From the Azores we went more on less directly to Saxon Switzerland. So at 3 o'clock in the morning the alarm clock rang and we drove with our rental car to the airport. Then we flew to Frankfurt where we landed at 1.30 pm. We went on by train to Siegburg because we have parked our car in Hennef. And finally after a couple of hours driving we arrived in Rathen. That was so far our longest journey…
We already had been in October in Saxon Switzerland but we did not have very nice weather. This time we wanted to see the famous rocks.
Monday we needed time to arrive, do some paperwork and in the afternoon we had our meeting to plan and organize the program for the next two weeks – just how we love it.
Tuesday we discovered Rathen. There is a Oberrathen and a Niederrathen. Those two are divided by the river Elbe. You have to cross it with a foot passenger ferry. We stayed at the hotel Elbiente and funny enough you have to park your car on the other side and use the ferry to get to the hotel.
On the other side of the Elbe there is the train world (Eisenbahnwelten) which we had to visit. But we did not only miss the entrance but we also missed the hints to some existing situations, persons and stories. You would need a brochure with explanations.
We visited Bad Schandau and tried Eierschecke. After that we travelled along the road and saw some nice villages: Königstein – just the village – not the fortress.
Then we went to Wehlen. There you will find a candy manufactory (more about it later…). We were magically drawn to it. And also in Wehlen somebody lured in front of the toilet to collect 50 Cents from me. I always like to give something freely when I use a toilet without being a guest. But that…
That evening we had the idea to go to the Bastei to just have a look. Very impressive!
Wednesday started again with paper and office work. But in the afternoon we took the tour on the TK12 from our hotel. Even on this nice walk you meet some rocks. Looks like we will see more of them this time. We tried to catch the sunset at a cosy picknick place. Emphasis is on ‘tried'!
On Thursday we walked parts of two different stages of the Malerweg. First the Schrammsteine and after that also the Pfaffenstein. What can I say? Rocks enough. Rocks until you drop. In all variations and colours. But also steps, ladders and breath taking ways and paths. Absolutely stunning!
Hiking Trail Schrammsteine
Hiking Trail Pfaffenstein
Friday we visited Pirna. There the famous painting of Canaletto was displayed with real people, horses and even the dog. A really good idea. Unfortunately only some people could see the result. It would be nice if next time there would be a real grandstand with a lot of steps so that more spectators are able to enjoy the happening.
After that we did a photowalk in Pirna. In this small village you can discover so many details. Oriels, gables, portals and much more.
Saturday was all about editing photos and writing texts.