S axon Switzerland is known as one of Germany's most beautiful areas for hiking. Rock climbers appreciate the many climbing possibilities this rockscape is providing
But hiking and free climbing are not the only activities to make your holidays here in the Elbe sandstone mountains a memorable experience.
Sporty people can find cycling routes with phantastic panorama, from the gentle (relatively flat) Elberadweg (cycleway along the river Elbe) through quiet forest tracks in Far Saxon Switzerland (Hintere Sächsische Schweiz) to steep ascents that will make you sweat and are followed by rapid descents.
A multitude of castles and palaces offers the less sporty and historically interested many opportunities for beautiful excursions with - partly - stunning vistas across the surrounding landscape.
The river Elbe that gave the mountains it's name facilitates a completely different view of the impressive rock formation: either comfortably onboard of one of the historic paddle steamers or physically more demanding on a canoe tour. At the Obere Schleuse (upper sluice) near Hinterhermsdorf on the other hand, you can get rowed through a wild, romantic gorge without having to lift a finger.
A visit of Small Saxon Switzerland (Kleine Sächsische Schweiz) provides a certain 'overview' and the Nationalparkhaus in Bad Schandau informs visitors about the national park.
Weather permitting a visit at the Felsenbühne Rathen - an open air theatre set in the rocks - is a must. Every year a range of plays are performed on this natural stage amidst the Elbe sandstone
Also, in Rathen - opened in 2007 - there is Germany's largest garden model railway installation.
In case the weather isn't that nice you still don't have to sit in your room. Many museums are worth a visit (not only) on rainy days. The fun baths of the region are just as independent from bad weather as are the indoor climbing halls.
A trip with the Kirnitzschtalbahn through romantic Kirnitzschtal isn't just a must for historic tram enthusiasts. It also saves, very practically, quite some kilometres walking during a hike.
The Urzeitpark in Sebnitz provides a view far back into history and at the Hochseilgarten (tightrope garden) you can test your own physical abilities.

Not so far is the way to the bowling lane here in Lichtenhain and even closer lies our own play ground where you can play bowls, softball or badminton.
For a pleasant evening you can use our own barbecue corner.
If you like to pass the time on a rainy day playing sudoku and just cannot find the solution then have a look at my (simple) sudoku cheater.