Camping in Saxon Switzerland: Into the mountains with a roof tent – Holiday tips

Camping in Saxon Switzerland – Summer is approaching and you are still looking for a suitable destination for a camping vacation with your loved ones?
Then Saxon Switzerland in eastern Germany is definitely recommended.
The region is known for its impressive sandstone cliffs and spectacular gorges.
While camping here, you can go hiking, climbing, cycling or take a boat trip on the Elbe.
Apart from that, there are also other top activities waiting for you!
Find out here what you shouldn’t miss out on and why camping with a roof tent is an excellent option!
Otherwise, take a look in the store so that you can get started soon: Rooftop tents.

Camping vacation in Saxon Switzerland

Saxony offers many mountainous regions, including Saxon Switzerland.
The region is known for its breathtaking scenery, picturesque valleys, table mountains and impressive rock formations.
Camping in this region is a great way to explore nature and enjoy the freedom of outdoor living, which is why nature lovers from all over the world regularly travel here.
With a rooftop tent, you are flexible and can choose where to stay depending on your needs.
There are numerous campsites in Saxon Switzerland, which are often located in picturesque surroundings and offer good facilities.
Setting up a roof tent is very easy and allows you to spend the night comfortably yet in the middle of nature.
Read more about the advantages, costs and different models here: Rooftop tent for your car. A brief summary of the region’s highlights in advance:

  • Breathtaking landscape that invites you to go hiking
  • Picturesque valleys and idyllic nature
  • Impressive rock formations and table mountains
  • Unique landscape of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains
  • Mighty sandstone cliffs
  • Königstein Fortress and Bastei Bridge

Visit Königstein Fortress, go for a walk along the Elbe, explore the Bastei Bridge and enjoy the unique landscape of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains! But before we get to our specific travel tips, here is some general information about Saxon Switzerland:

Map: Location of Saxon Switzerland

Saxon Switzerland is a mountainous region in the east of Saxony and is one of the most famous and popular tourist attractions in the state.
Located close to the Czech border, scenic highlights and numerous exciting activities await you.
You can easily reach the vacation destination by car and ideally with a roof tent on top.

First impressions of the amazing mountain region

In this video you can get a first exciting impression of the spectacular mountain region!
This picturesque nature awaits you on a vacation here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITL0McmO9Uw&pp=ygUmc8OkY2hzaXNjaGUgc2Nod2VpeiDDvGJlcmJsaWNrIGRyb2huZSA%3D Now let’s move on to our more specific vacation tips:

Top activities in Saxon Switzerland – 7 tips

During your camping vacation in Saxon Switzerland, there are a variety of recommended activities and things to do.
Here are a few ideas:

  1. Hikes to the Bastei rock formation
  2. Saxon Switzerland National Park
  3. Boat trip on the Elbe
  4. Visit to Königstein Fortress
  5. Cycle tour along places of interest
  6. Excursion to the Lichtenhain waterfall
  7. Explore picturesque villages and towns

Some of the sights directly as a route: Here are all the activities in detail:

Hikes to the Bastei rock formation

Saxon Switzerland is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.
There are countless hiking trails and climbing routes that lead you to the most beautiful viewpoints and rock formations.
The most famous and impressive rock formation is the Bastei Rock.
From there, you have a spectacular view of the Elbe and the surrounding mountains.
You can look forward to it:

  • Numerous hiking trails and climbing routes
  • Paths to the most beautiful viewpoints and rock formations
  • Hike to the Bastei rock with a view of the Elbe

The Bastei Rock is considered one of the top sights in the region, so you should definitely plan a trip here!

Saxon Switzerland National Park

Visit the national park to experience the untouched nature and the diverse flora and fauna.
There are various hiking trails that take you through deep gorges, past rushing waterfalls and through dense forests.
Look out for rare bird species and discover the unique flora and fauna of the region.
The highlights of the national park:

  • Unspoiled nature and diverse flora and fauna
  • Hiking trails along gorges, waterfalls and forests
  • Rare bird species and unique flora and fauna

Here is the location of the national park on the map:

Boat trip on the Elbe

Take a boat trip on the Elbe to explore the impressive landscape of Saxon Switzerland from the water.
Enjoy the tranquil ride as you glide along the majestic rock faces and admire the green banks.
This is what awaits you on the Elbe:

  • Boat tour with impressive scenery all around
  • Majestic rock faces and green shores

You can completely relax on a boat trip on the Elbe and discover the picturesque nature all around you!

Visit to Königstein Fortress

Königstein Fortress is one of the largest mountain fortresses in Europe and definitely worth a visit.
Explore the impressive fortifications, enjoy the panoramic view from the battlements and learn more about the history of this historic site.
Königstein Fortress is sure to impress:

  • One of the largest mountain fortresses in Europe
  • Impressive fortress
  • Panoramic view from the battlements

The fortress is worth a visit just to walk around it!

