Home > Walking Holidays > Go around the River Elbe from Bad Schandau

Go around the River Elbe from Bad Schandau

8 Days
50 miles | 80 Km
Bad Schandau - Bad Schandau
From $2,036
Personalized quotation
Luggage transfer
24h telephone assistance
Hotel accommodations
Let yourself be attracted by the dazzling beauty of one of the most incredible landscapes in Europe, where you can venture on a magnificent walking experience. During the route, you will enjoy amazing natural landscapes and striking rock formations, which will grant you memorable views. You will also have the opportunity to travel through different types of river, flat, and undulating terrain among others. Explore and delve between valleys and forests as you discover the enigmatic treasures that accompany the calm and fascinating River Elbe.
  • Admire the incredible, ancient rock formations.
  • Get to know the landscapes that inspired 18th-century Romantic painters.
  • Tour and admire the beautiful and peaceful trails in this region.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival in Bad Schandau
Bad Schandau is one of the most important tourist sites in Saxon Switzerland. You can get there by train from Prague, Berlin or Dresden. It has an excellent location right next to the Saxon Switzerland National Park, where you can admire the incredible routes that await you during your days of travel.

Overnight in Bad Schandau

Elbhotel Bad Schandau

Dating back to the late 19th century, this guest house is located in the centre of Bad Schandau next to the River Elbe promenade. It is also surrounded by the beautiful walking areas in the Saxon Switzerland National Park.

It features beautiful and comfortable rooms, a sauna and a massage area.

*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 2 - Bad Schandau to Rathen 11 miles | 17,5 km
After enjoying your breakfast at the property, you will start one of the most amazing walks on this holiday. Climb to Brand where you can appreciate the Elbe Hills.

Then continue your walk to Rathen, where today's stage ends. In Rathen you can enjoy a boat ride on Lake Ammersee and walk through its beautiful streets. However, before arriving in Rathen, do not miss visiting and contemplating the wonderful Hohnstein Castle.

Overnight in Rathen

Hotel Amselgrundschlösschen

For those who like modern decor, friendly atmosphere and excellent location, this is the right place. It also has very beautiful panoramas that you can contemplate during your stay.

Don't miss its lively private bar.

*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 3 - Enjoy your day in the surroundings of Rathen 7 miles | 11 km
Today your walk will take you to the famous Bastei Bridge, one of the most beautiful bridges built on a monumental rock formation.

From the top of the bridge, you will enjoy pleasant views over the River Elbe, and as if that were not enough, continuing your path, you will reach the Konigstein Castle, built on top of a hill over the River Elbe and which, for a time, was used as a prison.

Later, you will proceed to Rauenstein, a beautiful hill 304 meters high located west of the Elbe.

Then, you will need to take the ferry on your own to Rathen, where you will spend the night.

Königstein: in case there is no availability in Rathen, you will be hosted in this town. We will arrange for you to have the necessary transfers between locations.

Overnight in Rathen

Hotel Amselgrundschlösschen

For those who like modern decor, friendly atmosphere and excellent location, this is the right place. It also has very beautiful panoramas that you can contemplate during your stay.

Don't miss its lively private bar.

*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 4 - Rathen to Gohrisch 11 miles | 17 km
Today's rewarding walk will take you to the beautiful village of Gohrisch, with approximately 1,900 inhabitants, and an excellent location by the River Elbe.

Start the day ascending to Konigstein, then walk through the forest trails to the unmistakable rock formation known as Barbarine. Then keep ascending until you can enjoy the wonderful views of Lilienstein, another amazing mountain formation, a must-see icon in this area.

Once there, you can start the way to Gohrisch, where your next accommodation is located.

Overnight in Gohrisch

Villa Irene

This accommodation has one of the most beautiful views of Konigstein Castle. The rooms are very warm and with rustic design.

Its restaurant is renowned for its excellent typical and homely food.

*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 5 - Enjoy your day in the surroundings of Gohrisch 7 miles | 10 km
Today you will get to know Lilienstein, considered the most beautiful sandstone table mountain of the Elbe River valley and one of the icons of Saxon Switzerland National Park.

Once you have climbed to its summit, at 415 meters high, you will be rewarded with the most breathtaking and incredible panoramic views of the valley.

Later, you will return to your accommodation in Gohrisch.

Overnight in Gohrisch

Villa Irene

This accommodation has one of the most beautiful views of Konigstein Castle. The rooms are very warm and with rustic design.

