Walking the Painters Way: A Hidden Gem in the Heart of Germany
They say some of the best hiking adventures happen when the scenery surprises you - and that’s exactly what happened on our recent group walk through Saxon Switzerland, nestled just outside Dresden, Germany. If you’ve never heard of it, you’re not alone. For many travelers, this rocky national park full of sandstone cliffs and medieval charm flies under the radar. But for hikers like us, it was an unforgettable blend of natural beauty, rich history, and good company.
Our group of nine had flown in from different parts of the world, but our roots are in Australia, where we first met years ago on local trails around Sydney. Since then, our bond has been built one hike at a time - so planning a trip to Germany felt like the natural next step. Several of us had experience hiking here, and this time we chose one of the most picturesque and culturally rich regions in the country: the Mahlerweg, or Painter’s Way. This 112-kilometer trail is named after the 18th and 19th-century Romantic painters who were drawn to the area’s otherworldly landscapes, and once you set foot on the path, it’s easy to see why.
From Königstein to the Bastei: A Walk Through a Masterpiece
We began our journey in Königstein, a town famous for its hilltop fortress, and followed the Painter’s Way towards the iconic Bastei Bridge - a dramatic stone bridge nestled among towering rock formations.
Each day we averaged around 16 to 18 kilometers, moving at a steady but relaxed pace. The weather was ideal - cool enough to keep us comfortable, with plenty of sun lighting up the forests and cliffs. From the top of the sandstone spires, we soaked in sweeping views of the Elbe River and the rolling hills beyond.
There’s something surreal about walking between these ancient rock formations, then stumbling upon a perfectly preserved castle or a charming village that feels lifted from a storybook.
Side Trails and Sweet Wine
After the Bastei, we added a few extra steps to our adventure. We detoured to visit the Moritzburg Castle, a fairytale-like baroque palace mirrored in a tranquil lake. We also wandered along the wine route to Bad Wackerbarth, passing terraced vineyards that have been cultivated for centuries. We even took an old tram and a steam train, which felt like a journey back in time. It wasn’t all hills and stone paths - there was also wine, laughter, and plenty of good food.
More Than Just the Hike
What made this trip truly special wasn’t just the trail - it was the people walking it. Our group has covered a lot of ground together, but the Painter’s Way gave us something new: steep climbs, sure, but also quiet forest trails, lookout points with postcard-worthy views, and moments where we’d stop mid-step just to say, “Wow.”
We shared memories of past hikes around Sydney and added new ones to our collection. We caught up on life, told stories, teased each other about blisters, and paused often - not because we were tired, but because you can’t rush something this beautiful.
A Place Worth Discovering
Many people don’t associate Germany with hiking. They might think of Berlin’s buzz or Bavaria’s beer halls - but Saxon Switzerland is a different world. It’s a region steeped in history, with castles, monasteries, and stone staircases that have existed for centuries. It sits in the state of Saxony, bordering the Czech Republic, and forms part of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains, a geological formation that continues into Bohemian Switzerland on the Czech side.
The area is home to one of the oldest national parks in Germany, established in 1990 to preserve its unique landscape. And while it’s popular with local hikers and German tourists, it’s still a hidden gem for international walkers.
If you're someone who enjoys walking holidays, scenic views, and exploring places that still feel authentic and untouched - this is a trail worth adding to your list.
What We Took With Us
As we wrapped up our journey, there was a shared feeling among the group: we want to do more. This hike reminded us not just of why we walk, but how important it is to keep exploring - both the world and our friendships.
So if you’re looking for your next hiking destination - something a little off the beaten track, full of culture, history, and jaw-dropping natural beauty. You might come for the cliffs and castles, but you’ll leave with something more: that quiet sense of awe that only comes from walking through a place that time hasn’t quite touched.
