Kirnitzschtal: Mills, Tram and Sandstone

The Kirnitzschtal’s rich range of attractions is shaped by its history of transport, old milling technology and striking sandstone formations. The Kirnitzschtal tram has been running since 1898, the Flößersteig trail tells the story of the former log rafting trade, and places such as the Kuhstall showcase the shapes of the sandstone.

Travelling on the historic tram

The Kirnitzschtal tram has been in operation since 1898, carrying hikers, tourists and spa guests to their destinations. It is Germany’s only tram that enters a national park. In Kirnitzschtal, a long history of transport is thus linked to a unique tram route. When planning your stay, you can consider the tram, buses and hikes as different ways of getting around.

Bus and/or the Kirnitzschtal tram are recommended for arriving and departing; there are only a few parking spaces in Kirnitzschtal. This is also a practical consideration when choosing accommodation: think about which trips you would like to take and which means of transport you will need. There is a direct connection to Lichtenhain Waterfall by bus route 241 and the Kirnitzschtal tram; from the stop, it is about a three-minute walk. Check transport connections by season if you are planning this trip.

Mills and traces of the rafting trade

The approximately 13-kilometre Flößersteig trail runs through Kirnitzschtal from the mouth of the Kirnitzsch to Neumannmühle. Information boards along the route tell the story of the rafting trade. Sections of the Flößersteig can be incorporated into circular hikes in the national park. The trail is intended for experienced hikers: some sections are very narrow, exposed and difficult to walk, and conditions also depend on the weather. Bear this level of difficulty in mind when planning a hike.

The mills also tell the story of the valley. Neumannmühle is the only mill in Kirnitzschtal that has largely retained its original form. Its older section was a board mill with a single-blade saw frame. It has remained almost unchanged since the mill was founded and is at least 450 years old. One technical feature is its breastshot waterwheel, which has a diameter of 4.80 metres.

The Buschmühle’s grain and saw mills have been unused since 1992, but are still intact; the Buschmühle was first mentioned in a document in 1592. The Felsenmühle has a different role: for over 100 years, it has been a popular place to stop for refreshments in Kirnitzschtal. Together, these places illustrate different aspects of regional history—from working with wood and water to taking a break along the way.

Rock formations and a choice of routes

The Kuhstall on the Neuer Wildenstein lies above Kirnitzschtal. This natural sandstone arch is about 11 metres high, 17 metres wide and 24 metres deep. The so-called Himmelsleiter (Ladder to Heaven) passes through a narrow rock crevice on the way to a viewing platform overlooking the Bärenfangwände and the surrounding rocky landscape; metal steps lead up to the viewpoint. A more comfortable alternative takes you to the plateau, where there has been an inn since 1842.

The Kirnitzsch Gorge and the Obere Schleuse are also in the upper part of Kirnitzschtal, near Hinterhermsdorf. The boat trip at the Obere Schleuse in the nearby area is accessible only on foot—a key distinction when choosing excursions by how they can be reached. If you prefer cycling, consider the Sebnitz–Kirnitzschtal circular cycling route, which runs from Sebnitz into Kirnitzschtal and back.

Water, wildlife watching and events

Lichtenhain Waterfall is a historic water spectacle and one of the most traditional excursion destinations in Saxon Switzerland. It has attracted hikers, nature lovers and visitors seeking relaxation since the 19th century. Historically, when there was enough water in the reservoir, the weir was opened, causing Lichtenhain Creek to roar loudly for a short time. With a little patience and luck, you may also spot a white-throated dipper in Kirnitzschtal. It is the only songbird that can dive in flowing water.

The Kirnitzschtal Festival is held annually in Kirnitzschtal. If you would like to plan your stay around it, check the dates for the relevant year. The festival, hiking, interest in the mills and rock formations each offer different possibilities for planning a trip: consider which experiences matter most to you, and take your arrival and the routes to your chosen destinations into account when choosing accommodation.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Wilsdruff, Rabenau, Rathmannsdorf, Hohnstein, Heidenau, Pirna, Liebstadt and Stolpen.

Back to the main travel guide: Saxon Switzerland.