Cycle tour along places of interest

Saxon Switzerland also offers great opportunities for cycling.
There are well-signposted cycle paths that take you through idyllic villages, along the Elbe and to other places of interest.
Hire a bike locally or bring your own to explore the area at your own pace.
Good reasons to cycle here:

  • Signposted cycle paths
  • Along picturesque nature
  • Through idyllic villages, along the Elbe

You can cycle to several of the sights and discover some amazing nature along the way! A family drives through a forest in sunny weather

Excursion to the Lichtenhain waterfall

The Lichtenhain waterfall is also a very popular excursion destination.
It is located in the Kirnitzschtal valley and is the largest natural waterfall in Saxony.
The waterfall plunges over several steps into the depths and offers an impressive natural spectacle.
There is a hiking trail along the waterfall that allows visitors to view it from different perspectives.
The highlights of the Lichtenhain waterfall:

  • Largest natural waterfall in Saxony
  • Falls over several steps into the depths
  • Hiking trail along the waterfall

Look forward to the picturesque, natural hiking trail along the waterfall!

Picturesque villages and towns

Take the opportunity to visit the picturesque villages and towns in the surrounding area during your camping vacation.
Pirna, a charming town with a historic old town, is definitely worth a visit.
Enjoy the flair of the half-timbered houses, visit local stores and try regional specialties in cosy restaurants.
You shouldn’t miss out on this:

  • Pirna: Charming town with historic old town
  • Local stores and regional specialties

Stroll through the villages and towns and enjoy the picturesque sunset in the evening! A vacation with children in Saxon Switzerland is also highly recommended!

Bucket list with children: Things to do in the area

If you are on a camping vacation with children, you should make sure that they also have fun and are kept busy.
That’s why you should also plan some activities that are particularly family-friendly.
Here are some activities and excursion destinations that offer fun and entertainment for children of all ages.
They allow children to discover nature, train their physical skills and have unforgettable experiences.
At the same time, parents can enjoy time with their children and experience adventures together.
Here is a list of some family-friendly activities:

  • Trip to the climbing forest
  • Miniature Park Klein-Erzgebirge
  • Ride on the Kirnitzschtalbahn
  • Visit to the high ropes course in Sebnitz
  • Swimming in the Großer Zschand
  • Hike to the Bastei bridge
  • Bad weather tip: Toskana Therme adventure pool

With plenty of activities on the to-do list, the vacation will be an unforgettable time for all family members! All family-friendly activities in detail:

Trip to the climbing forest

The climbing forest is located in Bad Schandau and is an adventure park with various climbing courses in the trees.
Here, children and adults can test their climbing skills and have lots of fun.
There are different levels of difficulty, so there is something for everyone.

  • Adventure park in Bad Schandau
  • Various climbing courses in the trees
  • Different levels of difficulty

Miniature Park Klein-Erzgebirge

This miniature park in Oederan shows detailed replicas of Saxon sights and landscapes on a scale of 1:25.
Children can explore the various miniature worlds and enjoy a short train ride through the park.

  • Miniature park in Oederan
  • Detailed reproductions of sights and landscapes
  • Train ride through the park

Ride on the Kirnitzschtalbahn

The Kirnitzschtalbahn is a historic streetcar that runs through the picturesque Kirnitzschtal valley in Bad Schandau.
Children will love riding this antique train and enjoying the beautiful scenery.

  • Historic streetcar
  • Drive through the picturesque Kirnitzschtal valley in Bad Schandau

Visit to the high ropes course

The high ropes course in Sebnitz offers various courses in the trees that are tailored to different age groups and levels of difficulty.
Children can put their skills and courage to the test here.

  • High ropes course in Sebnitz
  • Various courses in the trees
  • Different age groups and levels of difficulty

Swimming in the Großer Zschand

The Großer Zschand is a picturesque valley in Saxon Switzerland and is home to the “Großer Zschand-See”.
The lake was created by the construction of a dam and offers an idyllic setting for relaxing walks or picnics on the shore.
Children can play here, throw stones into the water or float small boats.

  • Picturesque valley in Saxon Switzerland
  • Home to the “Great Zschand Lake”
  • Idyllic setting for relaxing walks or picnics on the shore

Hike to the Bastei bridge

The hike to the Bastei Bridge is also a popular excursion destination for families.
The bridge offers a breathtaking view of the rock formations and the Elbe valley.
It is a relatively easy hike that is also suitable for children.

