One of the most visited viewpoints in the Saxon Switzerland is the Schrammstein look out point. The Schrammsteine rock formation together with the adjacent Affensteine rock formation offer a unique wildness and thus form the actual center of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. Furthermore there is a differentiation between the Vorderland and the Hinterland of the Schrammsteine area. Hikers and climbers alike will experience a complex labyrinth of rocks with a variety of levels for hiking and rock climbing. In the Vorderland of the Schrammsteine rock formation are located over 60 climbing peaks! The term "Schramm" from Schrammsteine just derived from the historically most common type of injury which tourists and residents suffer in this area (schrammen = to scratch).
One of the most visited viewpoints in the Saxon Switzerland is the Schrammstein look out point. The Schrammsteine rock formation together with the adjacent Affensteine rock formation offer a unique wildness and thus form the actual center of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. Furthermore there is a differentiation between the Vorderland and the Hinterland of the Schrammsteine area. Hikers and climbers alike will experience a complex labyrinth of rocks with a variety of levels for hiking and rock climbing. In the Vorderland of the Schrammsteine rock formation are located over 60 climbing peaks! The term "Schramm" from Schrammsteine just derived from the historically most common type of injury which tourists and residents suffer in this area (schrammen = to scratch). Bad Schandau is well connected with the regional public transportation (train, bus). For the connection between the station and the town center use the ferry service. The optimal arrival is by train via the station Krippen (one station before Bad Schandau). After the arrival in Bad Schandau/Krippen there are two possible routes in order to “defeat” the Ostrauer Scheibe rock in the first section. Fans of technology should under no circumstances miss to take the lovingly restored passenger elevator (a technical monument) which was first built in 1904. If you plan to return late from your trip, please consider that the opening hours are limited in the evening. From the 50 meters high platform you will have a wonderful view over the Elbe valley. After that we walk through the village, which came to its touristic importance in the 20th century. The mansion colony with its Swiss architectural style tells us from the glory of past times. Today the "Falkensteinklinik" (clinic) in Ostrau contributes to the good reputation of the health resort Bad Schandau (the term "Bad" since 1920). At the local entrance of Ostrau is a parking lot from where we follow the blue waymark. Leaving out the detour to Ostrau we can follow the yellow waymark from the ferry in Bad Schandau / Krippen to the village Postelwitz and then to the Zahnsgrund gorge. From the road to Ostrau in the Zahnsgrund gorge and then either the pathes Obrigensteig or the Lattengrund we reach the flat plateau in front of the Schrammsteine rock formation. At the way-crossing on the Elbleitenweg trail we can choose between a 800 meters long detour to the Falkenstein rock or to enter the Schrammsteine region through the crevice of the Schrammtor rock gate. With over 70 different climbing routes the Falkenstein rock has a special historical importance for mountain climbers. In 1864 five gymnasts from Schandau were the first who reached (on the "Turnerweg" trail, which was then named after them) the summit. This special moment is considered as the birth of the mountaineering scene in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. The typical form of rock climbing as we know it today without rock-changing aids (to attach steps, to cast in or attach climbing irons,...) became generally accepted after 1890. This respectful treatment of the nature and an always present, strong transience were the major principles of the mountaineer Doctor Oscar Schuster and his climbing collegues. Even today climbers follow these climbing rules of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. However the first actual human "utilisation" of the Falkenstein rock was further in the past. With its exposed location the Falkenstein rock was particularly suitable as an observation and safeguard post of the old trade routes in the Middle Ages. On the summit was located a look-out point, which was hard-fought due to its strategic importance and therefore it often changed its owner. At the bottom of the rock you can still find inscriptions from earlier centuries. If you decide to follow the immediate road to the Schrammsteine rock formation, then you will arrive at the “Schrammtor” (rock gate) just a few meters after the junction. Here the trail was improved extensively with wood. We cross the (as we will see later) impressive rock range through the high rising rock faces of the “Schrammtorwächter” and the Ostertürme rock towers. Following the blue waymark we reach the “Wildschützensteig” trail right below the cliffs. Alternatively we can also take the later ascent “Jägersteig” trail. From this point we have a fantastic view on the adjacent climbing rock "Jungfer". After reaching the summit we arrive on the Gratweg trail. We continue to the left direction and after passing a few climbing sections we arrive at the unique look-out points of the Schrammstein rock formation. If you are not sick of heights, then you can enjoy an impressive panoramic view over the Saxony Switzerland. From here you can either follow the Gratweg trail and continue with the "Affensteine" tour, or return back to Bad Schandau on the same route
