Your family vacation
in Saxon Switzerland
by STEIGER Hotels
Family-friendly hotels with lots of space, heart and nature!
Are you planning a family vacation in Saxon Switzerland? Then you’ve come to the right place at Steiger Hotels! Whether adventures in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains, swimming fun in the hotel pool or cozy evenings in a spacious family room – here you can enjoy real relaxation, pure nature and hospitable hotels with heart.
Our STEIGER HOTELS for families
Health resort Rathen
Spacious rooms with balcony, rustic restaurant and modern indoor wellness area with two pools, sauna and steam bath. Also ideal for families, thanks to apartments with several bedrooms.
Rathen
Zeitgeist Rathen
Design hotel directly on the Elbe – with a spacious indoor pool, sun deck, great lobby, stylish furnishing concept and restaurant.
Bad Schandau
by STEIGER Hotels
Modern aparthotel in the town center with spacious family apartments, separate bedrooms, outdoor pool and garden sauna. Ideal for flexible vacation days in the heart of Bad Schandau.
Sebnitz
Romantic hotel garni on the historic market square of Sebnitz. With indoor pool, sauna, steam bath – and ideal for a relaxing break for two.
Hohnstein
Located right next to the national park, with panoramic pool, green views, beautiful restaurant and sauna. Perfect for active families with a desire for nature and comfort.
Charming half-timbered house in an idyllic location. Outdoor pool, sauna, cozy family rooms – and the hiking trail starts right outside the door.
More space for you. Steiger Hotels rooms for families
Experience Saxon Switzerland
Family hiking in Saxon Switzerland
There’s no room for boredom here!
Little explorers, big views: Saxon Switzerland offers ideal hiking trails for families with children. Whether adventurous rock formations, fairytale gorges or leisurely paths with space to run around – every tour is an experience here.
Our recommendations for your family trip:
Upper lock circular route in Hinterhermsdorf
Comfortable, close to nature and with a special highlight: a romantic boat trip through the Kirnitzschklamm gorge – an adventure that will make children’s eyes light up!
Pfaffenstein with Barbarine
Exciting caves, small climbing sections and the famous rock needle make this route a real experience for schoolchildren.
Bastei tour from Stadt Wehlen
A classic with a wow effect: enjoy the view, marvel at nature and hike at the same time – a real hit for children too!
Cowshed & sky ladder at Lichtenhain waterfall
Start with the historic Kirnitzschtalbahn, through the forest to the “Kuhstall” and at the end dare a small test of courage on the sky ladder – perfect for families with a spirit of discovery.
Panorama trail Rathen (buggy-friendly!)
Ideal for small children or baby carriages. Wide paths, great views and plenty of opportunities for a picnic break.
Tip: Plan enough time for breaks, games and little discoveries along the way. This will turn every hike into a shared adventure with lasting memories.
After hiking?
In our family-friendly Steiger Hotels, cozy rooms, delicious food and pure relaxation await – perfect for little adventurers and big connoisseurs.
Hiking tours for advanced hikers
For all those who want to go higher.
Steep ascents, narrow crevices and sweeping panoramic views: Saxon Switzerland is an Eldorado for experienced hikers looking for something special. Challenging routes, some with steps and ladders, demand stamina and concentration – and reward you with breathtaking nature.
Our highlights for experienced hiking fans:
Affensteine & Carolafelsen
One of the most spectacular tours in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains! Over narrow paths and through wildly romantic gorges to the Carola Rock – with fantastic views over the rock labyrinth of the Schrammsteine.
Schrammsteine ridgeway
Only for sure-footed hikers with a head for heights! This via ferrata-like tour leads over iron ladders and secured paths directly along the ridge – including magnificent views.
Großer Winterberg & Kipphorn view
A physically demanding circular hike that impresses with its tranquillity, unspoilt nature and fabulous views of the Elbe valley. Ideal for nature lovers with stamina.
