Saxon Switzerland National Park is such an underrated area in Germany and the Kuhstall Hike is one of its most impressive trails.
With stunning views of the Elbe river and Sandstone Mountains along with fairytale stone formations – this is not a hike you want to miss!
Whether you’re a good hiker or just looking for a scenic outdoor experience, this guide will cover everything you need to know to explore Kuhstall and its surrounding wonders.
The Kuhstall Hike Information
Length: 4.8 km
Elevation gain: 208 m
Route type: Loop
Difficulty: light/moderate
Time: 1 h 35 min
See more info about the trail here
As a moderate hike, the Kuhstall Loop is well marked and takes you to the second-largest natural arch in Saxon Switzerland National Park.
I started the hike from “Parkplatz Lichtenhainer Wasserfall”. I did not hike the loop but opted to start from the same starting point and hiked back and forth.
Be aware that doing this you will have a 150m elevation climb all the way to Kuhstall (about a 20 min. steady walk upwards).
Parking close to the Kuhstall Hike Starting Point
I parked at “Parkplatz Lichtenhainer Wasserfall” which cost €1,5 per hour or you can get a full-day ticket (until 10pm as camping is not allowed) which cost €7. For campervans every hour cost €5 with a max. Limit of 3 hours parking total. You won’t find parking spaces in this area any cheaper!
I was the only car here at 8am but around 10.30am the carpark was almost full.
A little further down the road (50.9274, 14.2408) there’s 2-3 free parking spaces after a small intersection right on the street, before the next parking ban (pay attention to the signs). If you get here early you might be lucky to get one of the spots.
How to get to trail by public transportation
Kurnitzschtalbahn (Kurnitzschtal tram) is the main way to get to 9 different starting points of the trails in Saxon Switzerland National Park. The route runs from Bad Schandau along the Kirnitzsch River to Lichtenhainer Wasserfall. If you’re staying in Bad Schandau the tram is the most convenient way to get to Kuhstall.
A one-way ticket is €7 and a day-ticket is €10. The “Gästekarte mobil” and the Deutschland-Ticket are valid on the Kirnitzschtalbahn.
See timetables here
When to do the Kuhstall hike
You can hike the Kuhstall hike all year around but it’s nicest during the warm months of spring, summer, or early fall.
Since the hike involves several staircases and steep sections, I recommend keeping an eye on the weather forecast to not be caught in muddy conditions.
In general the mornings are generally quieter, so starting the hike early will allow you to enjoy most Saxon Switzerland before it gets busier later in the day. I started the hike at 8am, and had the trail and Kuhstall all to myself in July all until 9.30am – so go early!
Other Hikes in the Area
Saxon Switzerland is home to several other remarkable hikes, so if you’re looking for more adventures, here are a few popular options:
Idagrotte
A moderate-level trail leads from Kuhstall to Idagrotte, a cave that offers panoramic views over Saxon Switzerland National Park. The journey includes stair climbs and rock scrambles, making it perfect for hikers who enjoy a bit of a challenge. The entire loop, including Idagrotte, extends the hike by an additional 4-6 km.
Schrammsteine Loop Hike
One of the park’s most famous hikes, the Schrammsteine Loop, is a more advanced hike. This loop spans 15 km and involves some steep sections, including metal ladders and railings for climbing. BUT your efforts are greatly rewarded with jaw-dropping views of the Elbe Valley.
Bastei Bridge
The Bastei Bridge hike is perfect if you don’t want to or can’t do a long trek, but still crave the iconic views of Saxon Switzerland National Park. This 3 km trail leads you to the famous sandstone bridge perched high above the Elbe River.
Be aware that Bastei Bridge is the most famous sight in the national park and it gets very busy during the season.
Where to stay close to the Kuhstall trail?
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