Time travel to the 19th century: Napoleonschanze and Gautschgrotte

The starting point is the Eiche parking lot or bus stop in Hohnstein. We walk past the playground, down into the town, and past the town hall, turning left (following the signs for the Gautschgrotte). The small road leads into the forest, and we now hike along the green line and slash (educational trail sign). The trail continues along the rocks at almost the same height. After a few minutes, we take a detour to the left to the Gautschgrotte.

The Gautschgrotte is one of the most famous layered caves in Saxon Switzerland. It owes its name to Karl Gautsch, who fought for democratic rights during the German Revolution of 1848/1849. The revolt was suppressed by the military in 1849. Karl Gautsch was sentenced to 20 years in prison for his participation in the uprising.

We continue our hike back from the detour to the grotto. Later, as the area widens out a bit, we discover the Thieves' Cave on the left.

We hike slightly uphill and keep right at the next fork in the path (green line). After a while, we reach an intersection marked with a red line. We follow this marking for a short distance to the left/straight ahead and turn right at the next intersection (green line and diagonal green line). Soon, a wide, unmarked path branches off to the left. We turn onto it and continue hiking. We cross a wide hiking trail, pass the Waldborn stream, cross Brandstraße (wide forest path with a blue line), and hike slightly uphill to the edge of the forest. Here we reach a path (green line) and turn left. We continue along the edge of the forest, then turn right (following the signs) across a meadow to the Napoleonschanze.

The Napoleonschanze (Schanzenberg) is an artificial earthwork up to 4 meters high, which had to be built under the most difficult conditions in 1813 by the residents of the Hohnstein-Lohmen district to secure the Napoleon Road from the Königstein Fortress to Stolpen Castle. One day after its completion, the French army took up position. Costly battles followed on both sides. After Austria allied itself with the Russians and Prussians against the French and Saxon troops in August 1813, Napoleon's defeat was sealed with the Battle of Leipzig.

After visiting this historic site, we continue walking downhill (green line), pass the outdoor swimming pool, and keep left when we reach the road.

The tour is suitable for children and dogs.

How to get there by public transport:
Take the S1 to Pirna, then take bus 237 (towards Sebnitz) to Eiche, Hohnstein.

Arriving by car:
Parking is available on the roadside or at the Eiche parking lot (day ticket: €5) in Hohnstein.