Things to do in Saxon Switzerland
Discover the best attractions and experiences Saxon Switzerland has to offer
Historic Monuments
Explore the fortress towns, bridges and castles carved into Saxon Switzerland’s dramatic sandstone landscape.
Königstein Fortress
One of Europe’s largest hilltop fortresses, guarding the Elbe valley with sweeping views.
Basteibrücke (Bastei Bridge)
Iconic sandstone bridge offering breathtaking panoramas over the Elbe and jagged rock towers.
Schloss Hohnstein
Medieval hilltop castle with a small museum and forest setting.
Burg Weesenstein
Historic castle on the Elbe with towers and a museum, set in a scenic valley.
Museums
Cultural institutions inviting you to dive into regional history, literature and nature.
Karl May Museum
Museum dedicated to the life and works of the famous Western author Karl May.
Nationalparkzentrum Sächsische Schweiz
Interactive center with exhibits on geology, flora, fauna and park geology.
Weesenstein Castle Museum
Museum inside Burg Weesenstein featuring period rooms and displays.
Religious Monuments
Notable sacred sites that punctuate the region’s architectural and cultural heritage.
Frauenkirche Dresden
Iconic Lutheran church in Dresden, rebuilt after WWII and renowned for its soaring dome.
Katholische Hofkirche Dresden
Grand Catholic Court Church in Dresden, a highlight of Baroque sacred architecture.
National & Theme Parks
Wild sandstone scenery and parkland offer endless outdoor exploration.
Saxon Switzerland National Park
Germany’s first national park in Saxony, famed for canyons, cliffs and forest trails.
Kletterpark Rathen
Tree-top rope course adventure through the forest above the Elbe.
Neighborhoods
Quaint towns and villages that serve as gateways to the sandstone country.
Rathen
Small riverside village at the edge of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains with dramatic rock views.
Bad Schandau
Spa town on the Elbe, known for its curative waters and scenic parks.
Königstein
Historic town crowned by a mighty fortress perched above the river.
Pirna
Picturesque Elbe town with a charming market square and timber-framed houses.
Free Things to Do
Experience the landscape and views without an entry fee.
Malerweg hiking sections
Trek segments of the famous Painter’s Way through sandstone cliffs and forests.
Elbe riverbank walk in Bad Schandau
Stroll along the Elbe with cliff silhouettes and riverside scenery.
Schrammsteine sunset viewpoints
Access some viewpoints along the Schrammsteine trails for golden-hour panoramas.
Gastronomy
Taste the region’s comforting Saxon dishes and sweet treats.
Eierschecke
Iconic layered Saxon cake, perfect with a cup of coffee.
Kartoffelknödel (Saxon potato dumplings)
Hearty dumplings often served with gravy and roasts.
Quarkkeulchen
Crispy fried quark pancakes dusted with sugar and cinnamon.
Nightlife
Evenings offer concerts, bars and cultural happenings in and around the region.
Dresden Old Town nightlife
Historic Altstadt streets bustle with bars, live music and atmospheric venues.
Felsenbühne Rathen concerts
Open-air performances and music events set among the rocks in summer.
Entertainment
Live venues and performances showcase regional culture and art.
Felsenbühne Rathen
Iconic open-air stage built into the rock face with seasonal shows.
Semperoper Dresden
World-famous opera house offering opera, ballet and concerts.
Panometer Dresden
Large panoramic exhibitions housed in a converted gasometer.
Sports
Active adventures amid sandstone landscapes and along the Elbe.
Rock climbing in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains
World-renowned climbing routes with routes for all levels.
Hiking Malerweg
Multi-day hike along a historic artist’s route through canyons and ridges.
Kayaking on the Elbe
Paddle along calm stretches and admire cliff formations from the water.
Mountain biking on sandstone trails
Technical trails weaving through forests and rock formations.
Off the Track
Uncover lesser-visited corners and hidden gems of the landscape.
Felsenlabyrinth Pfaffenstein
A fun rock labyrinth with carved stairways and network of paths.
Wehlen village stroll
Peaceful riverside village with traditional timber-framed houses.
Schmilka artist village visit
Quaint riverside village known for crafts, cafés and hiking access.