Climbing
Saxon Switzerland has a long held reputation of being a true paradise for climbers. Today, as in the past, the sandstone cliffs continue to attract many climbers. In winter, the climbers can retreat to the indoor climbing arena. Even the youngest have indoor playgrounds.
Something that only the real climbing enthusiasts know: the concept of “free climbing” originated in Saxon Switzerland. The soft sandstone and the natural rock structures enable climbers to practice their sport without using any aids. Ropes, rings and carabineers help to ensure the safety of the climber, but the actual climbing is accomplished only through the climber’s strength and skill.
The climbers in the Elbsandsteingebirge are very aware of the ecological issues involved in climbing. The unique landscape of the Elbsandsteingebirge should be protected and preserved.
Climbing guides for various regions in Saxon Switzerland are available in book stores. These books cover more than 1,100 peaks that can be climbed and ca. 14,000 climbing routes.
The Sächsischer Bergsteigerbund e.V. (Saxon Mountain Climbing Association), together with the Deutscher Alpenverein (German Alpine Association), has put out a catalogue of climbing do’s and don’ts. These can be downloaded at the site of the Elbsandsteingebirge-Verlag.
Those who want to avoid the multitude of climbers in Saxon Switzerland or those who prefer a climbing area closer to the city can try out the stone quarries or the mountains that can be found around Dresden, Pirna and Meißen. A suitable place to go, for example, is the stone quarry “Lößnitzgrund” in Radebeul or the “Hummelstein” in Lockwitzgrund.
Smaller objects to climb can be found south of the River Elbe in Freiberg, Dippoldiswalde and in the Müglitztal valley.
How to get there by bus, tram or train
Indoor climbing
The indoor climbing hall in Dresden can be used to practice climbing in any weather. This super-sized multifunctional hall has a huge climbing wall which can be used with or without supervision. Even competitions are carried out on this wall.
Young climbing enthusiasts that are too young to try the climbing wall can train their strength and agility at an indoor playground. That is the fun way for them to improve their fitness and coordination. For activities of this kind, why not try “kidsplanet” in Dresden or “Remmi-Demmi-Kinderland” in Bannewitz.