On the way between two rivers: from the Elbe to the Polenz valley

Today the weather was wonderful for hiking. However, due to the Easter holidays in Saxony, the train was very crowded, as was the ferry across the Elbe. But as soon as we turned into the Pionierweg after the Amselsee, we were almost alone. From the Hockstein, we could look out over Hohnstein Castle and town. We descended many stairs through the Wolfsschlucht into the Polenztal. We followed the course of the Polenz downhill and then climbed steeply up to the Ziegenrücken. Now it was time for the Gamrig. From its summit, you have a magnificent 360° panoramic view over Saxon Switzerland. Back to Rathen, we then descended steeply via the Aspichgraben. A similar hike and additional information can be found described in the Hiking & Nature Guide Saxon Switzerland, Volume 2 from Berg- & Naturverlag Rölke. In the 2019 edition, it is hike no. 4 "Over the rock spur of the Hockstein into the deep Polenztal and onto the Gamrig".

We parked (free of charge) at the entrance to the Polenz Valley and set off. First, we walked flat along the Polenz River, then climbed the Gamrig. We enjoyed wonderful views of the Elbe, Lilienstein, and Königstein. Then we reached the spa town of Rathen and past Lake Amselsee, where we were practically alone again. After Lake Amselsee, we were almost alone again and climbed gently but steadily. And then we were right at the Hockstein with a view of Hohnstein. The descent continued through the Wolfsschlucht (Wolf Gorge) and over many steps back to the starting point.

Today we went on a short hike from Rathen over the Gamrig, through the Polenztal valley, and over the Hockstein. However, we hadn't expected the trail to be so icy, which made it quite challenging in places. 😅 Overall, it was another lovely hike. 😊

On the way there, 100m behind the last houses in Rathen: Where have all the people gone...? On the way back to the bastion: Oh, there you are again (and a few more...)! Sponge over it, with Garmig, Polenztal and Hockstein, we discovered a few new, beautiful spots in Saxony🇨🇭, wild nature and not overcrowded... And since there is already tourist overkill at the Bastei, the new viewing platform is no longer a problem. The view from there into the Elbe valley is spectacular!

32 degrees and a cooling off in the lake would certainly have been more inviting... but the tour rewarded us with great views and sometimes with a little scent of the Baltic Sea, shady / semi-shady paths and a breeze was also OK 😊 Depending on how you plan the route, there are opportunities to stop for a break, you can refresh yourself and rest in / on the Polenz. At least I didn't feel very comfortable at the Hockstein and in the narrow gorge with stairs... but it was incredibly impressive and the pictures don't even begin to reflect my impressions. The last climb to the Gamrig was the highlight for me, even though I cursed a little inside! ☀️🥾🥵

My first ascent to the gamrig. In Rathen you are entering a tourist stronghold! If you don't like that, avoid the place. Otherwise you meet rather few hikers.

After the very cobbled tours of the last few weeks, I wanted to go on another tour of Saxon Switzerland. In keeping with the start of the hiking season, the S-Bahn was of course packed with the beautiful weather and the ferry was also quite crowded. But after the classic branches towards Bastei and Amselsee, it became very quiet around us. The first thing on the agenda was Gamrig, which my husband had not yet known. The climb left us a little out of breath after the winter break, but the wonderful view made up for it. Back on the Gamrigweg, we headed towards Polenztal. Via the Füllhölzelweg, we soon reached the valley at the level of the Polenztalwächter and followed the idyllic path along the Polenz. We had never walked this section before and so we had a lot to look at. We also spotted the first March snowdrops. At the branch to Hockstein, we left the valley again and started the second climb of the day. We climbed many steps and stairs to reach the Hockstein viewpoint and enjoyed the view over the valley with a small picnic. Well fortified, we made our way back to Rathen. After crossing the Devil's Bridge, the Knotenweg and Pionierweg took us to Amselgrund, where we followed the stream of visitors to the ferry. We could have spent a little more time in Rathen, but we sat out the 20-minute wait at the train station and squeezed into the train home with the many people returning home, where our son was already waiting for us with a delicious meal. A perfect end to a lovely day!

Hello everyone. It was a very nice round Challenging due to the many meters of elevation. Based on various statements, we thought that the Wolfsschlucht would also be passable for dogs. I said a clear no to that. Unless Pfiffi fits in the handbag. I carried my 18 kg Aussie down the steel steps through the gorge and it was not without danger. With that in mind, I wish you a nice time in Saxon Switzerland.🥾😎