Basic information on the Malerweg
Immerse yourself in the artistic history of the past on a hiking holiday on the Malerweg in Saxon Switzerland. Here an abundance of wildly romantic gorges and bizarre structures made of rocks meet mountains and mysterious forests. The historical art and culture of the region in central Germany are of great importance. The painter’s path got its name from the numerous artists who made paintings on the stone formations and cliffs many centuries ago. The main hiking trail leads around 112 kilometres through the Elbe sandstone mountains. A hiking holiday on the Malerweg is not only an artistic experience, the country’s popular hiking trail also has numerous sights for hikers. The starting point for the route is Liebethal, the destination is Pirna.
The most beautiful stages of the Malerweg
A hiking tour can be so artistic
Our team at Eurohike has brought together the most beautiful stages of the Malerweg for you to create an unforgettable hiking trip. During a seven-day hiking holiday on the Malerweg, the so-called Painter walking tour, you will always walk along good hiking trails through the Elbe sandstone mountains for around 70 kilometres. The starting point of your trip is Bad Schandau and from there you hike over the balcony of Saxon Switzerland – the Brand – to the health resort of Rathen. A special highlight awaits you on the next day’s stage: the famous Bastei rock with a view of the Bastei bridge.
Continue over the Table Mountain Rauenstein to the largest fortress in Europe – the Königstein fortress. The most beautiful hiking trail in Germany keeps its promises on the next day as well: impressive views of the famous Lilienstein and an enjoyable hiking break at the summit with regional delicacies in the mountain restaurant Pfaffenstein. The journey continues from the health resort Gohrisch to Krippen and the Lichtenhain waterfall.
- The crowning glory: the highlight of the last stage is a ride on the traditional Kirnitzschtalbahn to the final destination of Bad Schandau.
Our Eurohike moments on the Malerweg
- In the footsteps of the painters: Numerous painters were amazed by the unique sight of the natural landscapes and rock formations along the way. In Saxon Switzerland National Park, you can admire the paintings by artists from back then on 13 display boards and learn about their origins and history. The special thing about it: the display boards are placed where the popular paintings were once created.
- Unforgettable photo stop: On the third day of your trip, you can cast a unique view of a famous photo motif in Saxon Switzerland – the approximately 76-metre-long Bastei bridge.
- Train travel: An absolute highlight of your hiking holiday awaits you on the last day of your trip – a ride on the historic Kirnitzschtalbahn. The railway has been reliably transporting guests from Bad Schandau to the Lichtenhain waterfall since 1898.
Route guidance on the Malerweg
On good hiking trails through the Elbe sandstone mountains
The hiking holiday always takes you along well-developed hiking trails. Almost 80 per cent of the trails are natural and therefore a real experience for hiking fans. The routes are signposted along the entire route by means of the Malerweg sign. Our Eurohike hiking tour takes you past sandstone formations and gorges to impressive views. A good basic level of fitness and surefootedness is recommended. Although some sections lead over stairs, there are simpler alternatives for the particularly demanding stages, which is recommended for hikers with dogs. With Eurohike you can hike free of any burden on your walking holiday without luggage, so these stages can be mastered without any problems and the finest hiking experience awaits you.
Facts and details about the Malerweg
An excellent hiking holiday awaits you on the famous Malerweg in central Germany. In 2007 it was named ‘Germany’s most beautiful hiking trail’ by the ‘Wandermagazine’. Numerous restaurants along the way are among the inns with the award
‘Hiker friendly on the Malerweg’ and are therefore well prepared for the needs of active holidaymakers. You can find an overview of the facts and details about the Malerweg here at a glance:
- Location: near Dresden / Pirna in Saxony
- Length: 112 kilometres (Eurohike hiking holiday: 70 kilometres)
- Course: From Leibethal to Pirna
- Season: Best travel time from April to October
- Difference in altitude: 4,000 metres
- Highest point: 551 metres
- Lowest point: 112 metres
- Trail markings: Signs with the Malerweg symbol
- Special feature: Due to the good nature of the path, this tour is particularly suitable for hiking with a dog.
Questions and answers about hiking on the Malerweg Trail
More hiking paths in Europe
Alpe-Adria-Trail
Three countries - countless experiences
Altmühltal-Panorama-Path
Hiking holidays without luggage in the alpine foothills
BergeSeen Trail
A hiking holiday without luggage on the BergeSeen Trail
Dachstein High Altitude Circular Trail
Hiking without luggage in the Dachstein region
GR221 Trail Majorca
Mediterranean hiking happiness mountain adventure in Majorca
Way of St. James
Pilgrimage without luggage on the Way of St. James
King-Ludwig-Way
Hiking with luggage transfer on the King-Ludwig-Way
Lechweg Path
Hiking without luggage on the Lechweg Path
Moselsteig Trail
Hiking without luggage on the Moselsteig Trail
Rennsteig Trail
Hiking without luggage on the Rennsteig Trail
Rheinsteig Trail
Leisure hiking on the most beautiful hiking trail in Germany
Rota Vicentina
Peace and quiet in the south-west of Portugal
Salzalpensteig Trail
Hiking holidays with luggage transfer on the Salzalpensteig Trail
Tyrolean Trail
Hiking without luggage in the Wetterstein and Karwendel Mountains
Via Claudia
Hiking without luggage along the Via Claudia Augusta
World Heritage Trail Wachau
Hiking without luggage in the World Heritage landscape of the Wachau
