Malerweg, Stage 2: From Stadt Wehlen to Hohnstein (official version by TV Sächsische Schweiz)

In the town of Wehlen, we walk a short distance upriver along the Elbe, climb the Schwarzbergweg trail, and arrive at the “Steinerner Tisch” rest area. The structure of the same name was once commissioned by Elector Augustus the Strong so he could dine here during a hunting trip. The Fremdenweg trail leads us to one of the most famous sights in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains, the Bastei. From the Bastei Bridge and the surrounding vantage points, we’re treated to fantastic views of the landscape. We descend the Basteiweg via a flight of steps. From here, you can turn right toward the spa town of Rathen to stop for a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants, but you’ll have to hike back the same way. We walk through the Amselgrund, passing the Rathen Rock Stage with its spectacular natural backdrop. We continue past Lake Amsel—where we can take a short boat ride—to the Amsel Falls and then on to Rathewalde. The cross-country trail runs parallel to the road toward the Hockstein parking lot. From there, we hike to the Hockstein and descend via steps through the Wolfsschlucht gorge into the Polenztal valley. The “Schindergraben” nature trail leads to Hohnstein. Here, the castle and the Hohnsteiner Kasper heritage site at the tourist information office are well worth a visit.

GPS data updated in 2021