Hiking with four paws on the Malerweg

1st stage ( approx. 11,5 km / 4 hrs.) From Liebethal (Pirna) to Stadt Wehlen
This stage of the Malerweg should be easily manageable with a dog.

2nd stage (approx. 13.8 km / 5.5 hrs.) From Stadt Wehlen to Hohnstein
Bypass the Wolf Gorge via the Hohnstein nature trail.

3rd stage (14.0 km / 5.5 hrs. )From Hohnstein to Altendorf This stage of the Malerweg is also unproblematic with a dog.

4th stage (19 km / 7.5 hrs.) From Altendorf to Neumannmühle
From Altendorf you descend through the Dorfbachklamm and take the turnoff to the left. This allows for a comfortable hike to the Ostrau mill. The Malerweg leads uphill via the Mühlweg and the Bauweg onto the Elbleitenweg into the Schrammsteine. The Jägersteig ascent is bypassed via the Elbleitenweg and Zeughausweg. The end of the stage is the Lichtenhainer waterfall with connection point to the Kirnitzschtalbahn.

5th stage (13.6 km / 7 hours) From Neumannmühle to Schmilka
Hiking with dog is possible on this stage.

6th stage (17.6 km / 7 hrs.) From Schmilka to the spa town of Gohrisch
Also on the 6th stage there are difficulties for the four-legged companion only on the Gohrischstein. To avoid the iron ladders it is recommended to bypass Gohrisch, which is possible in both directions.

7th stage (17.3 km / 6.5 hrs.) From the spa town of Gohrisch to Weißig
From the spa town of Gohrisch, the Muselweg, the Jagdsteig, the Königsweg and the Alte Schulweg lead hiking enthusiasts to Pfaffendorf. In order to climb the Paffenstein, an alternative to the "Nadelöhr" ascent should be chosen at this point. Arrived on the Pfaffenstein, man and dog are offered a view of the legendary Barbarine, a landmark of Saxon Switzerland. In the direction of Quirl, you can descend via the Klammweg. On the northeast side of the Quirl there is a large accessible cave, called Diebeshöhle, which is worth exploring. Via the nearby Latzweg you reach the foot of the Königstein Fortress, which is worth a visit even with a dog, but you should then allow enough time.

8th stage (13.6 km / 5 hours) From Weißig to Pirna
On the last stage of the Malerweg, the massif of the Rauenstein can be bypassed on the forest road. This way you will reach Wehlen-Pötzscha and Naundorf. In the center of Naundorf, the Malerweg leads to the Königsnase over former quarries and on to Obervogelgesang. At this point you can board the suburban train. From there follow the Elberadweg in the direction of Pirna, then turn right to join the Canalettoweg, which leads to the town center of Pirna.

Please note: in the Saxon Switzerland National Park, only marked trails may be used in the core zone! Fines may be imposed for violations.

Trail markings

Arrival/departure: varies depending on the stage but central points of contact are:   Pirna : is to be reached with S-Bahn S1Pirna train station is 2 min. walk to the ZOB (bus station) from there are numerous bus routes