Bad Schandau

Well we started the day by taking the ferry across the river to Postelwitz a town up the road from Bad Schandau ( ~ 2.5km). After a short walk we reached a path to our left which was steep for a short time. We crossed a junction and climbed metal ladders etc to reach the Schrammstein . Fantastic views from this famous German lookout.Teenagers were sitting eating their morning tea blocking the tiny access to the best view point! Typical. Returned to a main path and followed the forest path .There were 2 options and only 1 was marked on the map ( yesterday only 1 was marked on the map!). We found a sign pointing towards the opt. Kuhstall. We were very glad we did! It was another natural arch of stone, the 2 nd largest. We had our lunch on the rock platform overlooking national parkland with enormous cliffs.It was a hefty climb up a solid metal staircase between the narrow rock crevasse( one person at a time only) . The trip down was easier - there was an alternative stone and timber route!!! It was good to be able to do both. The crazy walk description mentioned often " just a few steps" .There were a hundred steps to be sure,taking us down to the forest floor. Once we'd left the Cow Barn ( Kuhstall ) we followed a path to Lichtenhainer waterfall. What a disappointment - it was so small and tucked away between a hotel and it's beer garden. The silliest thing also was that they block up some of the water flow and then release it so people get good photos. We had a nice dark beer anyway sitting in the garden. We walked down the road to see the Beuthenfall waterfall. The buildings beside it were derelict & a fence across the viewing of it . This was an even smaller one. The walks notes ended the walk here and they simply said take a bus back to Bad Schandau, but they recommended going on the historical tram Kirntzschtalbahn back. We decided to walk. This added on several kms but it was beside the river and took us on rough paths requiring chain fencing ropes for some exposed ascents and descents. Very worthwhile.Picnic dinner planned in our room with cheeses, salami,chips, nice bread, wine , dessert and TV.( even though we can't understand German! It's quite hilarious watching Eddie Murphy and Jacki Chan being dubbed!) . I had my pacer counter on today - approx 11 km the route paper said. Well we walked 26.8 km.Read more