Papstdorf: Zum Papststein

The hike starts at the Gasthaus Hoffnung bus stop in Papstdorf. From here, the path leads uphill through the small district of Rapsdörfel.

You then continue with a wonderful view of the Schrammstein, where you can clearly see the jagged rocks of the Schrammsteine and the Falkenstein. A few steps further on is a fallow deer enclosure.

Shortly afterwards, the path branches off to the left onto the Papststein. The first views open up on the ascent before you reach the summit plateau. From here, there are sweeping views in all directions: to the north to Königstein Fortress and the Elbe Valley, to the south to the Bohemian Central Mountains and across the plain to the Zschirnsteine. At the westernmost vantage point, colourful, heavily weathered rock formations catch the eye.

There is a mountain inn on the summit, which has been in operation for over 150 years and is known for its rustic atmosphere.

The descent leads past the Hunskirchenblick viewpoint, which owes its name to a striking climbing rock. Further down, keep left along the road and then left again along the Weinleite. Here you can still clearly see the remains of a large rockslide from 1972, when several thousand cubic meters of sandstone tumbled down into the valley.

From there, you return to the starting point at the Gasthaus Hoffnung bus stop in Papstdorf.
Back in the village, it is worth taking a look at the Papstdorf village church. The bell tower, which - unlike most other churches - is located on the east side of the nave, is striking. The cemetery also offers a beautiful view of the countryside.