To the rock gate of Neuer Wildenstein: The Kuhstall

A hike that's practically a must in Saxon Switzerland. You can reach the starting point: Lichtenhain Waterfall, by car or by historic tram. First, we walked along easy and wide trails to the "cowshed," a large opening in the rock. Right next to it is the "Stairway to Heaven." It's very narrow but easily accessible. But then the descent became an adventure again. Steep stairs and steps! Going down there isn't a good idea if you have children with you. However, I think there are definitely easier descents. After the descent, there are various easy paths leading back to the starting point.

Today we took the Kirnitzschtalbahn to Beuthenfall and from there we took a very pleasant, slowly ascending path to the Neuer Wildenstein. We then continued up the stairs and paths to the Kuhstall and enjoyed the wonderful view. From here we took the Himmelsleiter with 108 steps to the extensive summit plateau of the Neuer Wildenstein. Here are the remains of Wildenstein Castle. From here we went via the Kuhstall inn into the Kirnitzschtal to the Lichtenhainer waterfall (small waterfall). Don't expect too much from the waterfall. Then we took the train back to Bad Schandau. All of this in wonderful, sunny autumn weather. A little tip: walk the path like this, not in the opposite direction as it is much steeper.

The bus ride to the starting point was longer than the hike itself😂Nevertheless, because of my cold, it was supposed to be a slightly shorter route today. We chose this small but nice hike and were amazed by the beauty of nature, the view and the stairs and ladders. Finally, we took the Kirnitschtalbahn back to Bad Schandau and from there took the fast hiking bus back to Pirna😎.

In a nutshell, the trails of Komoot don't exist, you have to walk the paths, cowshed ok, ladder to heaven 🥰 descent awesome, way back well like way there.

I quickly squeezed in a classic today: the Kuhstall. Since I recently finished a tour at the Lichtenhain Waterfall and saw the signs for it, I knew the next tour to Saxon Switzerland would be here. On top of that, the S-Bahn didn't arrive in Bad Schandau on time. So, the ferry and bus were gone. I chose the next option: took another ferry to the Elbe quay, walked to the spa gardens, and slowly zipped around the area on the tram. Since everyone was doing this, it was quite crowded. In Lichtenhain, the group split up. Some went to the waterfall, others to the Kuhstall. So the walk there was quite busy. Arriving at the Kuhstall, I didn't think it was so bad, since most people had already fortified themselves in the expensive restaurant. I quickly took a few photos and then headed up the Himmelsleiter (Stairway to Heaven). Oh, it was beautiful. The descent reminded me a bit of the Drachenschlucht (Dragon Gorge) with its narrow crevices and footbridges. From the Hinterer Kuhstallweg, you have a fantastic view up to the Kuhstall/Neuer Wildenstein, my highlight of the day. I had the Räumichtweg almost to myself. It wasn't until I reached Beuthelfall that I met other hikers again. A lovely little, shady walk in a sunny 24-degree weather was coming to an end. On my way back, I discovered that there were railway construction work and replacement rail services between Dresden Central Station and DD-Plauen. This added another hour to the whole hike. It's a good thing I made such a short, leisurely hike.

Saxon Switzerland: Short hike from Lichtenhain waterfall to Kuhstall / Himmelsleiter https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QoNLSzrKkZA

Amazing Saxon Switzerland National Park www.nationalpark-saechsische-schweiz.de https://www.komoot.com/collection/932927/saxon-switzerland-adventures-for-everyone

I've finally made it to Saxon Switzerland. Unfortunately, not by boat as planned :( Not enough water. Okay, I brought my bag to the accommodation and headed straight back out... There are no boats here either, just the small ferries that you need to cross. Okay - so the next easiest tour... because I'm wearing sandals. Took the tram into the forest (included in the tourist tax) and then off I went. It was pretty steep... and the Stairway to Heaven was actually too much for me - Komoot said it was a hike with no difficulties... well... at least I was wearing proper shoes. But amazing views, phenomenal rocks!!!