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Rathen to Rauensteine
By Magda Lehnert
Saxon Switzerland, Germany 
In addition to her work as a journalist, author and photographer, Magda Lehnert is the face behind the award-winning outdoor blog Wanderfolk. Together with her dog Timber and her VW bus Emma, she travels Europe, always enjoying it best where forests, mountains and wild water meet.
Route
This loop from Rathen is one of my favourites in Saxon Switzerland. It not only leads along the adventurous ridge path of the Rauensteine, but also to the romantic castle garden at Thürmsdorf Castle, the popular Adoratio chocolate factory and one of the most famous viewpoints in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. From the Biedermann Mausoleum, you can look directly across the Elbe loop to the iconic Lilienstein and Königstein Fortress. Look forward to wild rock scrambling, breathtaking views and perhaps the best iced chocolate you've ever tasted!
Follow The Route On ALLTRAILS >
4.30 hours without breaks
Care and surefootedness is necessary on this hike!
Pack light, the stairs are steep and it's much more fun to scramble the rocks.
Hiking Key
The Look
I got back to the car after the hike and forgot to change my shoes. I think that says it all.
Moab Speed 2
Field Notes:
This route really awakens your inner child! On the narrow, sandy ridge path on the Rauensteinen, there are hundreds of opportunities to climb onto rocks and into the gnarled pine trees. There are always ladders and steps up and down and you can hardly make any progress because a new "favourite spot" is waiting around every bend. And to make it perfect, the awakened child even gets sweets later on in a chocolate manufacture. Is this paradise?
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Good To Know
The starting point Rathen is easy to reach from Dresden by S-Bahn. If you are travelling by car, you will find an official hiking car park on the main road in the small village of Weißig.
"When hiking, I see more, I hear more, I am slow enough to touch the bushes, trees and rocks and, as a result, I feel more. "
When To Visit
A beautiful hike all year around, but the ridge path on the Rauensteine can get slippery in winter. The best experience you'll have is when Adoratio Chocolate Manufacture at the Castle in Thürmsdorf is open. If you want to try something local, order “Kalter Hund”.
Q&A:
Why did you start Wanderfolk?
To be honest, Wanderfolk was just an "accident" that started as an exercise while studying Journalism. But it wasn't long before I realised that Wanderfolk could be a path to freedom. 10 years on: with Wanderfolk I never feel like I'm working for a minute, even in a 65-hour week. I simply love inspiring other people and there are few better moments in my working life than when people write to me "You made me dare to walk the South West Coast Path" or "Hey Magda, since I read your last post, I always take my toilet paper out of the forest."
Why do you love hiking?
I love the slowness! With no other form of movement is it possible to perceive nature in all its richness and detail. When hiking, I see more, I hear more, I am slow enough to touch the bushes, trees and rocks and, as a result, I feel more. For me, hiking is simply the most intense way to experience nature.
What the one non-safety-essential always in your bag?
My camera. I'd never go without it.
3 favourite places to hike in Germany:
Saxon Switzerland, of course, my "home territory", the Lüneburg Heath and the northern Black Forest.
What words of encouragement do you have for someone looking to try hiking?
Nature doesn't judge. She doesn't care whether you walk fast or slow, 2 kilometres or 20. Hiking is not a workout like in the gym. It's not about performance, but solely about moving the way you like and enjoying being outdoors. So just grab your rucksack and your bff and just go out. The moment you enjoy walking in nature and become so curious that you want to go further, you've already found what everybody is talking about.
HIKING TIPS
- Be safe and plan your route ahead
- Be weather wise, check the forecast
- Take the correct clothing and provisions
- Check if dogs/ camping/ BBQs etc are allowed
- Take your litter with you
- Leave gates as you find them
- Have fun!