The Malerweg, also known as the “Painters’ Path”, is one of the most picturesque long-distance walking trails in Germany. This historic route winds through the beautiful Saxon Switzerland National Park, located close to the city of Dresden. The path owes its name to the numerous artists who, since the 18th century, have been inspired by the breathtaking landscape. We had never heard of this walking trail until the Malerweg was once again selected as one of the three most beautiful long-distance walking routes in Germany in 2023. Intrigued by this award, we decided to investigate for ourselves in September. In one week, we walked all eight stages. Curious about our final verdict, our tips and our walking adventures? Read on for our experiences with the Malerweg.
The centuries-old popularity of the Malerweg
The Malerweg has a rich history dating back to the Romantic period. In the 18th and 19th centuries, many artists travelled to this area to capture the impressive rock formations, deep gorges and panoramic views. The landscape of Saxon Switzerland perfectly matched the aesthetic ideal of that time. It combined what artists then considered the “sublime” and the “beautiful”.
Their paintings brought fame to the region and contributed to the development of tourism in the area. But after the flourishing period in the Romantic era, the route fell somewhat into oblivion. It wasn’t until the 20th century that attempts were made to revive the historic route, located north of the Elbe. Subsequently, the tourism board also created a route south of the Elbe. Only in 2006 did the Malerweg become the long-distance walking trail as we know it today.
The route of the Malerweg
The Malerweg begins in Pirna-Liebethal, located less than 30 kilometres southeast of Dresden. The route then runs through the Saxon Switzerland National Park north of the Elbe to the Czech border. Via five table mountains south of the Elbe, you then walk back to Pirna.
In total, the walking route is 116 kilometres long, divided into eight stages. During the journey, you climb about 3,500 metres in elevation. Although some parts of the path are challenging, with steep stairs and narrow rock passages, the route is generally accessible. For walkers with reasonable fitness and some experience, this eight-day journey through Saxon Switzerland is absolutely doable.
Although each stage is unique, all stages offer impressive rock formations, panoramic views, small waterfalls and mountain streams, and beautiful mixed forests. Additionally, at every stage you have views of the Königstein: one of the largest mountain fortresses in Europe. Furthermore, during the long-distance walk, you can expect historic villages, castles, idyllic-looking meadows with peacefully grazing cattle, many fellow walkers and cosy guesthouses.
Eight stages in less than eight days
To walk the complete Malerweg, you need at least ten days. Namely, eight days for the walk itself and the remaining two days to travel to and from Dresden. Never been to Dresden before? Then our advice is to make it even twelve days. After all, the baroque city of Dresden is well worth a city break.
However, the eight stages of the Malerweg can also be completed in fewer than eight days. It is an option for well-trained walkers who want to complete the entire journey without having to use many holiday days. But the savings in holiday days certainly don’t come free. Walking the Malerweg is not comparable to walking through hilly terrain. It’s not even comparable to a hut-to-hut tour in the Alps. The climbs and descents are steep, which means a walking kilometre takes more time. Additionally, you should definitely plan some time for several highlights along the route. For example, you can easily spend several hours in the mountain fortress of Königstein.
Our advice
In our overconfidence, we did the Malerweg in five days. And to be honest, we wouldn’t recommend this to anyone. We could take our rest moments at viewpoints, for instance. But to be showered and in the restaurant on time for dinner afterwards, we had to maintain a brisk pace. And a longer lunch, or a refreshing drink on the terrace afterwards, was out of the question. For that reason, we advise you to walk just one stage per day. Don’t have eight days to walk the stages? Then consider walking them in seven days if you are well-trained. Another option is to skip some stages or parts of stages.
Our walking adventure in Saxon Switzerland
In the coming period, we will describe our experiences here for each stage. Therefore, regularly return to this blog to read how we fared during the multi-day walking tour.
We also give you practical tips for each stage. For example, about nice eateries or pleasant places to stay overnight. Or how to travel to the start or end point of the stage if you want to skip a part.
