Bad Schandau

Bad Schandau is a spa town in Germany, in the Sächsische Schweiz-Osterzgebirge district of Saxony. It is situated on the right bank of the Elbe, at the mouth of the valley of the Kirnitzsch and in the area often described as Saxon Switzerland. Wikipedia.
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Bad Schandau Trip Planner

Bad Schandau Trip Planner

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Top attractions in Bad Schandau

Elbe Sandstone Mountains
1. Elbe Sandstone Mountains
4.7
(249)
Mountain range
Nature & Parks
Expansive mountain range with diverse terrain, offering climbing routes, trails & a health resort.
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Very nice place to visit, since the nature is so beautiful. It's a peacrful stressfree naturepaek to go visit in germany and chech republic
Beautifull! You need see nice in the life. There are so many people. I’m not good in german so would be better to read all things in english as well.
Best place for hiking.
The Elbe Sandstone Mountains are in Gemany, not the Tsjech Republic. I was there last year and can really recommend it, its absolutely beautiful. We went by bicycle from Dresden, and back again but my honest opinion is that I would rather take the boat next time as this was way too much cycling for me. But it enabled me to see all the villages on the way. Dresden is such a beautiful city
The Elbe Sandstone Mountains are a wonder of nature — towering cliffs, labyrinthine rock formations, and endless views that seem sculpted by both time and imagination. Their rugged geometry is softened by forests that stretch endlessly, painting the landscape in shades of green. Every trail feels like a journey into a fairytale, with breathtaking vistas at every turn. What makes the experience even more magical is the presence of crystal-clear spring water. Flowing from the depths of these ancient rocks, the springs are pure, refreshing, and invigorating — nature’s own elixir for weary hikers. Taking a sip feels like drinking in the mountains themselves, a reminder of their timeless vitality. The Elbe Sandstone Mountains are more than scenery; they are a living, breathing masterpiece where stone, forest, and water come together in harmony. A destination that refreshes both body and spirit.
Toskana Therme Bad Schandau
2. Toskana Therme Bad Schandau
3.9
(5429)
Thermal baths
Spas & Wellness
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We hesitated due to mixed reviews but were positively surprised. We went at 8pm so it was not crowded and kids were out. Bathrooms didn’t smell. Sauna area was lovely and the sound pool relaxing and fun. Outdoor pool had great views. We will visit again!
A so-so experience, we ended up only visiting the pool side so not worth the money for us. The sauna world ended up a disappointment, it would be good to state on the website that bathing suits are not allowed in the sauna world (that would have affected at least our decision whether to visit this spa at all) and that a towel is required in the saunas (you may not want to sweat on the only towel that you brought with you). There was no information about this (at least in English) at the reception either so that we would've known to rent extra towels (for the steep price of 7€ + 10€ deposit). The pools were nice enough. No bodywash or shampoo available in the showers. The toilets were a bit awful, they smelled badly of urine, even the toilet in the reception area. The "Italian" restaurant had friendly service but low quality food (on a high price).
I must give 2 stars instead of 4 or 5 because the quality got worse and the price got a way much higher than before. Last weekend I was there with my partner for the liquid sound festival and I have to say it was a way worse than previous years. The music bands were mostly disappointing and way worse than previous years. And I dont know why they put a big LCD monitor at the out door pool which was absolutley bad! It took the comfort and relaxation of this pool with a high intense artificial light and poor pictures. The Sauna aufguss was also not good since it looks like the essence were cheap quality and mostly chemicals. In summary, it was a true disappointing experience and I really dont want to go there again.
It’s a beautiful facility, but it’s not true hot spring water. It’s just regular water with chlorine, and added salt brine. So I don’t agree with the way it’s branded “thermal waters” should be reserved for true hot springs naturally from the ground.
The place is full of kids everywhere, except the hall with sauna. The hall which has big pool seems to be for kids, while the one near sauna has more adult. Adult here seems to be more conservative as in they all seems to having to wear towel all the time. The sauna and steam room is fantastic, even a room with panaromic view. This place has not much of senior. Personally I kinda prefer when this place is full of senior who really come for the salt healing. Kids everywhere is kinda noisy and overwhelmed for me.
