Hiking · Climbing · Bielatal
From the Hammergut Neidberg you set off on foot: along the Biela, to the rock towers and viewpoints of the Bielatal, onto the Forststeig and across the border into Bohemia. Here are the walks from the door and from the immediate neighbourhood – each with a detailed description from our tour guide TOURsten.
These walks start at the Hammergut – the car stays parked.
approx. 1 h · One-way hike
A leisurely stroll along the water to waterfalls and rock grottoes. In the warmer months you can do some water treading and have a picnic.
Along the way
Hammergut Neidberg · Ottomühle, Rosenthal-Bielatal
Tip
The tour where you don't have to plan a thing – shoes on and off you go.
approx. 2 h · One-way hike
First conquer the Bernhardtstein, then it's ten minutes to the Labyrinth – a fissured rock formation about seven metres high, where ascending numbers show the way through. If a passage doesn't feel right to you, go around the outside to the next number. Afterwards, take the detour to the Napoleonstein: Napoleon is said to have followed troop movements from there during the Wars of Liberation.
Along the way
Bernhardtstein · Labyrinth · Napoleonstein
Tip
Children usually go through the Labyrinth twice.
approx. 5 h · One-way hike
From the house via the Herkulessäulen, Johanniswacht, Nachbar, Grenzplatte and Kaiser-Wilhelm-Feste to beyond the border. From 1945 to 1992 there was no official crossing here – today you simply walk across.
Along the way
Hammergut Neidberg · Herkulessäulen, Bielatal · Johanniswacht, Bielatal · Grenzplatte, Bielatal · Ostrov u Tisé
Tip
Plan your way back beforehand; there is no direct bus.
11.5 km · approx. 5 h · One-way hike
Rock walls up to 70 metres high, an entire rock city of nooks, crevices and towers – you walk right through it. Marked green-white on the way out, red-white on the way back. By car via Petrovice; park at the Touristenbaude.
Along the way
Hammergut Neidberg · Ostrov u Tisé · Tiské stěny
Tip
Please bring your ID card.
approx. 5 h · One-way hike
The mountain fortress above the Elbe valley that was never conquered, one of the largest in Europe. Be sure to walk the circuit along the fortress wall – a right royal panorama. A good day out even in the rain, as much of it is indoors.
Along the way
Hammergut Neidberg · Festung Königstein
Tip
The casemates are closed due to water damage, "Zum Musketier" until 2028. In Advent there is a medieval Christmas market.
8.8 km · approx. 2 h · One-way hike
A tip from us: through the forest and across the border to the hunting lodge Jagdschlösschen Kristin Hrádek, built in 1735 – today a guesthouse and an excellent game restaurant. Once there, the short circuit around the forest ponds, marked in yellow, is well worth it; if you prefer a shorter walk, you can drive (about 30 km via Tisá and Sněžník).
Along the way
Hammergut Neidberg · Kristin Hrádek
Tip
Please take your ID card with you. About 18 km there and back – allow time for the return trip.
Starting points a few kilometres from the house: Schweizermühle, Ottomühle, Rosenthal, Cunnersdorf and Königstein.
approx. 1 h · One-way hike
A short climb up to one of the well-known Bielatal peaks – the encore for anyone who still has some energy left after the circular walk.
Along the way
Ottomühle, Rosenthal-Bielatal · Großvaterstuhl, Bielatal
One-way hike
Above the Ottomühle there are small caves – Eisloch, Schwedenloch and Bennohöhle. Children usually find them more exciting than any view.
Along the way
Ottomühle, Rosenthal-Bielatal
Tip
A torch belongs in your rucksack.
5 km · approx. 3 h · Circular walk
The valley's finest views in a single morning: across the Biela to the yellow dot, past the Herkulessäulen and through the Felsengasse up to the plateau, along the cliff edge to the Kaiser-Wilhelm-Feste, down to Schweizermühle, over Rosengarten, Wetterfahnenfels, Bertablick and Aussicht Bastei, through the Grund past the stone tablets of the former spa guests to the Sophienquelle, up to the Nachbar, Sachsenstein and Johanniswacht – whose view Ludwig Richter drew –, and back along the green stripe.