Stage 1 of the Malerweg
The first stage of the Malerweg begins in Pirna-Liebethal and leads through an enchanting landscape to Stadt Wehlen. The route winds through old town centres, lush forests and along majestic sandstone rock formations. In this walking...
FAQs about the Malerweg
The Malerweg is a famous walking route in the German state of Saxony, specifically in the area known as Saxon Switzerland (Sächsische Schweiz). This route is approximately 116 kilometres long and is often considered one of the most beautiful walking routes in Germany.
The Malerweg is located in the German state of Saxony, just southeast of Dresden. The route follows the River Elbe to the border with the Czech Republic.
Depending on where you're coming from, you'll first fly to Dresden. Or you can take the train to this city. Rent a car in Dresden. Then, from Dresden, take the B172 to Pirna, the starting point of the Malerweg. You can park your car for about 35 to 40 euros per week. More information about parking.
A more comfortable way to travel to the starting point of the Malerweg is by public transport. From Dresden, you take the S-Bahn (line S1) to Pirna and then the bus to the starting point which is just outside Pirna.
The best season to walk the Malerweg is from April to October. In April and May, you have pleasant, not too warm weather, blooming nature, and less crowding than in summer. From June to August, it is delightfully warm and the days are long. However, it is busiest during that period, especially at popular places such as the Bastei. In September and October, you have beautiful autumn colours, pleasant temperatures, and less crowding than in summer. Walking in winter, finally, is possible, but snowfall can make paths impassable.
We recommend going in spring or autumn. This is because of the good balance between the weather, nature and visitor numbers. Do keep in mind that the weather in these seasons can be changeable, so good rain gear is recommended.
There is no freely downloadable route description of the Malerweg available. However, you can purchase walking guides (in German) and maps online. Additionally, a GPX file is available for free.
The route is fully waymarked with the inscription "Malerweg" or just an "M" (black on a white background). Getting lost is virtually impossible, as long as you pay attention to the waymarking. Nevertheless, we ourselves found it helpful to also have the GPX file on hand.
There is sufficient accommodation to be found along the route. The advice is to book early because you are definitely not the only walker on this popular long-distance walking trail. Tips for accommodations can be found with the individual stages at the bottom of this blog. Incidentally, most walkers we spoke to during our walking tour booked their accommodations through a travel organisation that also provide baggage service if desired.
Along the Malerweg, there are various opportunities to eat and drink. The route is well-equipped with eateries, often in the form of traditional guesthouses, pensions and hotels. Many of these accommodations have their own restaurant or bar, where you can enjoy a meal or refreshment. You will find them in the villages and towns along the route, but also at well-known viewpoints, such as the Bastei.
Many eateries along the Malerweg are certified as "Wanderfreundlich am Malerweg". These often offer special services for walkers, such as packed lunches.
It is advisable to always take some food and drink with you, especially on the more remote parts of the route. Not all stages have the same number of facilities, so it is wise to plan in advance where you want to stop for lunch, for example.
For the Malerweg, a reasonable to good walking fitness is desirable, but it is not necessary to be an experienced mountain walker. Here are some points to consider:
- Length and duration: the complete Malerweg is about 116 km long, divided into 8 stages. This means you walk an average of 14-15 km per day if you want to complete the entire route.
- Terrain: the route contains both flat sections and steep climbs. There are rock formations, stairs, and narrow paths that require some agility.
- Elevation differences: although Saxon Switzerland is not high mountains, there are significant elevation differences. The route regularly goes up and down, which can be physically challenging.
- Flexibility: you can adapt the route to your own pace and fitness. It is possible to shorten stages, insert rest days, or skip certain parts.
- Equipment: good walking shoes and comfortable clothing are essential, regardless of your fitness level.
We walked the complete Malerweg at the invitation of TMGS (Tourismus Marketing Gesellschaft Sachsen) and Tourismusverband Sächsische Schweiz. We have independently and objectively compiled the content of this blog based on our own impressions.
