Malerweg (Painters' Way)

The Malerweg ("Painters' Way") is a long-distance hiking trail through Saxon Switzerland and the Elbe Sandstone Mountains, southeast of Dresden. In eight stages and about 112 to 116 km (70 to 72 miles), it leads from Liebethal near Pirna through the national park to the Bohemian border and back to Pirna over table mountains. If you want things to do in Saxon Switzerland beyond a day trip to the Bastei, this trail ties the highlights together on foot.

Why it is called the Painters' Way

The trail commemorates the artists who painted the sandstone rocks in the 18th and 19th centuries, including Ludwig Richter and Caspar David Friedrich. The first six stages follow parts of a historic "Fremdenweg" (visitors' path) from the second half of the 18th century, associated with figures such as Anton Graff and Adrian Zingg. It has been marked with the Malerweg symbol, a white M, since 2006. In 2007, a hiking magazine named it Germany's most beautiful hiking route in its category.

The eight stages

The route is divided as follows:

1. Liebethal to Stadt Wehlen: 11 km
2. Stadt Wehlen to Hohnstein: 13 km
3. Hohnstein to Altendorf: 12 km
4. Altendorf to Neumannmühle: 18 km
5. Neumannmühle to Schmilka: 14 km
6. Schmilka to Gohrisch (Muselweg): 17 km
7. Gohrisch (Muselweg) to Weißig: 15 km
8. Weißig to Pirna: 12 km

The first five stages run on the right bank of the Elbe (about 68 km up to Schmilka), then the trail continues on the left bank for about 44 km. The regional tourism association gives about 116 km, around 46 hours of walking and roughly 3,600 meters of ascent, with many steps and ladders among the rocks. Distances vary by measuring method, so keep some reserve in your plan.

Highlights along the way

Highlights include the Uttewalder Felsentor (rock gate), the Bastei bridge, the Hockstein, the Brand lookout, the Kuhstall rock gate, Königstein Fortress and the Biedermann Mausoleum.

Planning and getting there

Stage 1 starts in Pirna-Liebethal, not in central Pirna. Pirna is the finish line and a good base. Dresden is the closest large city; check Deutsche Bahn and the regional timetable for current connections to Pirna and onward to Liebethal. With the Malerweg hiking passport you can stamp each stage and receive a certificate at the end. If you prefer not to carry a heavy pack, there is a "hiking without luggage" package that transfers your bags between lodgings; the tourism association's booking service is reachable at +49 3501 470147.

The official site does not name a best season. Because the route includes many steps and ladders, sturdy shoes matter, and it is not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers.

Nearby

Along the trail are well-known places such as Stadt Wehlen, Hohnstein, Schmilka and Königstein with its fortress. The finish is in Pirna, home to the Canalettohaus.