Along the way
Ottomühle, Rosenthal-Bielatal · Herkulessäulen, Bielatal · Kaiser-Wilhelm-Feste, Bielatal · Schweizermühle · Sophienquelle, Bielatal · Johanniswacht, Bielatal · Ottomühle, Rosenthal-Bielatal
Tip
If you've still got energy up top, add the Großvaterstuhl.
8 km · approx. 4 h · Circular walk
The valley's big circuit, given by the municipality as roughly eight kilometres and four hours: up between the two mills to the Grenzplatte and back along the border.
Along the way
Schweizermühle · Grenzplatte, Bielatal · Ottomühle, Rosenthal-Bielatal
5.75 km · approx. 2.3 h · Circular walk
From the edge of Königstein near the Papierfabrik, follow the Forststeig markers and climb uphill in switchbacks through dense forest. Via the Unterer and Oberer Kohlweg you reach the Quirlpromenade, which runs around the Tafelberg at the foot of the rock walls. Along the way you will pass the Diebskeller, a two-storey cave about 28 metres long, which was already mentioned in writing in the 17th century. After that you climb onto the plateau of the Quirl, the largest continuous flat area among the small table mountains of the region. The descent follows the Kanonenweg, which is lined with large sandstone blocks, and brushes past the Sterlhöhlen. The surface is mostly forest track with a few narrow stretches of path.
Along the way
Königstein, Sächsische Schweiz · Diebskeller, Königstein · Quirl, Königstein · Sterlhöhlen, Königstein
Tip
Take a torch for the caves; sturdy shoes are essential, and parking at the start is very limited. With children: take a head torch for the Diebshöhle cave.
12.36 km · approx. 4 h · Circular walk
The circuit starts in the long, stretched-out village of Cunnersdorf and first leads out of the village along the Gießhübler Steig. Via the Querweg and the Forstamt Cunnersdorf you reach the Waldbad and then the Katzsteinbaude at the foot of the Katzstein. From there, the route continues along the Winterleitenstraße through peaceful forest, before the path leads back down into the valley via the Plankengründel and the Hüttenhofmühle. A good two thirds of the surface is soft forest track, with gravel sections and short stretches of tarmac in between. As the yellow dot accompanies you along the whole route, finding your way is easy.
Along the way
Cunnersdorf, Gohrisch · Waldbad Cunnersdorf · Katzsteinbaude, Cunnersdorf · Katzstein, Cunnersdorf · Hüttenhofmühle, Cunnersdorf
6.62 km · approx. 3 h · Circular walk
The tour begins with the ferry across the Elbe to Halbestadt and is one of the shortest ways to climb the landmark of the national park. From the right bank of the Elbe you walk via the Sellnitz, an old hermitage, where nature stations with a barefoot trail and a tree telephone are now located. The northern ascent then leads steeply up stone steps and iron ladders to the summit plateau with the obelisk of 1708 and several viewpoints. On the way down you take the much easier southern path through the forest back to the ferry. Around 60 percent of the route is path, the rest is gravel and hiking trail.
Along the way
Fähre Königstein · Halbestadt, Königstein · Sellnitz, Ebenheit · Lilienstein, Ebenheit
Tip
Die Fähre fährt nach Fahrplan und bei Hochwasser oder Eis gar nicht – vorher prüfen. Der Gipfel liegt in der Kernzone des Nationalparks, nur markierte Wege sind erlaubt; für Hunde ist der Aufstieg ungeeignet, Höhenangst ist hier ein Thema. Kürzere Runde: ab dem Parkplatz auf der Ebenheit (Panoramahotel Lilienstein) hinauf und zurück, etwa 4 km.
