Saxony crowns the Caspar-David-Friedrich-Weg as the most beautiful hiking trail!

Saxony crowns the Caspar-David-Friedrich-Weg as the most beautiful hiking trail!

The Caspar-David-Friedrich-Weg made it and was voted “Germany’s most beautiful hiking trail 2025”. In the hiking magazine's election, in which over 45,000 hiking enthusiasts took part, this impressive hiking trail received over 6,000 votes, which corresponds to a share of 16.2% in the “one-day tours” category. You were spoiled for choice on more than 100 hiking routes. What is known by name is that the path is 15 kilometers long and runs through picturesque Saxon Switzerland and combines art, history and nature. Radio Dresden reports.

Known for its breathtaking landscapes, Saxon Switzerland offers hikers not only impressive views but also a deeper connection to the art of the great Romantic artist Caspar David Friedrich. The painter spent a few weeks in Krippen in 1813 and often refers to the majestic rocks and seams of this region in his works. The path runs below the Imperial Crown in Schöna and connects important places that are closely linked to Friedrich's life. Here he gathered inspiration for his works, including the famous painting “Wanderer above the Sea of ​​Fog”.

A path full of history and beauty

The Caspar-David-Friedrich-Weg starts in the idyllic village of Krippen and takes hikers along the Mittelhangweg to Schöna. On the way there are breathtaking panoramic views, for example from the Wolfsberg of the striking Schrammsteine ​​and the Zirkelstein. A special feature are the 12 information boards along the route, which illustrate Friedrich's impressive drawings and his view of nature, taking hikers on an artistic journey of discovery.

The route was extensively revised and modernized last year. Not only was the route improved, but the signage and information boards were also brought up to date. This initiative was part of the celebrations for the “250 Years of Caspar David Friedrich” anniversary and received support from various local actors, including the municipalities of Bad Schandau and Reinhardtsdorf-Schöna as well as the national park and forest administration and the Saxon Switzerland Tourism Association.

Cultural and scenic highlights

Saxon Switzerland is considered one of the most impressive landscapes, which has also inspired other artists and nature lovers. Its mysterious and spiritual atmosphere has influenced painting and artistic creation. Caspar David Friedrich, as one of the main representatives of Romanticism, often discussed the connection between humans and nature in his pictures, which can be impressively demonstrated on this hiking trail. Saxon Switzerland highlights how this region combines creativity and nature in a special harmony.

In the “multi-day tours” category, the Erzgebirge-Vogtland ridge trail took third place, but the victory of the Caspar-David-Friedrich-Weg is a significant success and the first for a Saxon trail in this competition since 2007. The combination of cultural destinations, natural paths and local history makes the hiking trail unique. It is a real insider tip for hikers and nature lovers who want to experience not only the beauty of the landscape, but also the history of Romanticism. The most beautiful hiking trails have brought this path to the fore and named it one of the best hiking trails in Germany.