No dog in the world needs to be denied the impressive landscape of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. Dogs are hiking fans. And just as each human hiker finds his or her ideal route in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains, there are lots of options for the four-legged friends to actively explore the area with their masters or mistresses and find well-earned relaxation together in one of the dog-friendly places to stay overnight at the end of the day.

However, you should well prepare such a tour to be safe when you explore nature together with your four-pawed friend. Primarily, it is essential to bring enough food and water for your dog. Leashes are compulsory in the National Park to prevent danger to passers-by and wildlife in the woods. Dogs can only be transported in buses and trains with a muzzle and leash.

However: In some places bridges, ladders and gratings must be overcome and in rough terrain it may be necessary to carry the dog. If the owners dare to do this, they will be rewarded with an unforgettable hiking experience. For more difficult stages of the Malerweg there are always alternatives that have also been tested for their suitability for dogs.   

Those who dare to overcome the one or other bridge, ladder or grating with their dog, if necessary even to carry him in rough terrain, can explore the Malerweg together with him. For more difficult stages of the Malerweg, there are good and easy alternatives that provide enough exercise as well as paw-friendly experiences and have been tested for their dog suitability.

1st stage (11.5 km / 4 hours)
From Liebethal (Pirna) to Stadt Wehlen
This stage of the Malerweg should be easily manageable with a dog.

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

3rd stage (14 km / 5.5 hrs.)
From Hohnstein to Altendorf
This stage of the Malerweg is also unproblematic with a dog.

Stage 4 (19 km / 7.5 hrs.)
From Altendorf to Neumannmühle
From Altendorf, descend through the Dorfbachklamm gorge (attention: detour) 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.

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

Stage 6 (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 ascent "Nadelöhr" should be chosen at this point. Once on the Pfaffenstein, the master / mistress and dog have 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 can reach the foot of the Königstein Fortress, which is also worth a visit with a dog, but then you should plan a little more time. On the old fortress road and the Kanonenweg it goes via Thürmsdorf to Weißig, where the bus line 243 (Pirna-Königstein) can be used.

Stage 8 (13.6 km / 5 hrs.)
From Weißig to Pirna
On the last stage of the Malerweg, the massif of the Rauenstein can be bypassed on the forest path. This takes you to 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.

Even away from the Malerweg, the Elbe Sandstone Mountains offer countless opportunities for four-legged friends and their owners to let off steam and experience the breathtaking landscape. A variety of other hiking suggestions can be found in the barrier-free section, because here are many step-free hiking tours described in detail.