You start your hike at Stadt Wehlen station in the district of Pötzscha. If you arrive by train from Dresden, first cross the tracks at the nearby level crossing. The ferry road then leads you directly to the picturesque Elbe promenade, which opens up to the ferry with a magnificent view of the river.
After the short crossing, a section of sandstone paving about 100 meters long awaits you on the other side of the Elbe. If you keep to the right, you will quickly get past it. As soon as you reach Mennickestraße, the path improves. In Stadt Wehlen and Rathen, there are a few short sections with sandstone paving to calm traffic (attention cyclists!) - a sign that gentle tourism is a top priority here. However, the majority of the route is asphalted and allows for relaxed progress.
A gentle, barely noticeable gradient (2-3%) leads you along the Elbe through Stadt Wehlen. At the edge of the town, the path turns into a promenade. This section is also part of the Elbe Cycle Path, which is why you will often meet cyclists along the way.
About one kilometer before Rathen, a beautiful rest area with a pavilion invites you to take a relaxing break. A little later, the landscape opens up and you can enjoy a fantastic view of the picturesque houses of the spa town. If you look up, you can already see the impressive sandstone cliffs of the Bastei on the left, majestically towering over the Elbe.
Once you arrive in Rathen, you have numerous opportunities to stop for refreshments. There are also cozy cafés and restaurants on the station side, which you can reach after a short ferry ride. From the ferry pier, keep to the right - the train station is then very easy to find. The S-Bahn will take you to the starting point of your tour.
