Hiking
Hiking enthusiasts will be thrilled with the entire VVO region. There are excellent hiking routes along the Elbe, in Saxon Switzerland and in the Osterzgebirge, not to mention the Saxon Wine Trail (Sächsischer Weinwanderweg) and the Tharandt Forest.
The bizarre sandstone formations through which the River Elbe winds its way in a multitude of curves and bends are the hallmark of the Saxon Switzerland landscape. The most impressive and certainly the most famous view of this landscape can be enjoyed from the top of the ”Bastei”. From here there is a romantic view of the river and a breathtaking view of the sandstone formations. Those who want to get away from all the other tourists can easily leave the beaten track and take one of the less frequented routes. Bohemian Switzerland is right next door and also a popular tourist attraction. The routes through Saxon Switzerland are all well marked and regularly controlled. Maps of the area are available at many locations along the routes.
The Osterzgebirge have just as much variety to offer people who are into hiking. The nature enthusiast will love the forests and high peaks. And those who prefer level ground can explore the Saxon Wine Trail (Sächsischer Weinwanderweg). The trail covers a total of about 90 km along the banks of the River Elbe between Pirna and Diesbar-Seußlitz. This trail goes past a lot of smaller and larger towns and villages, making it especially suitable for people who want to cover the walk in several stages.
Still more or less unknown among the tourists of this world is the Tharandt Forest to the south-west of Dresden. Ravines and valleys with gentle hill tops and rugged, rocky outcroppings fire the imagination. A very special way of discovering the area is by wandering along its historic postal routes.