Kirnitzschtal: To the Kuhstall rock gate at Wildenstein

The starting point for the hike is the Lichtenhainer Wasserfall bus and tram stop, the terminus of the historic Kirnitzschtalbahn railway. The waterfall itself is not a natural feature, but a man-made torrent that has been regularly ‘drawn’ by a weir since the 19th century, much to the delight of visitors.

From here, the Malerweg trail leads right over a small stone bridge uphill and continues along Kuhstallstraße (no vehicle access) up to Neuer Wildenstein. At the top, you will find the mountain inn and the large Kuhstallhöhle cave. With a height of around eleven metres, a width of seventeen metres and a depth of over twenty metres, it is considered the largest natural rock gate in Saxon Switzerland. The name ‘Kuhstall’ (cowshed) dates back to the Thirty Years' War, when residents of the surrounding villages retreated here and brought their cattle to safety. As early as the 15th century, Wildenstein Castle stood on the rocky plateau; remnants of it can still be seen in the area.

Passing through the rock gate, the first view of the Kirnitzsch Valley opens up. Signs between the rocks lead to the Himmelsleiter (stairway to heaven). This steep metal staircase runs through a narrow crevice and leads to the Wildenstein plateau. At the top, there is a panoramic view of the rear of Saxon Switzerland.

The descent is via stairs and a bridge. On the left, it is worth making a short detour to the Schneiderloch, a small rock cave with further views. Back at the Berggasthof Kuhstall , walk to the entrance of the Felsentor and follow the steps downhill on the Malerweg to the Haussteig, where you keep to the left.

The route leads over the Ferkelschlüchte and on through the Kleiner Zschand, finally descending into the Kirnitzschtal valley. There you reach the Felsenmühle bus stop, where the tour ends.