This week's wanderlust-inducing Walk of the Week is set in Germany's Elbe valley. An area that was popularised in the first half of the 19th century by the artists of Germany's Romantic School such as Caspar David Friedrich. The Saxon & Bohemian Switzerland walking tour is an 7 night adventure into the heart of the area's unique topography. 

[caption id="attachment_21164" align="aligncenter" width="900"] Looking Down the Elbe River from Bastei[/caption]

In a Nutshell

Where? Perhaps the most captivating area in eastern Germany, the Elbe Valley sits to the south east of the city of Dresden on the border with the Czech Republic. The area became known as Saxon Switzerland thanks to a pair of Swiss artists who, whilst walking amongst the sandstone outcrops, began to refer to the area as Sächsische Schweiz in their letters home. The area's second and less used name is Elbsandsteingebirge or Elbe Sandstone Mountains and although less inspired is much more indicative of what the place is all about. The tour starts and ends in the unofficial capital of Saxon Switzerland, Bad Schandau, a spa town that dates back to the 14th century which is located on the edge of the Saxon Switzerland National park. Distance? 83 km split over 6 days of walking. Grade? Easy to moderate. The average daily distance is 14 km, with a maximum daily distance of 18 km. [caption id="attachment_21167" align="aligncenter" width="900"] The Pravčická Brána, Europe's Largest Natural Arch[/caption]

Why Walk Here?

• The unique landscape is as inspiring today as it was at the height of Germany's romantic movement in the 19th century. The astounding sandstone formations including columns and tabletop mountains are interspersed amongst river landscapes, thick forests, and imposing castles and fortresses that give an indication of the region's turbulent history.
• See Saxon & Bohemian Switzerland's famous rock formations including the Barbarine needle, Bastei, and the largest natural rock arch in Europe the Pravčická Brána.
• This tour provides the perfect opportunity for a city break in the cultural city of Dresden (40 km from Bad Schandau) or the romantic city of Prague (140 km). Get in touch or enquire now to find out how we can customise your trip.

[caption id="attachment_21165" align="aligncenter" width="900"] The Barbarine Needle, One Many Rock Formations in the Area[/caption]

Planning and Preparation

The Saxon and Bohemian Switzerland tour is available from April to October and includes 7 nights accommodation in 3 star hotels and guesthouses, 7 breakfasts, luggage transfers, return rail travel from Krippen to Schona, 24/7 emergency support, maps, detailed route notes, and an information pack.

The #Bastei . I'm in love. #Germany #saxonswitzerlandnationalpark #wanderlust #macsadventure thank you, @macsadventure !!

A photo posted by Bri Denise (@msbri14) on Aug 15, 2016 at 9:15am PDT

Getting to Saxon Switzerland

Bad Schandau is perched right on the edge of the Saxon Switzerland National Park, in the Elbe sandstone mountains. Just 6km from the Czech border. By Air Dresden, Prague, or Berlin Airports are gateway hubs into this part of Germany, and are served by a variety of low cost and international airlines. By Train Intercity trains are available from the cities’ main train stations to Bad Schandau; Berlin (2hr50, direct service), Prague (1hr40, direct service) and a local service is available from Dresden (30-45 mins, direct service). The train station in Bad Schandau is a short ferry ride across the river from the town. More information can be found at www.bahn.co.uk or contact us to arrange tickets. [caption id="attachment_21166" align="aligncenter" width="900"] Dresden, Worth Visiting[/caption]

If you have any queries about the Saxon and Bohemian Switzerland tour or how to go about combining the tour with a trip to Dresden or Prague, do not hesitate in contacting a member of the team on info@macsadventure.com.