Travel time
Whether in the mild April sun or on a clear day in January: The Malerweg Trail is always amazing and almost always accessible.
What is the best season for hiking on the Malerweg Trail?
The Elbe Sandstone Mountains and its nicest hiking trail are enchanting at any time of the year. In springtime, fresh greenery and vast carpets of blooming spring snowflakes are a great attraction. In summer, the deep valleys and gorges serve as refreshing oases. Autumn brings golden light and magic foliage. And in winter the whole area lies in heavenly peace.
The weather permits hiking almost always, provided suitable clothing is worn. Only in case of high snow or icy conditions or after heavy rainfalls you should postpone your hiking experience. No matter what, don’t forget to look at the weather forecast when preparing for your trip.
Is it necessary to book accommodations in advance on the Malerweg Trail?
From campsites to five-star hotels, there are many first-class accommodations of all categories along the Malerweg Trail. Many of them are especially equipped to welcome Malerweg hikers and offer services such as single night stays, packed lunches and luggage transport.
Often you can find a good place to stay overnight even at short notice.
However, in the main hiking season in June and September as well as during holidays or long weekends you should book early. To find out about suitable accommodations, you can contact free of charge the information and booking service of the Saxon Switzerland Tourist Association at
fon.: +49 3501470147.
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The Malerweg trail in winter
Accessibility in winter on the Malerweg trail depends on the weather conditions. The highest elevation on the trail is called the Großer Winterberg – Big Winterberg Mountain. But whatever the name suggests, at an altitude of 556 meters, snow in winter is not necessarily guaranteed. As a rough-and-ready rule you can be quite sure to find snow on the Malerweg trail if large areas of Germany are covered in snow, too.
Basically, all marked trails in Saxon Switzerland are accessible throughout the year. But you have to be careful in case of deep snow, snowdrifts and black ice. Special equipment such as shoe spikes, hiking boots, backpacks etc. is rented out by the Bad Schandau Aktivzentrum.
>>Winter in the Saxon Switzerland