What Is Sächsische Schweiz National Park?
Saxony’s only national park, Sächsische Schweiz, or “Saxon Switzerland,” protects the ancient forests and towering limestone needles along the Elbe River, not to mention the castle ruins on top of said stone needles!
What Makes It Beautiful?
It’s easy to see how Romantic painters were inspired by this landscape! Even in gloomy April weather, the enormous rock spires, rising up from the thick forest below, are majestic, even mystical! You can see for miles down the Elbe River Valley from the top, and from below, there is a deep woodland and a lake where you can see the spires reflected as you paddle along!
How Can I #HelpTheHelpers?
- Pay the entrance fee to help maintain trails, signs, structures, and other visitor services!
- Volunteer at Sächsische Schweiz National Park!
- Donate to Europarc Deutschland!
- Be a responsible visitor! Remember the old adages: Pack out what you pack in! Take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but footprints!
How Do I Get There?
You can get here via Deutsche Bahn railway, but if you want to go by car, take the A17 highway 13km south from Dresden, then take the B172 east 18km. From there, go 4.4km east on Kirnitzschtalstraße, and you will see signs directing you to parking! From the Parkplatz, you take a shuttle into the park!
(Take Me There!)
When Should I Visit the Park?
The Germans are hardy folk, so it can be crowded even in winter! I was there in April, and it was cold and gloomy. I imagine it would be super lovely on an early autumn morning!
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