The 6 Most Amazing Peaks in Nationalpark-Kernzone

The view shows the striking table mountains of Saxon Switzerland, whose flat high plateaus and steep rock faces shape the landscape. In the distance rises the Schneeberg, the highest mountain in the region on the Czech side. This vista conveys the typical expanse and structure of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains with wooded plateaus, deeply incised valleys, and an impressive distant view.

The Elbe Sandstone Mountains (Czech: Labské pískovce or Labské pískovcové pohoří) are a low mountain range composed primarily of sandstone, located along the upper reaches of the Elbe River in Germany and the Czech Republic. It covers an area of approximately 700 km² and reaches a height of 723 meters above sea level at the Děčínský Sněžník (High Snow Mountain). The German part is generally known as Saxon Switzerland, and the Czech part as Bohemian Switzerland (České Švýcarsko). The term "Saxon-Bohemian Switzerland" (Českosaské Švýcarsko) is derived from this. See: https://de.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elbsandsteingebirge

It's just incredibly beautiful here 😊.

Wehlen is a so-called country town in Saxon Switzerland. It lies on the railway line from Dresden to Prague and in the heart of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains, making it a starting point for hikes to destinations such as the Bastei, the Rathen Rock Stage, the Bärenstein and Rauenstein, as well as the Wehlen and Uttewalder Grund. Saxon Switzerland is the name given to the German part of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains in Saxony. Rathen is a spa town located below the rocky backdrop of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains in Saxon Switzerland, approximately 35 kilometers from Dresden. Both Wehlen and Rathen have a passenger ferry across the Elbe and a rail connection to Dresden, among other places! So you can easily reach the Elbe Sandstone Mountains!

Awesome view of the valley and Hohenstein. Fantastic.

Great view of Hohnstein & its fortress.

At a height of 292 meters, it towers majestically above the Polenz Valley, which is 115 meters below, and offers hikers magnificent views that will remain in their memories for a long time. The climb to Hockstein is an adventure in itself. The Wolfsschlucht captivates hikers with its narrow crevices and many stairs. Here the path sometimes leads through narrow crevices, sometimes around the corners of impressive rock formations - an exciting experience that increases the anticipation of the summit with every step. However, if you are looking for a less challenging route, we recommend the easy climb over the historic Devil's Bridge, which was built in 1821 and is therefore considered one of the first tourist structures in Saxon Switzerland. Once at the top, the Hockstein rewards you with a breathtaking panoramic view. Hohenstein Castle stands proudly on the opposite side and seems to be within reach of the viewer. The Polenztal stretches out in all its splendor, a natural painting that invites you to linger and dream. A lovingly built shelter is available for protection from sudden changes in the weather or for a comfortable rest. Here you can enjoy the food you brought with you in peace and let your gaze wander.

If you stand here and look down into the valley, you will witness the constant change that our forests are going through. Once green and vibrant, many trees now show brown marks, signs of the bark beetle that has wreaked havoc in this area. But even if this scene makes the heart heavy, the view is still impressive. Secured by a railing, the view here is no less impressive in its melancholy - and it is also safe for children to access. The silence that surrounds the valley is broken by the majestic view of Hohnstein with its imposing castle, which stands proudly on a rock opposite. And further back, the picturesque Polenztal valley meanders along. A panorama that, in its beauty and at the same time in its vulnerability, conveys a powerful message: nature is in constant change, and it is in our hands how this story continues.