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View of the Saxon Switzerland National Park Photo by Sirleonidas

Top 10 Amazing Facts about Saxon Switzerland National Park

Saxon Switzerland National Park is located in the free state of Saxony in the eastern part of Germany and was established in 1990. It is one of 16 parks in Germany and the only rocky National Park. It offers some beautiful views of unique rock formations. The highest peak of the National park is at 556M(1,814feet) above sea level.

The park is about 30 kilometres southeast of Dresden. The closest airport is Dresden. Buses run to the park through Pirna. The train also runs to the local communities of Bad Svhandau, Sebnitz, and Neustadt.

Operating hours:24hours                                                                                                                                   

1. Unique Rock Formation

Saxon Switzerland National Park (Western area): Rock formation at the Cowshed Cave (Felsentor Kuhstall) Photo by W-Bulach

Saxon Switzerland National Park is the only rock national park in Germany and offers some beautiful views of unique rock formations. The park is over 93.5square Kilometers stating that there are many places to discover and explore. Some of these places include;

 Kuhstall(cowshed) is a stone arch located a 30 minutes hike from Liechtenhain Waterfall. It is part of a huge rock formation with some caves and standpoints that you can explore. Above the arch used to be a castle, New Wildenstein, which is now demolished.

Lilienstein is another massive rock in the middle of the forest. There is a parking lot close to the rock for people travelling by car, and from the parking lot, you just need to hike for around 20 minutes or less. If you are a hiking person and you prefer walking, you need to walk for about 1 hour and a half from Bad Schandau.

Bastei is another place to discover, it is the most scenic and famous spot in the national park. Hence many people visit.  Nevertheless,  when you visit the park make sure you stop over. The views pay off for all the inconvenience caused by the crowds. The view is beautiful you should see the tall rock formations of all shapes and sizes rise between the trees creating a unique view.

2. Elbe River: View from the Top, on the Ferry, or Kayaking

The view from the Saxon Switzerland National Park into the valley of the Elbe river Photo by Sha256

There are enough viewpoints from where you can get a stunning view of the Elbe river from the top of the national park, with Bastei being probably the most famous and panoramic one. Not only the famous bridge but there are several spots where you can sit and get a view of the river and check out the small villages on the riverbank.

If not interested in the Top view you can as well take the ferry and enjoy the view as you move around. Not forgetting you can use Kayaking for the curious and adventurous ones along the Elbe and enjoy the view in your comfort.

3. Enjoy a Panoramic View

In Saxon, you get to enjoy the panoramic view since there are several summits throughout the park. Some of the best areas to enjoy the beautiful view are rocks, you can enjoy various rock formations across the national park.

Also, Bastei raises 194 meters over the Elbe river and 305 meters above sea level and you get to enjoy the beautiful views of the forest and other rock formations not forgetting the river Elbe and the nearby villages on the riverbank.

Last but not the list Lilienstein is another spot to enjoy the beautiful view of nature. The spot is less visited by tourists,  probably due to its location. Since you are required to use a car. However, the fact that is less visited that’s why I recommend it, here you get to enjoy the beauty of nature in silence.

4. Explore Small Characteristic Villages

The main reason people go to a national park is to enjoy nature, learn and have fun at the same time. If you are looking for a park to experience all this then visit Saxon Switzerland National park they got you covered. In about 94 square kilometres of this park, you can find a few small characteristic villages and towns.  Some of these villages included Altendorf, Rathen, and Bad Schandau among others.

I won’t go into details on each one of them but let’s go through this three since I found them unique. Starting with Bad Schandau is located in the middle of the national park, on the river Elbe. This small town is a great destination goal a city break, with small streets and colourful buildings as well as its convenient location right at the beginning of the Kirnitzdch valley. This is the best place to spend your night since you can locate other areas easily.

Secondly, we have Altendorf, this village is situated on top of the Kirnitzsch valley .it is a very small village but offers some beautiful views. Lastly, we have Rathen, a village of around 500 inhabitants, on the river Elbe and right under the Bastei cliffs. The little spa village is a chosen destination for its pure air and hiking trails.

5. Rock Climbing Opportunities

Saxon Switzerland National Park View Photo by Sirleonidas

Saxon Switzerland National Park offers many rock climbing opportunities. If passionate about rock climbing this is the place to visit. It has several free-standing sandstone rocks which you can climb giving you enough choices. However, there are different regions for rock climbing not forgetting the specific rules you need to follow.

6. Get to Breath Pure Air

The park is 94 Square kilometres of forests and mountains and this ensures pure Air in the surrounding. The park is almost entirely covered in forest, with only a few small villages. Here you get to enjoy the clean unpolluted air. The air gets better when climbing up the high rock formations as you enjoy the beauty of nature.

7. Get a Digital Detox

Digital detox is where you get disconnected from the rest of the world. Away from all digital accessories such as phones, television, laptops e.tc. At the park, the connection is very low and some hotels don’t provide a WIFI connection.

 This is the perfect opportunity to get yourself digital detox and enjoy nature and mind about yourself. Sometimes taking some time off from all of this can be beneficial for your health, both physically and mentally.

8. Relax in Thermal Water

Bad Schandau is a popular destination also for the Toskana Therme. Here you get to relax in thermal pools while enjoying a view of the Elbe Sandstone Mountain all around. Indoors you get to find four pools and one open-air pool. However, the” Liquid sound Temple “is preferred by many, here you get to relax in seawater while listening to underwater music and enjoying colourful lights.

9. Hiking Trails

Hiking Trial in Saxon Switzerland National Park Photo by Swa256

If you are going to visit Saxon Switzerland National Park don’t expect to spend your time lying around or resting. There are kilometres of designated hiking trails. Hiking help in staying fit and is fun at the same time. You get to hike through a variety of landscapes, from forests to valleys and rock formations.

Everybody’s needs are caters since there are shorter and flat ones for beginners and also steep and complex ones for experienced hikers. If you are not a hiker there is no need to worry you are covered by Saxon National Park.

10. Visiting Lichtenhain Waterfall

At the end of the kirnitzschtal tramway ride, you will see Lichtenhain waterfall. It is not big as such but it’s a nice sight and it’s conveniently located right next to the tramway station and near a couple of cafes.  There you can have a rest as you take a coffee or a drink and enjoy the view and sound of the waterfall.