Camping in Saxon Switzerland

Saxon Switzerland is the most beautiful low mountain range in Germany and a dream for nature lovers and active holidaymakers. The fascinating rock formations of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains are perfect for long walks and hikes - even with four-legged friends. Many campsites are also located directly on the banks of the Elbe, so there is plenty of swimming fun to be had. Pretty spa towns such as Bad Schandau and Rathen are the perfect place to relax in the beautiful surroundings and forget about everyday life.

Special features of camping in Saxon Switzerland

Saxon Switzerland is located around 40 km south-east of Dresden on the border with Bohemian Switzerland in the Czech Republic and is one of the most popular holiday destinations for active holidaymakers in Germany. Even the Romantic painters were enchanted by the bizarre rock formations and steep table mountains that rise up into the sky from the densely wooded landscape - and nothing has changed to this day. The dense network of hiking trails makes the Elbe Sandstone Mountains a dream come true for hiking enthusiasts. In addition to the well-known Malerweg and Forststeig long-distance hiking trails, countless winding paths lead to natural beauties and famous sights such as the Bastei, Affensteinen and the Lichtenhain waterfall in the romantic Kirnitzschtal valley. The campsites are often located directly on the trail and are the ideal starting point for discovering this fascinating region. Since the Saxon Switzerland National Park was established in 1990, large parts of the area have been strictly protected. Free standing and camping are strictly prohibited, which is regularly monitored, especially in the high season. Dogs are permitted on many campsites and are also allowed on a lead in the national park. As the region is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Germany, early booking is highly recommended, especially in the high season.

Popular campsites in Saxon Switzerland

The facilities at the campsites in Saxon Switzerland are excellent and include services such as a bread roll service, baby changing facilities and private bathrooms. In addition to tent pitches and pitches for caravans and motorhomes, many sites also offer rental accommodation and holiday homes. For hikers on the Malerweg trail, hikers' cabins are often available for short stays.

Camping Ostrauer Mühle

The Ostrauer Mühle is a campsite, guesthouse and hiking accommodation all in one and is located directly at the Kirnitzschtalbahn railway stop, which takes you to the Lichtenhain waterfall in just a few minutes. Thanks to its central location and proximity to sights such as the Schrammsteine, Affensteine, Kuhstall and Hohe Liebe, the Ostrauer Mühle is one of the most popular campsites in Saxon Switzerland. The site is also ideally located for hikers on the Malerweg, as it is right on the trail and individual stages can be reached quickly and easily.

Camping on the Treidlerweg

The campsite on the Treidlerweg not far from Königstein is located directly on the Elbe and offers breathtaking views of the imposing Königstein Fortress and the Lilienstein. As the site is located directly on the Elbe cycle path, it is perfect for cyclists looking for overnight accommodation. There are 48 pitches for motorhomes and tents on the site. Guests can also spend the night in a chic holiday room or get a taste of glamping in the luxurious safari tents.

Camping Entenfarm Hohnstein

The family-friendly Entenfarm campsite in Hohnstein is an ideal starting point for exploring the western Elbe Sandstone Mountains. The site above the romantic Polenztal valley offers unparcelled pitches for caravans, motorhomes and tents and 5 camping cabins for up to 6 people. There are table tennis tables and a children's playground for younger guests. The kiosk offers a morning bread roll service.

Campingpark LuxOase

Located on the border between Upper Lusatia and Saxon Switzerland, the LuxOase camping park offers feel-good camping right by the lake. The pitches are mainly parcelled out and also offer space for large motorhomes. Those arriving without their own camping vehicle can spend the night in the cosy holiday flats, holiday rooms or rental caravans. The highlight of the campsite is the huge wellness area and the indoor playground for children.

Panorama-Camping Bergoase

A true natural oasis awaits guests at this wonderful campsite above the beautiful Kirnitzschtal valley right on the border of the Saxon Switzerland National Park. The terraced pitches with electricity and fresh water offer wonderful views of the table mountains of Saxon Switzerland. Hikers can stay overnight in the hut camp or in the particularly comfortable panorama flats. A hiking trail leads directly from the campsite into the Kirnitzschtal valley and from there to what is probably the most popular hiking area in the entire region.