  • Child-friendly hike
  • Breathtaking views of the rock formations and the Elbe valley

Thanks to the child-friendly routes, hiking in Saxon Switzerland is also a popular activity for families!

Bad weather tip: visit the Tuscany thermal baths

This adventure pool in Bad Schandau offers fun for the whole family.
It has indoor and outdoor pools with various attractions such as water fountains, slides and current channels.
Children can let off steam and parents can relax in the wellness area.
The bad weather tip summarized:

  • Adventure pool in Bad Schandau
  • Indoor and outdoor pools
  • Water fountains, slides and current channels

At the spa, children can play in the various pools while their parents enjoy a relaxing break! What is the best time of year to go on vacation in Saxon Switzerland?

Temperatures in Saxon Switzerland

Saxon Switzerland has a temperate ocean climate, which means you can look forward to warm summers.
The annual average maximum temperature is 13 degrees.
The warmest month is August with around 24 degrees and the coldest month is January.
In the summer months, you can expect around 13 hours of sunshine a day.
The best time to visit is therefore summer, i.e. between June and September.

  • The best months for good weather: June, July, August and September
  • Warmest months: July and August
  • Coldest month: January

Weather today / in three days

Here you can already find a weather forecast for today and the coming days: To get the most out of your nature vacation in Saxon Switzerland, you should definitely decide to go camping.

Accommodation: Natural campsite recommendations

When camping, you can look forward to closeness to nature, idyllic tranquillity and adventurous experiences that you won’t soon forget.
As wild camping is generally prohibited in Germany, you should choose one or more campsites for your overnight stay.
The numerous campsites are located in the immediate vicinity of popular hiking trails, in the midst of picturesque nature or right by the lake.
In the evening, you can sit around the campfire with your loved ones and swap stories that will really bring you closer together.
Camping is therefore an absolutely unforgettable experience. Here I have selected some inexpensive and centrally located campsites:

Camping Königstein

  • 4.1 stars / 1004 ratings
  • Address: Am Alten Sägewerk 1, 01824 Königstein
  • Phone: +49 (0)35021 / 68224

Caravan Camping “Saxon Switzerland”

  • 4.6 stars / 670 ratings
  • Address: Neue Hauptstraße 120a, 01824 Kurort Gohrisch
  • Phone: +49 (0)35021 – 59 107

Small mountain oasis Saxon Switzerland

  • 4.8 stars / 364 ratings
  • Address: Obere Straße 19, 01855 Kirnitzschtal / OT Mittelndorf
  • Phone: 035022 / 54 797

Campsite on Treidlerweg

  • 4.2 stars / 673 ratings
  • Address: Am alten Sägewerk 4, 01824 Königstein
  • Phone: +49 35021 9908-211

Camping “Thorwaldblick”

  • 4.7 stars / 421 ratings
  • Address: Schandauer Str. 37, 01855 Sebnitz
  • Phone: 035974 50648

A camping vacation in Saxon Switzerland promises an unforgettable adventure for the whole family – including children and dog!

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Offroad
Raised and extra stable for road and off-road… What do you do if you are traveling in regions with poor roads or drive an off-road vehicle or SUV whose dome height does not fit conventional trailers? The solution: the off-road tent trailer from CAMPWERK – specially developed for extreme conditions. This unique model impresses with a raised and particularly robust AL-KO chassis that can withstand even the most demanding off-road routes. The entire body is made of lightweight but sturdy aluminum, reinforced with durable stainless steel components. So you are perfectly equipped for any terrain.
Black / Silver
Available now: The CAMPWERK Offroader in the exclusive Black/Silver Edition CAMPWERK is expanding its range and now also offers the popular off-road tent trailer in the coveted Black/Silver Edition. The high-quality aluminium body is completely anodized in matt black, while the mudguards are powder-coated in elegant “Gun Silver Metal”. An absolute eye-catcher on any road and in any terrain!
The off-road trailer from CAMPWERK impresses with its lightweight construction: Thanks to the aluminum body, the base only weighs around 300 kg when empty. With a permissible total weight of 1.5 tons, it offers an impressive payload capacity of up to 1.2 tons – ideal for small excursions, transport and even larger expeditions.

Visually, the trailer blends in perfectly with the appearance of an off-road vehicle or SUV with its coarse-tread MT tires and robust, full-length aluminium mudguards. The mudguards are also designed in such a way that they are ideal for the safe transportation of petrol and water canisters or gas bottles.

