Highlights of the Painter´s Trail

This small town on the Elbe River delights visitors with its historic town centre and is also an ideal base from which to explore the Painter's Trail.

Hotel example: Elbhotel Bad Schandau

You’ll ascend the Schrammsteine via steep steps, rewarded with breathtaking views of striking, unique sandstone pinnacles. The ridge trail winds through a twisting rock labyrinth, past the Affenstein, and descends into the valley to the Lichtenhainer Waterfall. From there, the Painter’s Way climbs to the impressive Kuhstall rock cave. Finally, relax on a scenic ride back along the Elbe through the Kirnitzschtal on the historic tram.

Hotel example: Elbhotel Bad Schandau

A short train ride brings you to the Czech border. From the Elbe’s edge, you climb to the high plateau, passing through charming villages along the way. Don’t miss the ornate Bauernbarock Church in Schöna—a delightful hidden gem. After a steep ascent to the summit of Papststein, the hut at the top provides an ideal spot to rest. You then continue past the striking Gohrisch, a classic sandstone peak, across the high plateau, and onward to the spa town of the same name.

Hotel example: Hotel Quartier 5

This stage takes you up steep steps through the Nadelöhr rock opening onto the Pfaffenstein. From the observation tower, enjoy sweeping panoramic views. Wooden walkways lead you to the Barbarine, the region’s iconic landmark. Passing the Diebeshöhle, the trail continues to Königstein, where a climb to the fortress, the largest in Europe, offers truly unforgettable views. Your route ends at Schloss Thürmsdorf, from where you return to your hotel via public transport.

Hotel example: Hotel Quartier 5

Follow a forest trail uphill to the Rauenstein, a striking rocky plateau, from whose summit a sweeping panoramic view of all the distinctive table mountains unfolds. The route then descends back to the banks of the Elbe River, where you’ll take a boat across the river. After taking in the distant views from the tower of Wehlen Castle, you’ll follow the Painter's Trail through tranquil pine forests up to the legendary Bastei with its world-famous bridge and spectacular viewing platforms.

Hotel example: Rathener Hof & Zeitgeist bei Steiger Hotels

The final stage takes you up steep steps through the Nadelöhr rock opening onto the Pfaffenstein. From the observation tower, enjoy sweeping panoramic views. Wooden walkways lead you to the Barbarine, the region’s iconic landmark. Passing the Diebeshöhle, the trail continues to Königstein, where a climb to the fortress, the largest in Europe, offers truly unforgettable views. Your route ends at Schloss Thürmsdorf, from where you return to your hotel via public transport.

Hotel example: Hotel Quartier 5