Schrammsteine

The Schrammsteine look as if someone had set a sandstone wall into the landscape and then hacked at it with an axe. This long, deeply fissured ridge east of Bad Schandau has around 80 summits, broken by three massive gaps known as the Schrammtore. Metal stairs and iron ladders take you up to the Schrammstein viewpoint, one of the most dramatic lookouts in Saxon Switzerland, with views over the rock towers down to the Elbe valley.

Setting and history

The ridge lies in Saxon Switzerland National Park between the Kirnitzsch valley and the Elbe, with the Affensteine to the east. Its highest point is the Hoher Torstein (425 m), whose north face is up to 118 metres high. In the Middle Ages a watch post called Schramensteyn stood on the Vorderer Torstein; it was already in ruins by 1456. In 1993 climbers found its remains on top: a hearth, charcoal, an arrowhead and pottery. Stage 4 of the Malerweg (Painters' Way) crosses the ridge.

The classic loop

The most popular route starts at the spa park in Ostrau, is about 9 km long and takes around three and a half hours. It runs through the mossy Klüftel and narrow Lattengrund to the Great Schrammtor, then up the Wildschützensteig, a gorge fitted with metal stairs, ladders and railings, almost to the viewpoint. You descend via the Mittelwinkel and Schießgrund. Starting at the Schrammsteinbaude bus stop cuts it to about 5 km. Experienced hikers continue along the ridge path towards the Affensteine and the Großer Winterberg.

Before you go

• The Wildschützensteig is one-way, uphill only.
• You need a head for heights and sturdy shoes. Avoid the route in wet or icy weather.
• Not suitable for dogs because of the ladders.
• You must stay on marked paths in the national park.

Getting there

There are two paid car parks before Ostrau. Bus 252 towards Schmilka stops at "Zur Falkensteinklinik, Ostrau" and "Schrammsteinbaude", where you can also eat.

Tripto tip

Start early to have the ladders to yourself and soft light at the top, and bring enough water, as there is nothing to buy on the ridge.