Best hiking trails in Saxony | Our top picks

Hiking in Germany is more than a weekend hobby – it’s a national obsession. And Saxony hiking stands out for its sheer variety. You’ll find rugged sandstone cliffs, peaceful forest ridges, terraced vineyards, and long-distance ridgeways – often all in one region. The best hiking in Saxony combines big scenery with cultural stops like castles, medieval towns, and old wine estates. From short scenic routes to full-on multi-day treks, this region delivers real range and real rewards.

What are the best hiking trails to explore in Saxony?

Saxony’s trails punch well above their weight. You’ve got the Malerweg, a cliff-hugging circuit through the surreal rock spires of Saxon Switzerland – probably the most dramatic trail in Germany. Head south, and the Ore Mountains offer big skies and long-distance solitude on the Kammweg. Over in Upper Lusatia, expect gentler hills and lookout towers with views into Poland and Czechia.

Not every trail is about elevation. The Saxon Wine Trail swaps climbs for culture, winding past vineyards and baroque estates. And if time’s tight, there are short hikes to arches, gorges, and sandstone bridges that feel anything but minor.

In short, the best hiking in Saxony is about choice. Big hikes. Small hikes. But never boring ones.

1. Vogtland Panorama Trail

In Saxony’s quiet southwest, the Vogtland Panorama Trail gives you a real taste of the region – literally and figuratively. This 225km (140-mile) loop is certified for quality (yes, that’s a thing in Germany), with well-marked paths, reliable infrastructure, and scenery that keeps changing: forest tracks, hilltop views, spa towns, and a few surprises along the way.

• Start and end at the Göltzschtalbrücke, the world’s largest brick-built bridge. Bring a camera.
• Walk past meadows and wooded valleys, with chances to stop for lace making in Plauen or instrument workshops in Markneukirchen.
• Take a break in Bad Elster with a traditional mud spa – a solid reward for sore legs.

The trail is split into 12 sections, ranging from 12km to 24km per day, and it’s easy to create your own route. “Hiking without luggage” options mean your bag gets transported while you just walk – very civilised.

It’s not the most dramatic terrain in Saxony, but it’s varied, uncrowded, and packed with regional character. For anyone building a Germany itinerary that goes beyond the usual tourist spots, this is one of the best hiking options in Saxony – and a relaxed way to tick off top things to do in Germany.

2. The Upper Lusatian Mountain Trail

In Saxony’s far southeast, where Germany meets Poland and the Czech Republic, the Upper Lusatian Mountain Trail takes you through a quiet corner that many overlook. The 107km (66-mile) route mixes wooded hills, granite ridges, volcanic peaks, and valleys – a relaxed but rewarding hike, especially if you’re planning a trip to Germany that skips the obvious stops.

• Hike to summits like Valtenberg, Kottmar, and Lausche – the highest mountain in Saxony.
• On a clear day, you’ll spot the Bohemian Highlands and the Jizera and Giant Mountains just across the border.
• Pass through peaceful villages filled with Umgebindehäuser – Saxony’s quirky half-timbered houses that are part architecture, part time capsule.

The region feels distinctly different from the rest of the country – slower, greener, and more traditional. There’s no need for technical gear or mountain skills, just a love of long walks and quiet places.

This is one of the best places to visit in Germany if you’re chasing local culture and off-grid landscapes, not crowds. It’s Saxony hiking at its most down-to-earth.

3. The Ore Mountains-Vogtland Ridgeway

Let’s forget the sporty side of hiking in Germany for a moment. Because at its best, hiking is about slowing down, tuning into your surroundings, and finding those rare pockets of calm where nature drowns out the noise.

That’s exactly what the Ore Mountains-Vogtland Ridgeway offers. This 285km (180-mile) long-distance trail winds through whispering fir forests, over blossoming meadows, past quiet streams and rocky outcrops. It’s one of the best trails for unplugging – and a clear contender when listing the top reasons to visit Saxony.

• Tackle all 17 stages or just dip into a few sections for a shorter getaway.
• Explore Oberwiesenthal, Germany’s highest town at 914m, or stop by the Saxon Brewery Museum.
• Learn about Saxony’s deep-rooted mining traditions and woodworking culture as you hike.

The final stretch leads into near-wilderness – a protected zone home to rare animals and plants, and almost no signs of human interference. For anyone craving the slower, quieter side of Saxony hiking, this trail hits the mark.

4. Malerweg (Painters’ Way)

If you’ve seen The Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog by Caspar David Friedrich, you’ve already glimpsed the soul of the Painters’ Way. The Romantic painter hiked these same hills in Saxon Switzerland, sketching the landscapes that became some of Germany’s most iconic artworks. Today, this trail is one of the best hiking routes in Saxony, and easily one of the most scenic.

