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Hiking trail recommended route

On the Pfaffenstein with Needle Eye & Sacrificial Cauldron

· 7 reviews · Hiking trail · Saxon Switzerland
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  • Photo: Tourismusverband Sächsische Schweiz
The ascent to the Pfaffenstein can be done easily with children from the age of four, but even parents will feel the ups and downs in their bones afterwards. But the tour rewards them with fantastic views and a detour to the famous Barbarine.
moderate
Distance 3.6 km
1:46 h
294 m
294 m
417 m
260 m
Start at the car park at the foot of the Pfaffenstein. A straight path leads uphill from here to the foot of the rock. There it is a sweaty path up via the "Nadelöhr". (Those who like it easier, however, can also opt for the comfortable ascent along the right. However, the many stairs and steps of the eye of the needle are better suited for an ascent than a descent).

At the top, after a short break, you should turn left at the next junction, where the breathtaking view of the Gohrisch and the Papststein awaits. Back on the main trail, continue until you reach a turnoff that leads to the "Opferkessel", a cauldron-shaped depression that was probably formed during the last Ice Age. Here again a wonderful panorama reveals itself.

Back on the hiking trail, the route continues to the inn on the Pfaffenstein with its observation tower. There you can take a break and enjoy the delicious food and drinks on offer.

Thanks to good signposting, the path to the Barbarine is easy to find from this cosy resting place. After numerous steps and a dark crevice, the view opens up to the "Stone Virgin". Now walk back in the direction of the inn and then turn left at the first junction, down the gorge path. It finally leads back to the starting point.

All in all, a moderately difficult circular hike, very varied with wonderful panoramic views.

Author’s recommendation

This hike is also well suited for hiking with children.
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Author
Tourismusverband Sächsische Schweiz
Update: May 31, 2023
Difficulty
moderate
Technique
Stamina
Experience
Landscape
Highest point
417 m
Lowest point
260 m
Best time of year
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
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Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
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Dec

Track types

Dirt road 17.38%Path 71.85%Unknown 10.75%
Dirt road
0.6 km
Path
2.6 km
Unknown
0.4 km
Show elevation profile

Safety information

Please note: in the Saxon Switzerland National Park, only marked trails may be used in the core zone! Fines may be imposed for violations.

Trail markings

Tips and hints

Tourist info Königstein:
+ 49 (0) 35021 68261

Start

Coordinates:
DD
50.905597, 14.081578
DMS
50°54'20.1"N 14°04'53.7"E
UTM
33U 435424 5639728
w3w 
///twinkles.sharpened.minimally

Turn-by-turn directions

Difficulty: medium (with numerous stairs and steps)

Public transport

Arrival/departure:

S-Bahn S1 to Königstein, continue with bus 244 a to Pfaffendorf, village centre or with bus 244 only to Gohrisch and continue on foot along the Malerweg (approx. 40 min.)

Coordinates

DD
50.905597, 14.081578
DMS
50°54'20.1"N 14°04'53.7"E
UTM
33U 435424 5639728
w3w 
///twinkles.sharpened.minimally
Arrival by train, car, foot or bike

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Rating

5.0
(7)
Joerg Maedler
September 29, 2021 · Community
Schöne klassische Halbtagestour- typisch für die Sächsische Schweiz. Wandertour mit Stiegen.
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When did you do this route? September 29, 2021
Martin Wähnert 
January 12, 2021 · Community
Super Wanderung für eine kleine Runde am Nachmittag!
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Barbarine
Photo: Martin Wähnert, Community
Martin Wähnert 
January 12, 2021 · Community
Super Rundwanderung für eine kleinen Ausflug am Nachmittag.
Show more
Barbarine
Photo: Martin Wähnert, Community
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Photos from others

+ 5

Reviews
Difficulty
moderate
Distance
3.6 km
Duration
1:46 h
Ascent
294 m
Descent
294 m
Highest point
417 m
Lowest point
260 m
Circular route Scenic Refreshment stops available Family-friendly Geological highlights

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