Saxon Switzerland with the rooftop tent: Basteibrücke, Schwedenlöcher and quiet Elbe valleys

This is where your journey begins. Once the rooftop tent is loaded, you'll head south into the Elbe Sandstone Mountains.

A good spot to stretch your legs halfway there. In the sprawling Fürst-Pückler-Park, children can run off some energy on bridges and meadows before continuing on into the Elbe valley.

A family-friendly, peacefully located campsite in the narrow Kirnitzschtal valley, right beside the stream and surrounded by rock faces. An ideal base for the whole week, with simple facilities, a bread-roll delivery service and short distances to the hiking trailheads.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

Starting point for the climb up to the Basteibrücke. Level car park, just a few minutes from the first viewpoints.

The world-famous sandstone bridge spans dizzying heights between the rock spires above the Elbe valley. Children marvel at the steep drop down to the Elbe and the jagged towers all around; an absolute highlight of the trip.

Right next to the Bastei lies the region's largest rock castle, whose remains you explore via narrow walkways and steps between the rocks. For children, it's like a stone adventure with views of former dungeons and fortifications.

Hundreds of steps lead the path down through a narrow, moss-green rocky ravine into the Amselgrund. The tight passages and the cool, almost enchanted atmosphere make the descent especially exciting for children.

At the end of the walk lies the small reservoir in the Amselgrund, where you can hire rowing boats and rest your legs. A pleasant, peaceful finish before heading back.

One of the largest hilltop fortresses in Europe sits atop a table mountain high above the Elbe. Children can discover Saxony's deepest well, old cannons and sweeping views; the panoramic road around the walls is an experience in itself.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

A panoramic lift takes you comfortably from the car park up to the plateau. Handy if legs are still tired from the day before, and a highlight in its own right thanks to the view for the children.

The spa town on the Elbe invites you for a relaxed stroll and an ice cream. From the riverbank you can watch the historic paddle steamers go by, a peaceful way to end the day.

Starting point for the hike to the Schrammsteinaussicht. From here the path leads through the forest to the first rock formations.

Iron ladders, narrow stairways and rock clefts lead up to one of the finest viewpoints in the mountains. The climbing fun along the way delights children, and at the top a magnificent view awaits over a sea of sandstone towers.

The historic tram trundles gently through the green Kirnitzschtal valley to the Lichtenhainer Wasserfall. A relaxed ride that children enjoy after the hike.

A small, artificially dammed waterfall that's released every hour on the hour. A pleasant, easily reached starting point for the hike to the Kuhstall.

The second-largest rock gateway in Saxon Switzerland once served as a hideout and shelter for livestock. Via the narrow Himmelsleiter, a steep rocky cleft with an iron stairway, you climb up to the viewpoint above, great fun for children.

Back near the campsite, you can round off the walk with a refreshing foot bath and rest by the stream. A relaxed afternoon at the campsite to finish.

A compact table mountain with a spectacular summit plateau and the famous rock spire known as the Barbarine. The climb up via the Nadelöhr-Stiege is adventurous, and at the top sweeping views open up over the Elbe valley, a fine last highlight.

Return drive to Berlin. After one final walk, you'll head home at a relaxed pace in the afternoon.

See tickets on Tiqets(affiliate link)