Discover Struppen: Elbe Valley, Rock Formations and History

The main settlement of Struppen lies in a broad valley on the left bank of the Elbe; the slopes rise gently towards the surrounding heights. Struppen is also part of the Saxon Switzerland Landscape Protection Area. Views across the valley, rock-climbing destinations and historic sites give the municipality several different facets that can be combined when planning a trip.

Rock-climbing destinations, hiking trails and cycling

There are 27 climbing peaks in the municipality of Struppen, with routes of varying difficulty. In the village of Naundorf, there are more than 20 climbing peaks with routes of all difficulty levels. This range offers a practical point of reference when comparing climbing destinations for your travel group. Hikes also offer a variety of landscapes: trails from Naundorf climb the Großer and Kleiner Bärenstein, and the ridge trail to the Rauenstein begins there.

The Rauenstein ridge trail crosses bridges and stairways and ends at the Rauenstein mountain inn. You can reach the trail by train via Wehlen station; follow the yellow waymarks towards Rathen. For a different viewpoint, a marked trail approaching Struppen from Obervogelgesang passes an old millstone and viewpoints looking towards the Eastern Ore Mountains and Dresden. The “Pilz” viewpoint offers a view into the Elbe Valley from a trail leading from Obervogelgesang.

Hiking the Painters’ Way, climbing and cycling are among the activities Struppen highlights. The Moldau-Elbe Cycle Route passes through the village of Strand. This lets you plan separately for walking tours, climbing destinations and a cycling route, rather than combining them into a single route.

Church, history and Struppen Castle

Struppen Church is considered the oldest church in Saxon Switzerland. Its organ was built in 1668 and enlarged in 1736. The village’s history also goes back a long way: an armistice was signed in Struppen on 16 October 1756. Wilhelm Leberecht Götzinger was born in Struppen in 1758 and wrote books about Saxon Switzerland. The church, organ and Götzinger’s regional history topics offer different points of interest for the cultural part of your trip.

Struppen Castle can be visited during public events, exhibitions and guided tours, or by prior appointment. The ballroom is considered a venue for events, celebrations and exhibitions; the programme and access arrangements may change. Check in advance which visiting options are available.

Getting around and finding accommodation

Guests staying overnight in Struppen receive the Gästekarte mobil from their hosts. It is valid for public transport journeys in the VVO fare zones of Pirna (70), Bad Gottleuba (71), Bad Schandau (72) and Neustadt (73). During your stay, you can also use the Kirnitzschtalbahn without an additional ticket. This information may be relevant when planning your transport and choosing accommodation. Check the current conditions before travelling.

In the district of Sächsische Schweiz-Osterzgebirge

In the wider travel destination of the district of Sächsische Schweiz-Osterzgebirge, Saxon Switzerland National Park is the only national park in Saxony and Germany’s only rocky national park. The Elbe Cycle Route runs for 40 kilometres through Saxon Switzerland. The Painters’ Way is a hiking-only trail and cannot be explored by bicycle or e-bike. These regional highlights complement the specific trails and destinations in Struppen with further ideas for planning a trip in the area.

Discover more destinations: Altenberg, Gohrisch, Schmiedeberg, Bad Gottleuba-Berggießhübel, Rabenau, Glashütte, Bahretal, Bad Schandau.

Go to the wider travel overview: Saxon Switzerland.