Steina: Hilly Countryside and Hiking Routes

Steina lies in a hilly low mountain landscape; the town’s landmark is the Schwedenstein. Two hikes of different lengths lead from Steina to other named stops: one goes via Pulsnitz to the Schwedenstein, while the other goes via Möhrsdorf and Gersdorf. When planning, you can take both the route length and the destinations along the way into account.

Landscape and Orientation

Steina lies within the Westlausitz Landscape Protection Area and has a hilly, low mountain character. The protected area and the terrain give the town a distinctive landscape setting. The two hikes offer a practical way to combine your stay with an excursion. Both start in Steina, pass through other stops and return to Steina. At around 8 and 9 kilometres respectively, they give you an initial idea of the distances; they also differ in their waypoints.

The Schwedenstein as a Landmark

The Schwedenstein is a way point on the approximately 8-kilometre hike via Pulsnitz and back to Steina. With an observation tower, an excursion restaurant and accommodation, it brings together three different facilities. The accommodation at the Schwedenstein therefore provides a specific starting point for looking for a place to stay in Steina. If you plan to visit the accommodation or one of the facilities, check the latest details about services and opening hours in advance; facilities can change over time.

Two Hikes, Different Stops

The approximately 8-kilometre Steina–Pulsnitz–Schwedenstein–Steina hike leads from Steina to Pulsnitz. There, the route connects Steina with the museum and gingerbread workshop before continuing to the Schwedenstein and returning to Steina. The sequence of stops thus combines Pulsnitz’s museum and gingerbread workshop with Steina’s landmark in one tour.

The approximately 9-kilometre Steina–Möhrsdorf–Gersdorf–Steina hike passes the Haustein quarry and a diving school. Based on the approximate distances, it is around one kilometre longer than the route via Pulsnitz; the stops mentioned also differ. You therefore have two specific points of comparison when choosing: the approximate distance and the places or facilities along each tour. Check local trail conditions and access information before setting off. The operation of the facilities mentioned may also change.

In the Wider Bautzen District Destination

The wider Bautzen District destination has other distinct route profiles. The Northern Bautzen Tour is a 43.1-kilometre cycle route from Bautzen via Quatitz, Großdubrau, Milkel, Klix and Malschwitz and back to Bautzen. It passes through the heath and pond landscape and along the nature trail in Crosta. Its considerably longer distance and named stages make it a different kind of excursion from the hikes that start and end in Steina.

The Mountain and Valley Route is a regional circular tour through the Westlausitz hills in Bautzen District. The Krabat Cycle Route is also a regional circular tour, following in the footsteps of the Sorbian legendary hero Krabat through Bautzen District. The two routes add different themes to the regional picture: the landscape of the Westlausitz hills and the Krabat legend.

The Central Germany Route is a long-distance cycle route from Zittau to Aachen; one section runs through the Upper Lusatian Highlands in Bautzen District. The Spree Cycle Route runs from its source in Upper Lusatia to Berlin. Its section from Taubenheim to Zerre lies in Bautzen District. The sections and endpoints mentioned give these two routes a broader regional scope than the circular routes in Steina.

Culture is also part of getting your bearings in Bautzen District: the strongholds of Upper Lusatian Carnival in the district are the towns of Schirgiswalde and Wittichenau. Alongside the landscapes and routes, these are two specific places associated with the region’s culture.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Crostwitz, Neschwitz, Königsbrück, Großpostwitz/Oberlausitz, Großdubrau, Bretnig-Hauswalde, Laußnitz, Lichtenberg.

Back to the main travel overview: Bautzen District.