When it comes to the fascination of water, many photographers share a passion.  Small streams offer particularly exciting opportunities for unique photos. The picturesque course of the Wesenitz river in Liebethaler Grund can be the start of the Malerweg photo series. The best photos here are taken with a tripod, low iso value and long exposure time.

Even in winter, the moss in the narrow cool rock gorges shines out as a photo subject. The Uttewalder Grund with its mystical rock gate, old gnarled trees, ferns and lichens is a photographic feast for the eyes not only in detail but also in the overall impression. You can count on light incidence for special effects here at midday or in the cold season.

The Bastei is not only the most traditional of all photo locations in Saxon Switzerland. With its many vantage points, it is also one of the most rewarding. The stone Bastei Bridge is also a magnificent motif in itself. It can be photographed particularly well from the neighbouring Ferdinandstein in the morning hours.

The Polenz Valley itself is a feast for the eyes with an infinite wealth of motifs for photographers. The Malerweg only crosses this valley briefly before you walk up the Schindergraben to Hohnstein. Here you come across the Bärengarten below the castle. In the 17th century, wild animals were kept here for the elector's hunt. The old walls are still preserved and enjoy photogenic popularity.

The Brandaussicht is said to be the second most beautiful view in Saxon Switzerland. Admittedly, the breathtaking view can hardly be captured in a photo. Tip: To the left of the Brandbaude, a small path leads to another view that makes a good subject with climbing rocks in the foreground. Especially recommended in the morning, when misty vapour rises from the forests.

Immediately after passing the national park village of Waitzdorf, you come across romantic views with gentle glimpses of the landscape. Especially in autumn or spring afternoons, not only the landscape but also one or two benches are worth a photo. Occasionally, you are lucky to take a photo of foggy clouds or a beautiful evening atmosphere.

At the end of the third stage, a convenient short detour to the Adamsberg is worthwhile. The landscape, like something out of a fantasy film, makes a photographer's heart beat faster. Particularly in spring, different shades of green and yellow compete with each other. Crowned by the Königstein Fortress and the Lilienstein, this photo spot is especially beautiful to photograph from the afternoon onwards. After a summer rain, there are also special motifs in the direction of the Schrammsteine and Falkenstein. A telephoto lens can be very useful here.

The Schrammsteine are in many ways a highlight on the 4th stage of the Malerweg. You can lose yourself up here in the abundant pictorial compositions. No matter what time of day or season: spectacular photos are taken here without pause. On public holidays or weekends, it can get crowded on the narrow vista.

The detour to the viewpoint on the Carolafelsen is not only worthwhile from a photographic point of view. The phenomenal view towards the Falkenstein and the Schrammsteine is worth every bit on the memory card. Photographers from near and far like to make a pilgrimage here at sunset. Maybe you'll be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the dancing mist after a brief summer rain shower.

The former rock castle Wildenstein makes a photographer's heart beat faster. Kuhstall, Himmelsleiter, Schneiderloch sound promising and they are! Here you are quite independent of the seasons and time of day, and in autumn there is the added bonus of the colouring of the leaves.

Rock gates with a panoramic view are particularly charming motifs in Saxon Switzerland. Next to the famous Kuhstall, the second largest can be found in the Kirnitzschtal: the Kleinsteinhöhle. A short branch leads from the 5th Malerweg stage to this photo location. You can also keep your camera ready for the climb to the vantage point above the cave.

There are few places on the Malerweg where you have such a good view of the Elbe valley as from the Kipphorn viewpoint. To get here, you need to make a 15-minute detour. The sensational panoramic view is a spectacle, especially when the sun sets. From here you also have a wonderful view of the Bohemian Switzerland and the Tafelberge on the other side of the Elbe.

Sunset and sunrise can be classically photographed from the Papststein. Various views and even the Bergbaude are ideal for this. But it is also photographically interesting in winter at blue hour, when you set your sights on the historic mountain inn or the Advent star.

The Gohrisch table mountain stands in the middle of the "realm of stones". It is an area with a particularly high amount of table mountains south of the Elbe. As many as six of the strange formations come together here to form a spectacular panorama. This makes Gohrisch one of the most popular photo spots in Saxon Switzerland. With telephoto or wide-angle lens, at sunrise or sunset: perspectives and motifs are a dime a dozen here in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains.

The Pfaffenstein is said to have everything Saxon Switzerland has to offer combined in a very small space. Moss-covered narrow gorges, caves, ruins, potholes, lookout towers, bizarre rock needles and wonderful views, not to mention a historic mining lodge. There are almost no limits to the adventurous hunt for motifs.

Königstein Fortress, a striking landmark, likes to play itself into the foreground when looking for motifs in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. But even from the fortress's table mountain you have good positions to snap your favourite photo. The Friedrichsburg or the Hungerturm are very photogenic. When looking into the landscape, you can't help but focus on the Lilienstein. Whether you take a picture of the Elbe valley or the Elbe fog as an accessory is up to the weather.

The Rauenstein is located directly at the entrance to the last Malerweg stage. The elongated table mountain not far from the resort town of Rathen offers attractive views in all directions: of the Bastei with the Bastei Bridge, of the Lilienstein, and on a clear day even as far as the Ore Mountains. This spot is particularly predestined for sunrises. One more reason to set off early for the Malerweg hike.

Pirna's historic old town offers a wide range of architectural perspectives. The late-gothic Marienkirche, Sonnenstein Castle, the town museum in the former Dominican monastery or the market square, many things are as the court painter Bernardo Belotto called Canaletto once painted the town. Discover details such as the Devil's Notch, fountains or old doors with seating bays. We recommend the motif from the other side of the Elbe on Pirna.

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