Waltersdorf loop

The hike leads from Waltersdorf first a short section on Liliensteinstraße towards Lilienstein. If interested, you can extend the route slightly and visit the Lilienstein (with restaurant) with its beautiful views. If not, just before the forest, at the restaurant "Zum Alten Hansjörg," we turn right into the Lottersteig. It now goes downhill through the forest almost to Elbe level. Below, we turn right into the Kottesteig and hike to the Rathen steamer landing stage. This is actually the center of the spa town of Rathen, since the opposite shore with the train station also belongs to it. Both parts of the town are connected by a ferry. This ferry is a special feature, as it is a cable ferry (on a cable fixed on the right bank of the Elbe). It therefore does not need a motor to cross the river!

In Rathen, you will find probably the highest density of restaurants and also tourists. Another highlight of the town is the rock stage near the Amselsee. The world-famous Bastei does not belong to Rathen but to the neighboring town of Lohmen. You can get from Rathen up through the Schwedenlöcher and enjoy a wonderful panoramic view from the viewing platform.

For the time being, we stay in the valley and continue from the Elbe riverbank to the Amselsee and from here steeply uphill to the Lokomotive (access to the climbing rock). Climbers and hikers have a great view here towards the Bastei.

Afterwards, we hike on the Knotenweg and the Füllhölzelweg (over the Ziegenrücken with road) down into the Polenztal, past the Waltersdorf mill. From here, the ascent towards Waltersdorf soon begins.

(c) The hiking description is the property of the Elbsandsteingebirge publishing house