Hiking and rock: a week in Saxon Switzerland

This is where your trip begins. From Leipzig, you'll take the motorway towards Dresden and continue on into the Elbe Sandstone Mountains.

A small Elbe town with a marketplace right by the river, perfect for a first break with views of the sandstone slopes. It's also a good starting point later for tackling the Bastei. An ice cream café by the water gives you a lovely first taste of the region.

Bad Schandau is a good central base: the national park railway station, the Kirnitzschtalbahn and plenty of hiking trailheads are all within easy reach. Staying in a holiday flat here shortens the drive next morning to the Schrammsteine and the Malerweg. Look for a place with its own parking, which makes those early starts much easier.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

The starting point for the Schrammsteine, one of the most impressive rock massifs in Saxon Switzerland. The climb up via the Schrammsteinaussicht leads through narrow clefts in the rock and up ladders and steps. Perfect for sporty teenagers, though a good head for heights is needed.

A viewpoint high above the Elbe valley, looking out over the jagged rock towers and as far as the Lilienstein. The path there runs along secured steps and steel rungs, and is a real experience. If you start early, you'll have it almost to yourself.

The Basteibrücke, dating from the 19th century, spans between the sandstone rocks and offers one of the most famous views in Germany over the Elbe valley. Crowds during the day are enormous, so an early visit really pays off. For teenagers, the combination of height, rock and openness is impressive.

The remains of a medieval rock castle right next to the Bastei, with walkways and ladders through the clefts in the rock. The circuit explains how a fortification was once built into the sandstone here. A short but exciting detour combining history and rock.

A stretch of the famous Malerweg, which once inspired Romantic painters and is now considered one of the most beautiful hiking trails in Germany. From the Bastei, the route leads through gorges and past viewpoints down to the spa town of Rathen. Ideal for clocking up some proper hiking kilometres after visiting the bridge.

One of the largest hilltop fortresses in Europe sits on a table mountain high above the Elbe, and was never conquered. Ramparts, Saxony's deepest well, old barracks and a panoramic view over the whole of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains make the visit well worthwhile. A highlight of the week for history-loving families.

The freestanding table mountain of Lilienstein is the emblem of Saxon Switzerland, standing directly opposite Festung Königstein. The climb up steps and ladders leads to a summit plateau with panoramic views in every direction. A compact but rewarding trip for the afternoon.

This historic tram has been running through the narrow, wooded Kirnitzschtal valley to the Lichtenhainer Wasserfall since 1898. The open-air ride along the little river is an experience in itself and a great starting point for hikes. You can use it as a shuttle to reach the routes in the valley.

The Affensteine form a wild labyrinth of rock with narrow paths, ladders and superb views. The Idagrotte, a narrow rock ledge high up in the cliff face, is reached via an exposed, secured path and makes for a small adventure. Only attempt it if you're comfortable with heights and the rock is dry.

The second-largest natural rock arch in Saxon Switzerland is a huge passage with wide views into the Kirnitzschtal valley. A narrow set of steps called the Himmelsleiter leads up to a viewing platform on the Neuer Wildenstein. A spectacular spot that combines well with the Affensteine.

After the hiking days, a real contrast: Dresden, with its Frauenkirche, Zwinger and Semperoper, ranks among the most beautiful Baroque cities in Europe. The Fürstenzug and the Brühlsche Terrasse along the Elbe are easy to explore on foot. A relaxed day of strolling between art, cafés and river views.

The treasure chamber of the Saxon electors in the Residenzschloss houses an overwhelming collection of gold, gemstones and ivory. The tour through the sumptuous rooms is impressive and works well with teenagers. Timed-entry tickets are compulsory and should be booked in advance.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

A short but rewarding climb up one of the most beautiful table mountains, with all-round views over the Lilienstein, Königstein and the rocky landscape. At the top, there's a mountain inn for one last rest with a view. A fitting end to the week before heading home.

After this final viewpoint, your trip through Saxon Switzerland comes to an end. From here, you'll set off on the journey home.