The meeting point for all hikes is in front of the Kugelhaus (southern side of the building facing the main train station). Please look for the person carrying a sign with the logo of the meeting.
The meeting time for all hikes is 8:40 on June 21.
Please be on time, since the S-bahn departs a few minutes later.
Short hike (about 2:30 walking time, distance: 6.4 km, altitude differences 200 meters up and down)
Our short hike visits the Bastei, a famous rock formation in Saxon Switzerland. The Bastei was the outter fortification of an old wooden rock castle that was residing on the rocks next to it (the sight is currently closed due to rennovation).
From Bastei, you have a stunning view over the Elbe valley and the tour visits several viewing points. The tour continues through the Schwedenlöcher, a natural gorge down to the Amselsee, from which you return to Rathen.
Since the tour is rather short, you should arrive in Rathen somewhat after 12:00, which is perfect timing to have a small lunch there. Alternatively, you could also take the S-Bahn back to Dresden for lunch. However, since we travel with group tickets, groups of about 5 persons have to self-assmble for either option, which will be arranged during the hike.
Please bring enough water for 4 hours and a small snack.
A gpx-track can be downloaded here, below is a map and a height profile of the hike.
Long hike (about 4:30 walking time, distance: 12.5 km, altitude differences: 520 meters up and down)
Our long hike visits first the Lilienstein, one of the larger table mountains in Saxon Switzerland. Since it is one the tallest mountains there, the Lilienstein offers a perfect view in all directions. From the Lilienstein, we descend again to Königstein for hiking up to Königstein Castle, one of the largest hilltop castles in Europe. In its long history, it was never conquered. You will understand why when you walk below the 42 meters tall castle walls.
The entrance (15,- €) to the castle is not covered by your reservation and needs to be payed separately. The castle hosts several restaurants that can be visited for lunch. The expected arrival time at the castle is about 13:15. We expect a departure from the castle at 15:20 to catch the train back at 16:18, which allows to be back in time for the reception. A combination of this hike with the city tour is possible but difficult (only a short stop for lunch at the castle and you have to walk down to the train station by yourself; since we travel with group tickets, please contact us such that we can order one extra ticket for your single return trip).
Please bring enough water for 7 hours plus something small to eat for the first half of the hike.
A gpx-track is available here: download, below is a map and a height profile of the hike.
Climbing
In addition to the hiking trips, we also offer a climbing trip. The Elbe Sandstone area is a mekka for free climbing and offers a variety of stunning climbing opportunities. Jens is an experienced sandstone lead climber and will lead the climb(s) of the day to ensure that we will have a very nice day somewhere between Rathen and Schmilka. The focus will be on accessible climbs in lower grades so that we also enjoy the landscape. Please note that you have to have climbing experience and bring your own harness, abseiling device and other personal gear to this trip as this is no climbing course. We do not accept any liability in terms of accident and health insurance. The final destination for climbing will be discussed when we enter the S-Bahn reflecting your experience. Please bring your own food and water for an excoursion of about 8 hours.