Wild Hell & Holy Stairs
The name says it all: narrow crevices, steep iron ladders and a real sense of adventure make this tour an exciting challenge – absolutely worthwhile!
Rauenstein circular trail with Swedish holes
A somewhat shorter but intensive tour with lots of steps, fantastic views and a partly alpine character – perfect as a half-day high-altitude trail.
Important:
These tours require sure-footedness, sturdy footwear and a good basic level of fitness. Please plan sufficient water, weather protection and, if necessary, a headlamp for early or late start times.
Tip:
After the tour, relaxing wellness areas, regional cuisine and a cool drink on the sun terrace await you at our Steiger Hotels – you’ve earned it!
Experience culture in Saxon Switzerland
Discover history, art & regional passion.
Between rocks and river valleys lies a cultural landscape full of surprises. Saxon Switzerland not only offers magnificent nature, but also deep insights into the history, art and tradition of the region. From ancient castles and opera house moments to small, lovingly run museums – this is a place where the heart of culture beats faster.
Our cultural highlights for your stay:
Königstein Fortress
One of the largest mountain fortresses in Europe towers high above the Elbe. Exciting exhibitions, underground casemates and a unique view make this place a must for all history enthusiasts.
Rathen rock stage
Theater in the open air – against a spectacular rocky backdrop! Whether opera, drama or a family play: the Felsenbühne enchants with its atmosphere and variety.
Richard Wagner sites in Graupa
Experience music history up close: In the composer’s former summer residence, you can immerse yourself in Wagner’s world and discover how his works were created in this landscape.
Arts and crafts & local culture
In the numerous small studios and workshops – from potters and wood carvers to glass blowers – the traditional crafts of the region live on. Authentic, regional, made with love.
Hohnstein Castle & National Park Center
Culture meets nature: Hohnstein Castle offers exciting insights into medieval regional history, while the National Park Center in Bad Schandau impressively explains natural phenomena – interactively and also exciting for children!
Tip:
Many cultural facilities in the region can be wonderfully combined with a hike or an excursion – ideal for a varied vacation!
Lean back & enjoy:
After a day full of impressions, our Steiger Hotels invite you to relax with comfort, good food and a warm atmosphere. Here, culture is also lived in the hotel – with hospitality, regionality and attention to detail.
Experiences for rainy days in Saxon Switzerland
Even if the sun takes a break – your vacation doesn’t have to! Saxon Switzerland has numerous weather-independent excursion destinations and activities to offer that provide variety even in rain, wind or snow. Perfect for families, culture fans or wellness enthusiasts.
Our bad weather tips:
🏰 Königstein Fortress (covered areas & museums)
A real highlight even when it rains: underground corridors, interactive exhibitions and impressive architecture make the visit worthwhile – with many areas protected from the weather.
🧖♀️ Wellness & relaxation at the Steiger Hotels
Into the warm water, out of the everyday gray: Our in-house pools, saunas and relaxation rooms invite you to switch off – without any time pressure.
🎨 Museums & Galleries
Whether it’s the Bad Schandau National Park Center, the Richard Wagner Museum or the Sebnitz Local History Museum – here you’ll find knowledge, art and history presented in a charming way.
🕵️♂️ Indoor adventure for children
Indoor play parks such as the “Kinderland Elldus” (Erzgebirge, approx. 1h) or the “Panorama Museum” with interactive stations offer plenty of space to run around and be amazed – even when it’s raining outside.
🍽 Regional delights & café culture
How about a relaxing afternoon in one of the cozy country cafés or a culinary excursion into Saxon cuisine? Our Steiger restaurants offer moments of pleasure with a view – even in the rain.
🎬 Cinema, indoor swimming pool & leisure pool
For classic rainy days: the Pirna Filmpalast, the “Mariba” family pool in Neustadt or the Toskana-Therme Bad Schandau. Ideal for relaxing and experiencing!
Good to know:
Many excursion destinations have weatherproof areas or offer special programs in rainy weather. We are happy to help with daily planning at our reception!
