion from water and wind.

The Elbe River is at the heart of the region, and many small, historic villages are dotted along its picturesque banks. The cliffs flanking the river are a diverse habitat for many animals and plants, and lucky visitors might catch a glimpse of the rare eagle owl or reclusive river otter. To get a closer view of the area’s unusual residents, walks around the cliffs and gorges can be organised with local park rangers. For more details, see www.nationalpark-saechsische-schweiz.de

The natural beauty of this area has always inspired locals and has been the subject of paintings, photographs, songs and poems for hundreds of years. The painter Ludwig Richter is famous for his landscape paintings of the region, while the composer Carl Maria von Weber featured the area in his opera ‘Der Freischütz’ (‘The Marksman’). Hikers can take the ‘Painter’s Route’ – a 72-kilometer (45-mile) walk through narrow valleys, sandstone mountains and lookouts said to have inspired artists throughout history, while paintings and photographs can be seen at the Old Masters Picture Gallery in nearby Dresden. For more info, visit www.dresdengallery.com

A popular attraction within the Saxon-Switzerland National Park is a visit to the Festung Königstein. Built in the 13th century, this fortress has since been used as a state prison, a monastery and a prisoner of war camp. Today, it is an iconic landmark of the area and attracts many international visitors. Allow an hour or two to look around, and grab an audio guide for some interesting facts on this remarkable piece of European architecture and history.

By far the most popular activity in the Saxon-Switzerland National Park is rock climbing, and people travel here from all over Europe for the opportunity to climb some of the most beautiful sites in the world. The area is considered to be the birthplace of ‘free climbing’ – a technique where climbers use ropes and equipment only as protection against falls rather than to help them ascend. If you’re not quite ready for free climbing, Adventure Service offers courses and tours in the area for beginners and skilled climbers. Contact www.adventure-service.de for more details.

For those looking for a little less adrenaline, boat tours operate on the Elbe and many of the surrounding gorges. Hire a kayak and stop along the shoreline to explore one of the secluded gorges, or jump on board a tour boat and sample some local cuisine while you watch the historic villages go by. For a romantic getaway, try one of the world's oldest paddle steamers, or take a trip up to the Lichtenhain waterfall on the historical Kirnitzsch Valley Tram. (Trams depart from Bad Schandau).

The Saxon-Switzerland National Park is best accessed from the German city of Dresden. Trains from Dresden arrive at the village of Bad Schandau, where you can find a good tourist information center with information on local attractions, tours and accommodation in English. Situated on the banks of the Elbe, Bad Schandau is a good base for exploring the park and is worth staying in for a couple of days to soak in the local spas or visit the 100-year-old botanical garden featuring over 1000 species of rare and poisonous plants.

Getting There:

The Saxon-Switzerland National Park is located near the town of Dresden in Germany’s east. Dresden is 200 kilometers (124 miles) south of Berlin.

From Dresden, most visitors travel 33 kilometers (20 miles) to the spa town of Bad Schandau, which is located at the heart of Saxon-Switzerland. 

Trains from Dresden to Bad Schandau depart regularly from the Dresden main train station. For more information, check out www.bahn.de

By car, take Highway E55 south from Dresden towards Prague, then turn off and follow route 172a northeast toward Bad Schandau. 

About the Author

Adele Smith is a writer from Australia. She has lived and worked in many countries around the world, including Germany, Japan and Russia. In her spare time she enjoys camping, cycling and visiting unique places.