7 Days in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains
Adventure & Relax: one week in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains
Your Adventure Week in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains of Saxon Switzerland near Dresden. Discover the rugged beauty of this spectacular region with our local guide. Look forward to exciting via ferrata, cave explorations, and scenic hikes. Enjoy organic cuisine, a sauna, and a campfire in the Bio-Hotel Helvetia.
Highlights
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6 Nights at the Bio-Hotel Helvetia
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4 Guided Day Tours with a Local Guide
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Moderate to challenging cave explorations
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Rafting trip
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Visit to Königstein Fortress and Bastei
Tour-Facts
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Duration: 7 days
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min. 2 / max. 10 Participants
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Minimum age: 18 years
Requirements
Fitness
Landscape
Hiking Skills
Adventure
The Tour
Discover the Elbe Sandstone Mountains of Saxon Switzerland with us in all its facets. We have put together our favorite hikes and adventures for you. We want to show you this region in all its beauty. Off the beaten path, you will explore exciting cave systems, embark on spectacular via ferratas, and dive into the deep forests near the Czech border with your local guide. And because we are traveling along the fourth-largest river in Europe, we will, of course, show you the landscape from the water as well, rowing during a (moderate) rafting trip!
Culturally and culinarily, we have prepared a lot for you too. Visit the Königstein Fortress and the famous Bastei rock castle, which towers high above the Elbe Valley. The newly opened Skywalk awaits you for one of many breathtaking vacation photos you'll take home from this tour!
You will be staying at the Bio-Hotel Helvetia*, located directly on the banks of the Elbe River, which places great emphasis on providing a particularly sustainable vacation experience. The restaurant serves regional cuisine and offers a variety of vegan dishes on the menu. Just a few steps away, in the historically renovated Schmilka Mill, you can enjoy the sauna in the evening, sit by the campfire, or taste a beer from the hotel's own brewery.
Even on your free day, there is plenty to discover: countless hikes start right outside your hotel, the Elbe invites you to take a paddle steamer ride, or the spa in Bad Schandau offers a perfect place to relax. Of course, we are here to assist you on-site, providing insider information and tips!
*Or a similar accommodation. Offers and amenities may vary.
Itinerary
The itinerary described here is schematic, and for organizational reasons, the content and route may change. The helicopter flight will either take place at the beginning of the hike (we will be flown into the national park) or at the end (we will be flown out of the national park). In the latter case, the hikes will occur in reverse order.
DAY 1 (Arrival)
Individual arrival at the Bio-Hotel Helvetia in Schmilka. We will provide you with a detailed travel description for individual arrival by public transport from Dresden when you make your booking. If you book the PREMIUM PACKAGE, we will take care of your pick-up from the main train station or Dresden airport.
DAY 2 (Via Ferrata)
At 09:00, you will meet your guide at the hotel reception. Please be dressed in hiking clothes, with a daypack and sturdy footwear. After receiving your via ferrata equipment, you will head straight to the climbing area and make your way up the Häntzschelstiege. An exciting and scenic day awaits you!
DAY 3 (Bastei, Skywalk and adventurous pathes)
The hiking area around the world-famous Bastei (rock castle near Rathen) is truly unique. Explore this special corner of Saxon Switzerland with your guide and hike up to the rock castle. The small open-air museum offers fascinating insights into the history and construction of this world-renowned sandstone fortress. A challenging and culturally enriching day awaits you.
DAY 4 (Cave tour)
Today, you will venture into the cave systems of Saxon Switzerland: equipped with a helmet and headlamp, you will enter the darkness with your guide. An extremely exciting, fun, and impressive adventure day awaits you!
DAY 5 (Königstein Fortress & rafting)
Today’s journey gives you an introduction to the history of the region. We start with a visit to Königstein Fortress and enjoy the fantastic view over the Elbe Valley. The rest of the day will take us on hiking trails above the Elbe Valley to Thürmsdorf Castle, where a special culinary surprise awaits you. We will end the day with a rafting trip, where you are, of course, invited to paddle along with us!
DAY 6 (Day at your leisure)
Explore the surroundings on your own, visit the spa in Bad Schandau, or simply take a stroll along the Elbe meadows. Of course, we are here to offer advice and provide you with ideas on how to make the most of your last day.
DAY 7 (Departure)
Individual departure. We will provide you with a detailed description for individual departure by public transport from Schmilka to Dresden when you make your booking. If you book the PREMIUM PACKAGE, we will take care of your pick-up from the hotel and transfer to the main train station or Dresden airport.
Requirements
The focus of this multi-day tour is on exploring Saxon Switzerland off the beaten path. While we will of course dive into the cultural highlights of the region, when we venture into the forests and mountains, we want to show you the adventurous side. You will cover approximately 15 - 20 km and ascend between 400 - 800 meters per day.
When exploring the caves, you should not be afraid of tight spaces. A head for heights and surefootedness are essential for our via ferrata tour. Although the via ferratas are not as challenging as alpine routes and you will always be secured, you should not overestimate your abilities here. If you are unsure, feel free to reach out to us anytime!
Of course, there is always the option to skip more demanding parts of a tour.
The Hotel
During your visit to Saxon Switzerland, relaxation and tranquility should not be neglected. That’s why we’ve chosen the Bio-Hotel Helvetia as our partner for your stay. It is located directly on the Elbe River, close to the historic center of Schmilka – awarded as “Saxony’s Most Beautiful Village” and surrounded by lush forests and impressive sandstone cliffs.
The cozy rooms are furnished with natural materials. For breakfast, you’ll enjoy freshly baked rolls from the organic bakery, and in the evening, you can choose between the hotel’s cuisine or a snack at the historic Mühlenhof. Beer lovers can also indulge in a selection of brews from the hotel’s in-house brewery.
After an active day, you can relax in the sauna or take an open-air bath in repurposed beer barrels. Massages and body treatments are available at any time.
You can end your evening by a campfire at the Mühlenhof, with live music (on some weekends), or in one of the cozy loungers on the Elbe meadow.