You will remember your vacation in Saxony forever. Find information about via ferratas in our Travel Guide and be sure to add your own content by using our Route Planner to publish and share your best routes with others.
Maps and trails
The 10 most beautiful via ferratas in Saxony
Via Ferrata
· Elbe Sandstone Mountains
Hike and Via Ferrata: Häntzschelstiege, Carolafelsen, Wilde Hölle, and Zwillingsstiege
recommended route
Difficulty
BT3
moderate
9 km
5:15 h
560 m
560 m
From the parking lot, the route leads to the Häntzschelstiege (via ferrata), continues on to the Carolafelsen, descends through the Wilde Hölle, proceeds to the Zwillingsstiege, and then back through the Wilde Hölle to the parking lot.
Via Ferrata
· Saxon Switzerland
Häntzschelstiege descent via Wilde Hölle
recommended route
Difficulty
B
difficult
7.1 km
3:56 h
426 m
453 m
A short route for the Häntzschelstiege, the only true via ferrata in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. The route leads over paths and the via ferrata back to the starting point.
Via Ferrata
· Elbe Sandstone Mountains
Small via ferrata route to the Häntzschelstiege in Saxon Switzerland
recommended route
Difficulty
B
easy
5.7 km
3:00 h
315 m
315 m
Probably the only stairway in Saxon Switzerland that can also be called a via ferrata. The stairway was newly secured a few years ago and almost continuously has a stable steel cable to secure oneself.
Via Ferrata
· Elbe Sandstone Mountains
Small circular route to the Rübezahlstiege in Saxon Switzerland
recommended route
Difficulty
B
easy
5.7 km
3:00 h
347 m
347 m
The most difficult climbing path in Saxon Switzerland, the Rübezahlstiege, is the goal of this route. For the path, you should have some climbing experience, as the first meters must be climbed without protection.
Via Ferrata
· Saxon Switzerland
Schmilka terrace band and Stiegen
recommended route
Difficulty
moderate
9.4 km
5:45 h
589 m
588 m
Schmilka - Starke Stiege - Großvaterstuhl - Rotkehlchenstiege - middle terrace band - Holy Stiege - Zurückesteig - Rotkehlchenstiege - middle terrace band - Starke Stiege - Schmilka
Via Ferrata
· Upper Lusatia
Via Ferrata Alpine Ridge
recommended route
Difficulty
C
difficult
3.6 km
1:00 h
74 m
76 m
Beautiful but demanding via ferrata in the Zittau Mountains. The ascent is rewarded with a wonderful panoramic view over Oybin.
Freedom from dizziness and long arms/legs are very advantageous. Only for experienced climbers!
Via Ferrata
· The Ore Mountains
Via ferrata circular route near Wolkenstein
recommended route
Difficulty
B
moderate
4.7 km
4:00 h
236 m
236 m
Entertaining circular route between two via ferrata areas. The two sport via ferratas below Wolkenstein Castle are easy to climb with iron rungs and good footholds, whereas the classic routes in the Wolkensteiner Schweiz require more skill due to rock climbing. The difficulty on the seven short via ferratas ranges from B (moderate) to E (extreme).
Via Ferrata
· Saxon Switzerland
An adventurous climbing tour on the southern flank of the Saxon Elbe Sandstone Massif
recommended route
Difficulty
C
moderate
8.5 km
4:30 h
631 m
633 m
This tour follows four staircases and two terrace trails along the southern Elbe Sandstone Massif in Saxon Switzerland. Two of the staircases involve some scrambling on the way up, while the other two lead back down via stairs. The terrace trails connect the staircases and offer many beautiful views. Main trails are avoided as much as possible, so you’ll be almost alone on the trail. Caution: Both ascents require surefootedness and confidence on the rock! With some experience, equipment is usually not needed. The climbs are not suitable for beginners or children, and if they do attempt them, they should be belayed. There is no belay station for climbing sets, so belaying skills are required.
Via Ferrata
· Upper Lusatia
Via ferrata "Nonnensteig" - Jonsdorf, Germany
recommended route
Difficulty
B/C
moderate
0.5 km
0:17 h
52 m
7 m
Route from "02796 Jonsdorf, 02796 JonsdorfpoLauscheweg 11, 02796 Jonsdorf"
Via Ferrata
· Saxon Switzerland
Via ferrata circular route Bhf Smilka-Hirschmühle-Kl. Bastei-Rübezahlstiege-Lehnsteig
recommended route
Difficulty
C/D
moderate
9.3 km
4:40 h
658 m
662 m
Relatively short circular hike to the via ferrata "Rübelzahlstiege", with a ferry ride across the Elbe at the beginning. The outbound route goes via the "Kleine Bastei" and on the way back via the rocks "Märchenturm" and "Heringsgrundhorn", which offer a great view. Then it goes back to Schmilka via the "Lehnsteig", where the Schmilk'sche Mühle invites you to stop for a break before the ferry takes you back to the station.
The relatively short via ferrata has a level of C/D. At the beginning, a few meters of climbing must be overcome until the first metal clamp, so that not every "layman" goes on the via ferrata. For this reason, there is no signposting. A short half rope for belaying proves useful for beginners who want extra safety. There is no parallel steel cable for the via ferrata set, but you should have a via ferrata set to secure yourself to the clamps. Towards the end, you have to squeeze through a narrow hole. If necessary, the backpack must be taken off here. A great via ferrata!