We arrived about 15 minutes before 16:00 for the happy hour deal and quickly realised we should've come earlier. We waited until almost 16:30 to get in because they only let more people enter as others leave. I'd recommend coming much earlier or later to avoid the crowds and long wait. The concerns over hygiene covered in many other comments are valid. The toilets, the lockers, and floors are in need of more frequent attention. Unfortunately, though it was listed as a highlight, the liquid sound bath was hard to enjoy because of the children doing handstands and flapping about. You're meant to float and listen to the music, not kick around, so think more should be done to prevent this. There are plenty of other pools for the children to splash in. We wanted some peace so headed to the sauna and we were extremely surprised to see that children were also allowed in the sauna, much to our discomfort. I've been to a few other saunas in Germany and across Europe so wasn't expecting this one to also not be 18+. Overall, not the most enjoyable experience, especially after a long day and hike. I wouldn't recommend.
High price for 3 basic swimming pools with some jets in, a kids pool, a somewhat salty pool with graphics and music (but actually not that salty, and the music and graphics feel like old waitingroom hypnotics) and a very basic restaurant. The restaurant is accessible through the pool but had a way more limited offer in menu than the “outside restaurant” and small portions. The main hall with pools is also not that warm, so to my opinion a bit too chilly to lay down and relax. Didnt check out the sauna part, since its without clothes.
Basically nothing else for children than a small pool with ugly smelling water. The whole Place looks quite outdated and maintainance of structures is bad. Moldy spots are visible. Well overpriced for what is offered and full of old people. Family's are way better served in Pirna's Geibeltbad .
Historic elevator
3. Historic elevator
4.6
(5515)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
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The historic elevator in Bad Schandau, built in 1904, stands as a remarkable blend of Art Nouveau design and innovative engineering. With a height of 52.6 meters, it offers panoramic views of the Saxon Switzerland National Park. This unique structure not only connects visitors to scenic forest paths but also represents a seamless fusion of history and modern functionality. A must-see landmark for travelers seeking beauty and heritage. I strongly recommend this place for the visitors.
It didn't leave a big impression, my summer is nicer than winter. The price is 3€ just to take the elevator up and down.
Fantastic historic elevator that has amazing views of the Elbe River and the nearby town of Bad Schandau. Nominal fee and a short scenic elevator ride. There is also a café at the top which for me was a great place to have a German beer.
Go up and take a look at the wonderful houses in the town on the right of the elevator: Ostrau. At the top of the elevator there are a couple of hiking trails that lead you straight into the Swiss Saksonia natural park. At the top of the elevator is also a little cabin where you can have a drink and eat something. You should see the elevator as a means to not have to walk up the hill.
It was a life time experience to go up in the Historic Elevator. Amazing scenic view from top of the mountain. River flowing on one side and Saxony Park on the other side. Having snacks in Bad Schandau was top was a good experience.
Amazing views and engineering prowess. Good choice and cake bar at the top. Anand to many trails in forest area. Very playable. Refinancing also for people with mobility limitations
Nice and cheap attraction. Also you can reach Malerweg Etappe4 middle. Price 2,2€ if you have a Gastekart. If not 2,8€
Lovely historical mechanism. It helped us to get easily to the starting point of our 4day hike through Swiss Saksonia nature park. Price wasn't low but the view was worth it.
Regionalverkehr Sächsische Schweiz-Osterzgebirge GmbH
4. Regionalverkehr Sächsische Schweiz-Osterzgebirge GmbH
4.2
(10)
Bus charter
Transportation
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(Translated by Google) Customer is king, it's lived here. (Original) Kunde ist König, wird hier gelebt.
(Translated by Google) Very nice (Original) Sehr schön
Schmilk'sche Mühle mit Bäckerei & Biergarten
5. Schmilk'sche Mühle mit Bäckerei & Biergarten
3.9
(672)
Bakery
Sights & Landmarks
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Stunning place. Where do I start? The bread is excellent. The beer they brew is very good (Try the Biobock) and they have nice cakes and pizza/quiche. Overall the crowd was very nice, with a good mix of all age groups and Czech/German people. It really feels the owners have created something special here. I'll definitely go here a third time soon!
Best stop in this place for short rest. Please note. This place is remote, surrounded by a national park, and next to international border. So probably this is the best place to eat around here. Come here to relax and enjoy the local Beer!! Pros: 1. The local beer is amazing 2. Cozy atmosphere, for the climate of the place. 3. Quick service. 4. One service person knew English, so it was easy to converse. Lows: 1. Food served is cold. 2. Lentil soup (linseneintopf) was sweet, and probably mixed with tomato ketchup. 3. Coffee served in as cool, even when served from the machine. 4. Onion cake might have tasted better when warm. We were served cold. But yet, the cold coffee and cold sweet linsen, spoiled the food-flavor for us.
Food is a bit overpriced considering the portion size. The coffee is just awful considering it's about 4€ for filter coffee, given they charge so much they should at least be able to afford some decent beans... But the area is very pretty, and perhaps they brew the best beer in Germany.
