Heaven and hell

Our hike begins at the "Nasser Grund" car park in the Kirnitzschtal valley. In the past, there was a historic sandstone bridge here at Nasser Grund. This was to be blown up together with the rock formations down the valley in the last days of the Second World War to make the advance of the Red Army more difficult. Fortunately, it was not blown up, but the bridge was replaced by the current structure in 1950 due to its low load-bearing capacity.

We walk slightly uphill along the wide path through the Nassen Grund. At the first junction, we leave the Eulentilke behind us and continue straight ahead. Later, the Jordanweg branches off to the left (signposted, without coloured markings), which we follow. At the next fork and the one after that, we follow the yellow line signposts towards Kleiner Dom - Großer Winterberg. After the partly steep ascent in the Kleiner Dom, we keep left at the next fork in the path at the top. We continue to follow the yellow line markings in the direction of Schmilka - Großer Winterberg. We turn left at the next fork. At the next crossroads, we continue straight ahead and take the next left towards Reitsteig. From now on, we follow the signs for "Carolafelsen" (Carola rock). A short detour takes us to the panoramic view from the Carolafelsen, which offers a unique view of the cathedral, the Schrammsteine, Falkenstein and even the Left Elbe Table Mountains!

Back from the viewpoint, we keep to the left. The descent leads us into the Wilde Hölle (Wild Hell). This wild and romantic gorge lives up to its name! Iron clamps have been attached to difficult passages to make it accessible, even for hikers. Nevertheless, increased attention, a head for heights and surefootedness are required - especially in wet weather.

We reach the Nassen Grund again through the Eulentilke, one of Saxon Switzerland's many grounds, keep to the right and hike back into the Kirnitzschtal valley to our starting point.