5.05 km · approx. 2 h · Circular walk
The circuit begins at the Schweizermühle and first climbs to the Kaiser-Wilhelm-Feste. From there, high-level paths lead past the Herkulessäulen, two slender rock towers that are among the best-known climbing destinations in the Bielatal. The route then descends into the valley floor to the Ottomühle and returns on the other side of the valley via the Johanniswacht and the Sachsenstein. To the left and right of the Biela, you are accompanied throughout by a dense world of rock with around 250 climbing destinations. The terrain alternates between firm valley paths and narrow, stepped rock paths.
Along the way
Schweizermühle, Rosenthal-Bielatal · Herkulessäulen, Rosenthal-Bielatal · Ottomühle, Rosenthal-Bielatal · Johanniswacht, Rosenthal-Bielatal
Tip
In ice and snow this circuit is not suitable as a winter hike. With children: small ladders at the Nachbar and Sachsenstein, with detours for the cautious; families like to walk it anticlockwise.
13.7 km · approx. 4.5 h · Circular walk
The circuit first leads through the upper Bielatal valley, past the well-known sandstone towers, including the formations Adam und Eva and Goliath. You then cross the national border to the Czech side and reach the village of Ostrov, which lies between rocks and several small ponds. From there, the route continues through the rocky terrain on the edge of the village before the path leads back to Saxony. The finale is the Grenzplatte, with wide views over the border region. The surface alternates between forest tracks, sandy paths and short rocky sections.
Along the way
Ostrov, Tisá · Grenzplatte, Rosenthal-Bielatal · Ottomühle, Rosenthal-Bielatal · Hauptwiesenstein, Rosenthal-Bielatal
Tip
Please take your ID card with you, as the tour crosses the national border several times. On the Czech side, cash in crowns is useful, as card payment is not accepted everywhere.
13.6 km · approx. 3.5 h · Circular walk
Circular walk from Cunnersdorf via the Forsthof Cunnersdorf, Rotstein, Katzstein and Katzfels. Highlights: Rotstein – viewpoint; Katzstein – view over the rock massifs; Katzfels – viewing rock reached by ladders, with weather vane.
Along the way
Cunnersdorf · Forsthof Cunnersdorf · Cunnersdorfer Bach · Einmündung Fuchsbach · Brücke am Mathensweg · Winterleitenstraße · Rotstein · Katzstein · Katzfels · Mäusebornweg · Cunnersdorf
Tip
Heimatstube Cunnersdorf gibt Auskunft zur Ortsgeschichte.
13.9 km · approx. 4 h · Circular walk
Circular walk from Cunnersdorf via the Taubenteich and the Otto-Eiche. Highlights: Taubenteich – restored reservoir pond from the time of the Electors, with a place to rest at the dam wall; Otto-Eiche oak; boundary stones on the German-Czech border.
Along the way
Cunnersdorf · Einmündung Fuchsbach · Taubenbach · Taubenteich · Gebacknebirnstraße · Otto-Eiche · Lindhornweg · Cunnersdorf
Tip
Rast am Taubenteich.
7.3 km · approx. 2.25 h · One-way hike
Linear walk from Cunnersdorf along the Winterleitenstraße to Rosenthal. Highlights: Winterleitenstraße – old forest road with far-reaching views; Katzfels viewpoint and Rotstein; Rosenthal, a linear village.
Along the way
Cunnersdorf · Winterleitenstraße · Spitzsteinweg · Wegvereinigung/höchster Punkt · Rosenthal
Tip
Variante über Katzstein und Rotstein bietet mehr Aussicht; Busrückfahrt einplanen.
12.1 km · approx. 3 h · Circular walk
Circular walk from Bielatal-Ottomühle via Rosenthal, the old customs house, the Dürre Biele and the Grenzplatte. Highlights: valley of the Dürre Biele with the rock towers 'Ringelspitze' and 'Dürrebielenadel'; Grenzplatte – almost the southernmost tip of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains on the German side; view towards Ostrov.
