The Malerweg ('Painters' Way') is Saxon Switzerland's signature long-distance hiking trail, tracing the route 18th and 19th-century Romantic painters used to sketch the region's sandstone gorges, table mountains, and river views; day sections near the Bastei and Schrammsteine are the most popular starting points.
The Malerweg is a 112 km, 8-stage long-distance hiking trail through Saxon Switzerland National Park, following paths first used by Romantic-era painters including Caspar David Friedrich to reach the region's dramatic sandstone viewpoints. Most visitors hike day sections rather than the full multi-day route, and the stretch around the Bastei and the nearby Schrammsteine ridge are the most accessible starting points, reachable directly from Kurort Rathen or Bad Schandau by regional train. No guide is required for standard day hikes, since the trail is well signed with the Malerweg's distinctive blue 'M' waymark throughout, though a reasonable level of fitness is needed given steep, sometimes narrow sandstone staircases on several sections. Hikers should carry water and wear proper hiking boots, since some sections involve exposed rock stairs with drop-offs on either side; walking poles help on the steeper descents. Licensed local guides are available for those wanting route recommendations, natural history commentary, or a multi-day itinerary connecting several of the trail's eight stages. The best hiking conditions come in May-June and September-October, avoiding both summer's heaviest crowds on the popular Bastei-area sections and winter's icy conditions on the exposed sandstone stairs, though the trail remains passable with caution outside those windows in most years.
| Price | € (self-guided; small Bastei bridge admission fee applies on that section) |
|---|---|
| Duration | Half day to multi-day (full Malerweg trail runs 112 km over 8 stages) |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Season | May to June and September to October |
| Address | Trailhead: Kurort Rathen visitor center, An der Basteibahn 6, 01824 Kurort Rathen |
Activity facts
- Where
- Saxon Switzerland National Park
Equipment
Hiking boots, water, and layered clothing; walking poles recommended for steeper sections
Weather through the year in Germany
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Germany.
Location
Trailhead: Kurort Rathen visitor center, An der Basteibahn 6, 01824 Kurort Rathen
50.9714, 14.0972 View on map
Highlights
- 112 km, 8-stage trail following the historic route of Romantic-era landscape painters
- Day sections near the Bastei and Schrammsteine ridge accessible without a multi-day commitment
- Well-signed throughout with the trail's distinctive blue 'M' waymark
- Licensed guides available for multi-day itineraries or natural history commentary
Tips for visiting
- Start from Kurort Rathen or Bad Schandau, both reachable by regional train from Dresden, for the most popular day sections
- Wear proper hiking boots, since some sections involve steep, exposed sandstone stairs
- Hike in May-June or September-October to avoid summer crowds and winter ice on the exposed stairs
- Carry your own water, as refill points are limited once away from the main viewpoints
Frequently asked questions
Do you need to hike the full Malerweg trail?
No, most visitors hike individual day sections, particularly around the Bastei and Schrammsteine, rather than completing all 8 stages of the full 112 km route.
Is a guide required?
No, the trail is well signed with a distinctive blue 'M' waymark, though guides are available for those wanting commentary or help planning a multi-day itinerary.
What should hikers bring?
Proper hiking boots, water, and layered clothing are recommended; walking poles help on the trail's steeper sandstone staircase sections.
When is the best time to hike this trail?
May-June and September-October avoid both peak summer crowds on the popular sections and icy winter conditions on the exposed stairs.