Favourite destinations in the region

Saxon Switzerland is a versatile holiday region and offers numerous natural beauties as well as some wonderful holiday resorts. A favourite destination for many visitors is the centrally located spa town of Bad Schandau. From here, well-known hiking destinations such as the Affensteine, the Schrammsteine and the numerous "Stiegen" and via ferratas in the region are easily accessible. Rathen at the foot of the famous Bastei is a wonderful destination for those seeking relaxation. The town's famous rock stage is the venue for concerts and theatre plays in summer. If you want to explore the table mountains on the left bank of the Elbe, you should visit Gohrisch. The climatic health resort is also located in the immediate vicinity of the imposing Königstein Fortress.

Bad Schandau

Bad Schandau is the first port of call for many visitors and an ideal base for exploring the region on day hikes and day trips. The popular hiking areas to the east of the Elbe are just a stone's throw away. Well-known sights such as Königstein Fortress and the famous Bastei are also easily accessible from here by public transport. Bad Schandau also has a lot to offer as a town. The oldest spa town in the region boasts a beautiful townscape, magnificent hotels from the Wilhelminian era on the banks of the Elbe and several interesting museums. The town has also made a name for itself nationwide as a wellness paradise and Kneipp spa.

Rathen

Situated directly below the foot of the famous Bastei, Rathen awaits its visitors. The traffic-calmed spa town on the Elbe is a great destination for travellers looking for peace and relaxation in beautiful natural surroundings away from traffic. Numerous hiking trails lead directly from Rathen to the viewpoint at the Bastei Bridge. Other worthwhile destinations in the surrounding area are the Schwedenlöcher and the Rauenstein table mountain to the south of the town. Another highlight is the Rathen rock stage - the open-air stage in front of the impressive backdrop of Rathen's Elbe sandstone cliffs is considered one of the most beautiful natural theatres in Europe and is performed from May to September. The "Railway Worlds" model railway layout, the largest garden railway layout in the world, is a great destination for families.

Gohrisch

Gohrisch is Saxony's first climatic health resort and is situated in a fantastic location on a plateau between the imposing table mountains on the left bank of the Elbe. Lilienstein and Pfaffenstein as well as the imposing Königstein Fortress are in the immediate vicinity of Gohrisch and invite you to enjoy exciting day trips. The "Barbarine" rock formation is a particularly popular excursion destination. The peculiar-looking 42 metre high rock formation is part of the Pfaffenstein and is reminiscent of a petrified giant with a hat. However, legend tells of a virgin who was cursed by her mother because she preferred to snack on blueberries in the forest instead of going to church on Sunday. In the district of Cunnersdorf, there is also a forest pool for refreshment on hot summer days.

Sights and excursion tips

• Bastei: The spectacular Bastei rock formation rises up to 200 metres into the air directly on the Elbe not far from the spa town of Rathen. The sandstone Bastei Bridge, built in 1851, is a popular photo motif and is considered one of the most beautiful vantage points in Europe.
• Schrammsteine: The Schrammsteine are a highly jagged group of rocks to the east of Bad Schandau and one of the most popular areas for hiking in Saxon Switzerland. The tour from the Schrammsteine to the impressive "Carolafelsen" viewpoint through the "Wild Hell" is a real hiking classic.
• Königstein Fortress: Königstein Fortress is one of the largest mountain fortresses in Europe and towers imposingly over the town of Königstein. The castle walls offer breathtaking views. There are some interesting buildings inside, including the first Saxon garrison church, the giant wine barrel of Augustus the Strong and the deepest well in Saxony.
• Kuhstall: The Kuhstall is one of the largest rock gates in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. The name goes back to farmers who hid their cattle there during the Thirty Years' War. The steep ladder to heaven takes visitors to a marvellous vantage point with fantastic panoramic views over the rear of Saxon Switzerland.
• Lichtenhain Waterfall: The waterfall in the Kirnitzschtal valley has been one of the region's most popular attractions since the 19th century and is easily accessible via the Kirnitzschtal railway. Even today, the dam is opened every half hour, causing a mighty gush of water to pour down to the delight of visitors.

Tour tip

Saxon Switzerland is one of the most famous low mountain ranges in Germany, but by no means the only one. Another wonderful destination for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts is the Thuringian Forest around Ilmenau. The best way to explore the region is on the famous Rennsteig trail, which runs for almost 170 kilometres from Hörschel near Eisenach to the upper reaches of the Saale. The route offers insights into picturesque natural landscapes, pretty little towns with old half-timbered houses and plenty of time to relax. Numerous campsites and motorhome pitches along the route make the tour an unforgettable experience in one of Germany's most beautiful regions.find out more