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On the trail of the robber barons in the Kirnitzsch valley

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

On the trail of the robber barons in the Kirnitzsch valley

Hard

4.7

(305)

957

hikers

On the trail of the robber barons in the Kirnitzsch valley

02:35

8.92km

200m

Hiking

In the Middle Ages, one of the hiking destinations of this tour - the Arnstein - was defied by a fortification: wooden, relatively small, but arguably dangerous! From this nest of robber barons, trade routes were raided and villages plundered. Today, Arnstein Rock Castle, also known as the Ottendorfer Robbery…

by Nationalpark Sächsische Schweiz

Last updated: July 14, 2025

Tips

Includes segments that may be dangerous

Parts of this route comprise highly technical, difficult, or hazardous terrain. Specialist equipment and prior experience is required.

After 1.12 km for 4 m

After 1.23 km for 4 m

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

1.18 km

Arnstein Robber Castle Viewpoint

Highlight • Viewpoint

This branched climbing system leads over several floors to the lower and upper castle, where also the Arnstein cave can be visited.

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1.30 km

Arnstein Rock Passage and Staircase

Highlight • Gorge

The Arnstein Cave is located below the predatory castle and is worth discovering for small and large :-)
The path has been provided with metal clips and is therefore possible for everyone.

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1.39 km

Arnstein Ascent — Stairs

Highlight • Climb

Climbing stairs is healthy ^^ 😀

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1.99 km

View from Tägers Wonne

Highlight • Viewpoint

Tägers Wonne is according to local map illustrator of the vantage point and not the summit, as it unfortunately shows the Komoot card. At the summit there is nothing to …

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5.86 km

View over the Kirnitzschtal and the Schrammsteine from Kleinstein

Highlight • Viewpoint

A wonderful view over the Kirnitzschtal towards Schrammsteine. The stairs and stairs require surefootedness.

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5.98 km

Kleinstein Cave Viewpoint

Highlight • Cave

Little frequented but beautiful viewpoint above the Kleinstein cave.

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8.77 km

Buschmühle (Kirnitzsch Valley)

Highlight • Restaurant

A popular domicile for climbers with good food.

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8.92 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

4.16 km

3.07 km

1.31 km

164 m

120 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

4.10 km

3.69 km

756 m

170 m

120 m

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (370 m)

Lowest point (220 m)

Weather

Monday 13 July

27°C

16°C

83 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 17.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

October 16, 2022,Kleinsteinhöhle-Arnstein-Neumannmühle.

Originally we wanted to start at the Neumannmühle, well, the parking lot was so full at noon (we had to travel from home first) that we couldn't park there at all, so we drove a little further back into the Kirnitzschtal, where we could park quite relaxed and have adapted our hike to the new situation.

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May 24, 2026,Tour 25 - „Kleinstein und Arnstein“ - Kleinsteinhöhle - Kleinstein - Arnstein - Sturmbauers Eck (mit Hund unterwegs)

Tour 25 from the book „Wandern mit Hund - Elbsandsteingebirge“ (thalia.de/shop/home/artikeldetails/A1070234356).

A relaxed little round for today's temperatures.

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March 11, 2023,[Nationalpark Sächsische Schweiz] Auf den Spuren der Raubritter im Kirnitzschtal

After the weather on Friday was surprisingly good, despite other forecasts, we hoped for sunshine on Saturday as well. The first look out of the window taught us otherwise, snowstorm and it was cold too. So we had a hearty breakfast and prepared provisions for the hike.

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October 19, 2023,Nationalpark Sächsische Schweiz: Neumannsmühle im Kirnitzschtal - Arnstein - Kleinstein - Malerweg

Today, after the very heavy continuous rain of twine🌧🌧🌧, we went for a little walk in the Kirnitschtal this afternoon. Very beautiful paths, which were not always easy to walk due to the wetness, especially up to the Arnstein rock castle. Views from there or from the heights over the Kirnitschtal as well as from the wonderful Kleinstein with its …

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August 21, 2021,Geheimtipp: Rundwandertour zur Kleinsteinhöhle und Arnstein

A leisurely hiking tour on which we were traveling alone most of the time.

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October 24, 2025,Nationalpark Sächsische Kirnitschtal - Arnstein - Kleinstein

A wonderful little loop from 🅿️Stutmbauers Eck in good 🌬🌬 weather along the Malerweg with fantastic, colorful little corners of the Arnstein. The view was great today. Then we continued via Tägers Wonne up towards Saupsdorf and from there back with fantastic views of the Kleinstein and through the always fascinating cave 😊
😊

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May 15, 2022,von Saupsdorf zu Trägers Wonne und zum Kleinstein

Shot a nice round with the family from Saupsdorf today. I didn't personally know Trägers Delight and was planning to hike there anyway, today it was perfect and I can say a wonderful vantage point, truly a delight 😁👍. In addition to the two viewpoints, the Kleinstein also offers the spectacular cave 😉. Family loved it, so I did everything …

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May 3, 2023,Von Saupsdorf über die Kleinsteinhöhle auf den Arnstein

A very nice tour through the nature of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains.

Definitely not as busy as some other routes. We have eg. not met a single person or dog today (during the week) :)

If you want to climb the Kleinstein cave and the Arnstein, this is only possible without or with small dogs, which can be easily carried …

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October 19, 2020

In the Middle Ages, one of the hiking destinations of this tour - the Arnstein - was defied by a fortification: wooden, relatively small, but arguably dangerous! From this nest of robber barons, trade routes were raided and villages plundered. Today, Arnstein Rock Castle, also known as the Ottendorfer

Translated by Google •

April 4, 2022

The tour is suitable for children, but not for dogs due to the ladders on the Arnstein and very steep lattice stairs on the Kleinstein if they cannot be carried.
﻿
How to get there: by bus 241 (direction Hinterhermsdorf) from Bad Schandau national park station to Buschmühle, Ottendorf (Sebnitz). See also

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On the trail of the robber barons in the Kirnitzsch valley

Arnstein Robber Castle Viewpoint

Arnstein Rock Passage and Staircase

Arnstein Ascent — Stairs

View from Tägers Wonne

View over the Kirnitzschtal and the Schrammsteine from Kleinstein

Kleinstein Cave Viewpoint

Buschmühle (Kirnitzsch Valley)

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