What you should know
Condition of trails
„I didn’t want to look at this, it’s too dreadful, always one rock taller and deeper than the other…” Ysop Lafleur (1798)
Nowadays it’s not as wild as in Lafleur’s time. But most of the trails are not wide and flat and are not provided with guardrails.
Height differences of several hundred meters with steep inclines are not uncommon. Sometimes you will suddenly find yourself confronted by a ladder or a long flight of steps. We will choose the hiking trail best suited to the group.
Weather
In winter some of the trails are not accessible, it is too dangerous for walking in snowy and icy conditions. In the deep gorges the ice remains for a longer period, sometimes until April. If it is stormy you should not enter the forest. In the national park area there are some very old trees and branches can easily break off. If it is raining, you should not climb because the sandstone becomes very slippery and fragile.
Equipment
You should wear comfortable clothes and shoes, to suit the weather conditions. Please be aware that from time to time clothes can get dirty and even damaged.
You are responsible for your own belongings and you should carry enough to eat and drink. Don’t forget sun protection if necessary. Please note, there won’t be restaurants everywhere, and drinking water can be difficult to find.
Mobiles
In parts of Saxon Switzerland close to the Czech border, as well as in Bohemian Switzerland, you can access the Czech telephone network. In some gorges you won’t have any mobile access.
Liability
Hiking in the Saxon Switzerland can be dangerous:
falling rocks
falling trees or branches
demanding trails, where you have to watch your step