• The 112km (70-mile) loop is split into 8 day stages, averaging 16km (10 miles) each.
• Start in Pirna, a charming old town at the foot of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains.
• Expect gorges, ravines, tabletop peaks, and towering rock formations like the Schrammsteine, sometimes reached via iron ladders.

Along the way, you’ll pass the Königstein Fortress, stumble on waterfalls, and enjoy cliffside views that have starred in The Grand Budapest Hotel, Cloud Atlas, and The Chronicles of Narnia. The trail is accessible for most hikers, but has just enough edge to keep things interesting.

5. The Saxon Wine Trail

The Saxon Wine Trail is a great way to combine light hiking with a clear purpose – getting to know one of Germany’s smallest and oldest wine regions. And yes, that includes the occasional tasting. Spanning around 90km (56 miles), the trail winds through one of Germany’s smallest – and oldest – wine regions, following the Elbe from Pirna to Seusslitz Castle.

• Pass through Dresden, Radebeul, Coswig, Weinböhla, Niederau, and Meissen.
• Sip regional specialties like Goldriesling, only grown in this part of Saxony.
• Stop at Wackerbarth Castle, Saxony’s most famous wine estate and easily one of the best castles in Saxony, for a drink with a view.

The route takes in palaces, vineyards, and plenty of rustic taverns serving hearty Saxon fare. It’s divided into six legs, each doable in 5-6 hours – ideal for relaxed walkers who want to balance effort with indulgence.

This is Saxony hiking for the pleasure-seekers – great wine, gentle terrain, and history around every bend. If you’re into cultural trails and castle-spotting with a side of Riesling, this one’s hard to beat.

6. Bastei and Schwedenlöcher Loop

This short route packs a punch. The Bastei Bridge is easily one of the most dramatic spots in Saxony – a narrow stone bridge connecting jagged rock towers above the Elbe. But don’t just stop for the photo. Looping down through the Schwedenlöcher gorge makes this a proper trail, not just a sightseeing detour.

• The full loop is around 8km, starting in Kurort Rathen.
• Descend into a narrow sandstone ravine with 700+ steps, tunnels, and ladders.
• Pop back out for cliffside views across Saxon Switzerland National Park.

Crowds are a thing – this is no secret spot – but it’s still a must-do. Go early or out of season for more space and better light. Autumn is especially good when the trees turn gold and mist rolls over the cliffs. It’s a moment that might just settle the debate over the best time to visit Germany.

7. Pfaffenstein Loop

Pfaffenstein may be a short loop, but it doesn’t skimp on drama. Just 4km long, this circular trail climbs to one of the most striking viewpoints in Saxony and gives you front-row seats to the Barbarine, a towering 43-meter rock needle balanced on the edge of a cliff.

• Start from Pfaffendorf and climb steep stairs and ladders to the top.
• From the summit, enjoy wide views across Saxon Switzerland.
• Circle back through forest trails and sandstone passages.

The route is short but steep – just enough to get your heart rate up before you kick back in one of the nearby taverns. It’s one of the best value-for-effort trails in the region.

8. Kuhstall Arch and Himmelsleiter

Don’t let the name fool you – there are no cows on the Kuhstall Trail, just a massive natural rock arch and a climb that earns its nickname: the Himmelsleiter, or “stairway to heaven.” If you like your hikes with a twist, this one delivers.

• The 6km loop starts at Lichtenhainer Waterfall.
• Pass through sandstone formations and forest before reaching the arch.
• Climb the iron ladder for a lookout point that feels far higher than expected.

It’s a fun, family-friendly hike, with a bit of adrenaline thrown in. Add in a stop at the on-site café, and it’s an easy win for casual walkers and curious explorers. For families visiting Germany with kids, this is a great trail – short, scenic, and just adventurous enough to keep everyone entertained without going full survival mode.

9. Zittau Mountains Trails

The Zittau Mountains fly under the radar – and that’s part of their charm. This is Saxony’s smallest mountain range, but it punches above its weight with craggy peaks, forest trails, and odd rock formations that feel like a natural sculpture park.

• Hike to Hochwald for panoramic views into Czechia and Poland.
• Explore the eerie Oybin Monastery, built into a cliffside.
• Wander routes like the Kelchstein Trail, named after a goblet-shaped rock.

There’s no single trail to follow here – just a web of short, scenic routes you can piece together depending on time and mood. For hikers looking to dodge the crowds and try lesser-known outdoor activities in Germany, this quiet corner of Saxony delivers. It’s wild in all the right ways – and a solid reminder that not every great hike has to come with a crowd.