Along the way
Parkplatz Bielagrund · Mühlsteig · Rosenthal · Altes Zollhaus · Grenzübergang nach Sněžník · Dürre Biele · Bielagrund/Bielagrundweg · Grenzplatte · Wormsbergweg · Ottomühle · Bielagrund
Tip
Kombinierbar mit Tour 16 (gleicher Rückweg).
18.4 km · approx. 3.75 h · Circular walk
Circular walk from Rosenthal via Sněžník, the Dresdner Aussicht, Hoher Schneeberg / Děčínský Sněžník and Ostrov. Highlights: Hoher Schneeberg – the highest table mountain of Saxon-Bohemian Switzerland; observation tower on the Hoher Schneeberg with all-round view; Dresdner Aussicht viewpoint.
Along the way
Rosenthal · Grenze am Eulentor · Sněžník · Dresdner Aussicht · Hoher Schneeberg / Děčínský Sněžník · Kammbaude · Mühlenweg · Ostrov · Grenze · Dürre Biele · Rosenthaler Straße · Rosenthal
Tip
Ausweis mitnehmen – Tour führt nach Tschechien; Turmbesteigung lohnt.
7.4 km · approx. 2.5 h · Circular walk
Circular walk from the Landgasthof Zum Erbgericht (country inn) in Cunnersdorf via Spitzer Stein, Katzstein, Signal and Waldbad Cunnersdorf. Highlights: Spitzer Stein; Katzstein; Signal viewpoint.
Along the way
Cunnersdorf, Landgasthof Zum Erbgericht · Winterleitenstraße · Spitzsteinweg · Spitzer Stein · Mäusebornweg · Katzstein · Signal · Spitzsteinweg · Rosenthaler Steig · Mittelhangweg · Katzsteinbaude · Waldbad Cunnersdorf · Obermühle · Cunnersdorf
14.2 km · approx. 4.5 h · Circular walk
Circular walk from the church in Rosenthal via Rotstein, Schneebergblick, Neuteich and Lampertsstein. Highlights: Rotstein, 458 m; Schneebergblick, 470 m; Neuteich (pond).
Along the way
Kirche Rosenthal · Gehirsch-Schmiede · Winterleitenstraße · Wurzelweg · Rotstein · Mäusebornweg · Schneebergblick · Pechlochweg · Neuteich · Lampertsstraße · Flügel M · Lampertsstein · Promenadenweg · Kohlberg · Lange Straße · Lampertsbach · Bärenberg · Brandweg · Rosenthal
Tip
Proviant mitnehmen – unterwegs keine Einkehr; Rastplatz am Lampertsstein für die Brotzeit; Neuteich bietet sich im Sommer zur Abkühlung an; Mein Tipp: Lampertsstein.
13.3 km · approx. 4.25 h · Circular walk
Circular walk from the church in Rosenthal via Alte Tetschener Straße, Fuchsteich, Alte Flößerbrücke and Hühnerberg. Highlights: Fuchsteich (pond); Alte Flößerbrücke (old rafters' bridge) over the Fuchsbach; Hühnerberg on the border.
Along the way
Kirche Rosenthal · Forsthaus · Kuhgassenweg · Alte Tetschener Straße · Fuchsbachtal · Fuchsteich · Alte Flößerbrücke · Oberer Hühnerweg · Hühnerberg · Taubenteich · Taubenbach · Zusammenfluss Fuchsbach/Taubenbach · Mattheusweg · Winterleitenstraße · Rosenthal
Tip
Mein Tipp: Fuchsteich – im Sommer erfrischend und schattig, beliebter Rastplatz; Der Taubenteich ist abgelegener und ruhiger als der Fuchsteich; Verpflegung mitnehmen, unterwegs keine Einkehr; Auch im Winter möglich.
Pack a hiking map – the descriptions here do not replace it.
The Bielatal is the climbing area with the most summits in Saxon Switzerland: 239 climbing peaks with more than 3,400 routes along some six kilometres. The slender Hercules Pillars were first climbed in 1904 and 1905 and are today the valley's best-known photo motif.