Tip: Deliberately treat yourself to a relaxing rainy day – with a good book, a massage or a warm piece of apple strudel.
Hiking with a dog in Saxon Switzerland
Paws on it – four-legged friends feel at home here!
Forest paths for sniffing, clear streams for cooling off and many routes away from the hustle and bustle: Saxon Switzerland is a dream for anyone who wants to discover nature with their dog. Whether it’s a leisurely stroll or a challenging day tour – here you will find many dog-friendly trails where both humans and animals can get their money’s worth.
Our dog-friendly hiking tips:
🐾 1st Polenztal circular route
Shady, quiet and with plenty of water to splash around in. The path through the romantic Polenztal valley is ideal for warm days – a real sniffers’ paradise!
Start: Parking lot Hockstein or Polenzmühle
Length: approx. 7 km
Special feature: Many stream entrances, no steep climbs
🐾 2. Hinterhermsdorf – rafting trail with dog
Comfortable classic walk with plenty of space, soft forest floor and little traffic. Ideal for older dogs or relaxed walks with a break in between.
Start: Parking lot Buchenparkhalle
Length: approx. 5 km
Special feature: Close to nature, little elevation gain, also suitable for small dogs
🐾 3rd Ebenheit – Rathmannsdorf panoramic route
Wonderful high trail with a wide view over the Elbe valley and a large radius of movement. There is plenty of space to run around (on a lead) – perfect for active dogs.
Start: Ebenheit hiking parking lot
Length: approx. 6-8 km depending on the variant
Special feature: Quiet, with country lanes & viewpoints
Good to know:
Leash obligation is compulsory in the entire national park area – please comply.
Dog waste bags & drinking water please carry them with you – not everywhere there are garbage cans or fountains.
Dog-friendly places to stop for refreshments can be found along many hiking trails – just ask at reception.
Dog-friendly accommodation?
Four-legged guests are also very welcome at our Steiger Hotels! Many rooms are equipped for dogs – with a short walk to the countryside and a bowl and blanket on request. Please just let us know when booking.
Vacation with a dog? No problem in Saxon Switzerland – just pure joie de vivre on four paws.
Hiking where it gets quiet. Marvel where hardly anyone is standing.
Saxon Switzerland is famous for its hotspots – but those who hike off the beaten track often discover the most magical places. Here we reveal our three favorite tours that not everyone knows (yet).
🌿 1st Kleiner Zschand & Thorwalder Walls
Wild, lonely, wonderfully enchanted
This quiet loop leads deep into the heart of the national park. Moss-covered paths, rustic forests and the mystical Goldsteig trail are what make this tour so appealing. Ideal for nature lovers looking for peace and quiet – and with a bit of luck, a black woodpecker.
Start: Parking lot Neumannmühle
Duration: approx. 3.5 h
Difficulty: Medium (long, but technically easy route)
🪨 2. Gohrisch & Papststein – off the beaten track
Two peaks – one tour – hardly any activity
Not unknown, but cleverly combined: If you start early or choose a side access, you will experience two fantastic panoramic mountains almost to yourself. Especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset!
Start: Cunnersdorf or Kleinhennersdorf (secret parking lot!)
Duration: approx. 2.5-3 h
Difficulty: Easy to medium (some stairs & roots)
🌾 3. Hinterhermsdorf – Rabensteine & Flößersteig
Postcard idyll and gentle silence
This tour combines gentle forest paths with views of the Kirnitzschtal valley and small, rarely frequented rest areas. Perfect for connoisseurs, photography fans and anyone looking for “real peace and quiet”.
Start: Town center Hinterhermsdorf
Duration: approx. 2 h
Difficulty: Easy (suitable for families)
Our tip:
Simply leave the beaten track – with a map, water and curiosity in your luggage. Those who are open to detours will be rewarded with special moments.
And afterwards?
Back at our Steiger Hotels, a well-deserved reward awaits: a regional dinner, a hot sauna and the best stories around the table.