Delicious organic beer for €5 which is expensive for the area. The surrounding buildings are very quaint in a lovely town. Worth stopping on route to Czech republic. They sell huge slices of cakes that many people around is were enjoying.
I can only concur with the other comments. I have been here at least 4 times now and have always had a great experience. The food, sausages, Brotzeit and drinks set in the courtyard with a working water mill. Pure bliss, cheers team
Beautiful venue! The bread is amazing, and so is the Linsen Eintopf (Lentils stew). But avoid the cakes, they are very dry and tasteless :( I tried with poppy seeds and with blueberries and it was a waste of money :(
Beautiful surroundings, and absolutely amazing beer. Tables are scattered all around the grounds, so you can eat next to the picturesque millhouse or with a view of the mountains. The menu is small but satisfying; I particularly liked the smoked trout.
So many people are complaining about price... If you want cheap beer, go to any regular pub. You're paying for higher farming standards and local produce, while putting the money in the hands of smaller businesses. Organic stuff doesn't magically taste better. It's about trying to spend your money in a way that does less damage to the world. Having said that... It's still fairly cheap. Just not compared to regular mass produced beer. The venue is amazing, and really it's worth a few more euros to be in a nice spot. If you don't care about the venue, just buy supermarket beer and drink at home. Food quality is mixed, but generally better than other options in the area.
Felsentor 'Kuhstall'
6. Felsentor 'Kuhstall'
4.8
(4012)
Scenic spot
Sights & Landmarks
11m-wide arch in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains with the ruins of a 15th century castle on top.
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Absolutely worth the visit. If you take a tram to waterfalls, don’t be fooled - the Lichtenhainer Wasserfall is not the main thing to see here. An easy hike about 45 minutes through the forest to enjoy the view from and of the Kuhstall, one of the main view points for the region. And definitely take a Himmelweg - stairs between two rocks, truly unique experience!
the scenery is really beautiful and great for hiking. you can get there by bus 241 from the town, by easy route just go from Lichtenhainer waterfall. the mobile network there is very weak so if you go for the first time you should download a hiking app so you don't get lost.
Interesting arch to visit and view. Good cafe to buy food and drink. A good place to stop at during your walk in this area
One of the highlights of visiting the Kuhstall is the Himmelsleiter, a narrow, steep staircase carved into the rock that leads to the remnants of an old castle and offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Another intriguing feature is the Schneiderloch, a small cave that adds to the exploratory charm of the location. Here are some of the notable trails: 1. Lichtenhainer Waterfall to Kuhstall - Distance: 1.5 km (one way) - Duration: 30 minutes - Difficulty: Easy This is the most straightforward and family-friendly trail, starting at the Lichtenhainer Waterfall. The path is well-marked and mostly flat, making it suitable for all ages. 2. Beuthenfall to Kuhstall - Distance: 1.2 km (one way) - Duration: 25 minutes - Difficulty: Easy Another accessible route, this trail begins at the Beuthenfall and offers a pleasant walk through the forest. It is slightly shorter than the Lichtenhainer route and equally scenic. 3. Kuhstall Circular Route - Distance: 4 km - Duration: 2 hours - Difficulty: Moderate This circular route begins and ends at the Kuhstall, taking you through the surrounding forest and passing by other rock formations and viewpoints. It’s a great way to explore the area more thoroughly without retracing steps.
Its amazing The whole way and the top viewpoint is unbelievable.
Nice and easy hikes from the parking lot. The holes in the rock formation and the tiny stairs offer a cool experience you won't get anywhere else.
Certainly worth the hike! It's beautiful with lots of places to explore, little side paths that lead to new views and breathtaking scenery. I recommend going on a less warm day, seeing as all the water creates a LOT of humidity.
Such a beautiful place and easy to get to. Around 1h return walk from the car park you reach the Felsentor Kuhstall. Great view but don't stop here! Walk inside the Kuhstall to the left towards the Himmelsleiter and follow that track (one way only). It's a great small stairs leading to heaven. When you get around the corner and walk down follow to Schneider Loch! Oh don't miss that. There is a small track left and one that goes straight ahead. Walk both but the stunning hidden treasure is on the track straight ahead. Walk to the end and here on the right is a very small entrance to a small cave. Go in and climb up the steps! Wow! What a view. Small cave with window is only big enough for maybe 4 or 5 people, way in and out 1 person at a time.
I'll never travel to Bad Schandau without this trip planner again
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Other notable attractions

National Park Center Saxon Switzerland
Information services
Sights & Landmarks
St-Johannis-Kirche
Evangelical church
Sights & Landmarks
Emmabank
Scenic spot
Sights & Landmarks
Muzeum Bad Schandau
Museum
History Museums
Bad Schandau Botanischer Garten
Permanently Closed
Tram stop
Nature & Parks
Europe
Nature & Parks
Mountains
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