Its restaurant is renowned for its excellent typical and homely food.

*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 6 - Gohrisch to Krippen 6 miles | 9 km
On your way to Krippen, you will walk through beautiful fields and ascend to the tops of the Gohrisch and Papstein mountains.

Before continuing your journey, take some time to breathe and admire the beauty of the landscapes of this charming region.

Bad Schandau: in case there is no availability in Krippen, you will be accommodated in this location. We will make the necessary arrangements for you to have the necessary transfers between the locations.

Overnight in Krippen

Hotel Erbgericht

This property is conveniently located in the Saxon Switzerland National Park. It has a beautiful garden where you can relax and rest.

Be sure to stop by its sauna after a long day of walking.
Day 7 - Krippen to Bad Schandau 10 miles | 16 km
Today is a great day to have a perfect adventure and close off this wonderful journey.

Start by taking the ferry to Bad Schandau, from there, take the incredible path to the amazing rock formations at Schrammsteine. To climb, you will need to use the iron steps on the rocks, however, the effort will be rewarded, as the views from the top are truly unique and special.

Then you can take your return tour that will take you along the "Painter's Path", a path full of natural beauty where you can also observe the Lichtenhainer Waterfall.

Continue your way to Bad Schandau, walking along the riverbank and enjoy your last night of this amazing journey.

Overnight in Bad Schandau

Elbhotel Bad Schandau

Dating back to the late 19th century, this guest house is located in the centre of Bad Schandau next to the River Elbe promenade. It is also surrounded by the beautiful walking areas in the Saxon Switzerland National Park.

It features beautiful and comfortable rooms, a sauna and a massage area.

*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 8 - Bad Schandau
After these days it is time to say goodbye to this incredible journey around the River Elbe.

End of our services.

Itinerary map

Services

Included

  • Accommodation in en suite rooms in charming hotels
  • Daily Breakfasts
  • Luggage transfers between accommodations
  • Transfer from Krippen to Schoene
  • Information dossier with maps and routes
  • 24-hour telephone support
  • Sustainable travel, we compensate the CO2 emissions of your trip
  • Taxes

Extras

  • Travel insurance
  • Cancellation insurance
  • Additional nights

Accomodation

General information


The accommodations with which we collaborate have a private bathroom and all the necessary services to ensure the best comfort available.

Our team checks in situ the quality of all the accommodations offered, so that you have an unforgettable experience during your trip.

The accommodation that we will book for your trip will be selected taking into account our commitment to you: guaranteeing comfort, calm and enjoyment throughout your trip.

We work with quality hotels and country cottages with limited capacity, so we invite you to confirm your reservation as soon as possible.

The name of each accommodation will be provided to you a few weeks before your trip begins.

Room types


It is possible to book this journey in single, double or triple rooms.

All rooms have private bathrooms.

Travel & transfers

To start your journey, you can reach Dresden, Prague or Berlin airports and from there take a train to Bad Schandau station.

To finish your trip, you must take the train from Bad Schandau station, to the airports mentioned above.

FAQs

Is luggage transfer included? What are the luggage requirements?
Absolutely! Each traveller has included 1 piece of luggage that we will transfer between your accommodations. It's important that this piece of luggage meets the following criterias:
  • Maximum weight of 45 lbs (20 kg).
  • Must be only 1 piece of luggage without any attachments or accessories.
  • Should not contain valuables, fragile items, food or medications.
  • Must be correctly identified (booking reference of your trip and the full name of the trip holder).
The approximate luggage delivery time will be at 4:00 PM.
How far in advance should I book my trip?
We recommend that you book as soon as you are sure about your dates, as accommodation can fill up very quickly in this area.
What equipment do I need to bring?
Once you make your reservation we will send you all the detailed information about the specific equipment you need for this route, considering recommendations for shoes, boots, clothes and a day-to day backpack.  
What should my physical preparation be?
For this trip, you must be in a good physical condition to be able to travel and enjoy the walks to the fullest, especially those that are on undulating terrain with ascents and descents.
What is the best time of year to do this trip?
This region has an impressive beauty that you can enjoy and admire on any date between April and October. It depends on your tastes at the time of the holiday, if you prefer in spring, summer or early autumn.
What if I can't finish one of the stages?
You can call us to arrange a private transfer for you. Also, if you prefer, you can use public transport or local taxis to go to your next accommodation.

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