Hockstein-Polenztal circuit

This tour starts in the spa town of Rathen. From the ferry, walk a short distance into the town and turn left at Amselgrundschlösschen in the direction of Amselgrund. In Amselgrund, you pass the staircase to the Rathen rock stage, Amselsee lake, Amselfall and on to Rathewalde. Incidentally, this route runs parallel to the Malerweg from Amselgrund to Polenztal. The markings/signposting of the Malerweg are therefore a very good guide along this section. Once you arrive in Rathewalde, the trail runs to the right up the road at the small village pond and after leaving the village, the trail continues parallel to the road towards the Hockstein parking lot. After crossing the Teufelsbrücke bridge, Hohnstein can be seen from the Hockstein on the other side of the Polenztal valley. You descend into the Polenztal valley via steps through the narrow Wolfsschlucht gorge and follow the Polenztal valley for approx. 30 minutes. A signpost then points to the turn-off to Rathen. From here, the Füllhölzelweg trail leads back to Rathen.