To ensure flexibility, the off-roader’s tyres can be individually adapted to the towing vehicle on request, so that only one set of spare wheels is required. The standard ball head coupling can also be optionally replaced with a DIN or NATO eye.
T-drawbar or V-fork ?
Thousands of trailer drivers know the problem of tight spaces only too well: if you drive into a narrow lane and have to turn, it is important to back your car as far as possible against the trailer in order to get around the bend without any problems. With a T-drawbar, you can utilize the maximum steering angle. This is precisely why we at CAMPWERK rely on this tried-and-tested technology – for optimum flexibility and maneuverability, no matter how tight things get.
T-drawbar
V-fork
T-drawbar
V-fork
Chassis
  • Extra strong square T-drawbar 100x100mm for maximum stability and best maneuverability
  • Axle up to 1,500 kg with maintenance-free hexagonal rubber spring axle
  • Optionally with watertight wheel hub
  • 2 crossbars
  • The chassis is exclusively from the renowned manufacturer AL-KO, market leader in the car trailer and caravan sector
  • Safety indicator on the clutch
  • Independent suspension
Aluminum body
  • Our aluminium trailers are equipped with anodized aluminium profiles
  • double-walled anodized aluminium side panels 30mm, 440mm high
  • Large emergency lighting with integrated rear fog light
  • Equipped with balanced tires as standard
  • Base plate stable screen-printed base, non-slip
  • Complete M8 stainless steel screw connection (V2A stainless steel)
  • Electrical system: Supply cable (wiring harness) standard with 13-pin plug
  • Tailgate latches very elaborate, made entirely of stainless steel
Wheels
  • Black powder-coated steel rim
  • 235/85 R16 tires optionally adaptable to towing vehicle
  • Mud Terrain tire tread
  • Special wheel connection for your towing vehicle on request
Terrain values
  • 350 mm ground clearance
  • 570 mm wading depth
  • 27° slope angle
Equipped for every situation thanks to the versatile accessories...

Raised dropside

20L canister

Towbar adapter for bike carrier with coupling connection

2-4 bike racks

Anti-drag clutch

Onroad

The perfect solution for your camping adventure:
Road trailer with tent
Imagine a first-class equipped road trailer that is ideal for camping trips in Germany and the surrounding countries.
This trailer comes with a sturdy holding device for a matching tent that can be set up in no time at all.
The result is your mobile home – ready for unforgettable tours!

Your decisive advantage: you are ideally equipped for your vacation in a particularly cost-effective way. And when you’re not on the road, you can use the trailer as a conventional utility trailer. We offer you the road trailer in two versions, depending on your needs: An unbraked version with a permissible total weight of 750 kg and the braked version recommended by us with a permissible total weight of 1,300 kg.
10-year guarantee
Our trailer base was not created in the laboratory – it was made for the real world. The robust construction is optimized for tough conditions. Oversized axles and virtually indestructible aluminum frames ensure exceptional durability. We are the only supplier in Germany to give you a 10-year guarantee on this unique quality!
T-drawbar or V-fork ?
Thousands of trailer drivers know the problem of tight spaces only too well: if you drive into a narrow lane and have to turn, it is important to back your car as far as possible against the trailer in order to get around the bend without any problems. With a T-drawbar, you can utilize the maximum steering angle. This is precisely why we at CAMPWERK rely on this tried-and-tested technology – for optimum flexibility and maneuverability, no matter how tight things get.
T-drawbar
V-fork
T-drawbar
V-fork
Chassis
  • 2 crossbars
  • Maintenance-free rubber spring axles
  • Independent suspension
  • The chassis is exclusively from the renowned manufacturer AL-KO, market leader in the car trailer and caravan sector
  • Safety indicator on the clutch
Aluminum structure
  • Our aluminium trailers are equipped with anodized aluminium profiles
  • double-walled anodized aluminium side panels 30mm, 440mm high
  • Large emergency lighting with integrated rear fog light
  • Equipped with balanced tires as standard
  • Base plate stable screen-printed base, non-slip
  • Complete M8 stainless steel screw connection (V2A stainless steel)
  • Electrical system: Supply cable (wiring harness) standard with 13-pin plug
  • Tailgate latches very elaborate, made entirely of stainless steel
Equipped for every situation thanks to the versatile accessories...

Raised dropside

20L canister

Towbar adapter for bike carrier with coupling connection

2-4 bike racks

Anti-drag clutch

Material and processing.
The tent fabric of our trailer tents is made from a high-quality, 450 g blended fabric, also known as canvas. This unique combination of cotton and polyester combines the advantages of a natural fiber with those of a modern high-tech material. The result is a robust, breathable fabric that impresses with its pleasant feel and high dimensional stability.

The tent fabric, which is also used by the military, is impregnated and particularly tear-resistant thanks to the ripstop process. In this special weaving technique, thicker threads are woven into the fabric at intervals of around 10-15 millimetres, giving the fabric its characteristic tiled structure and exceptional tear resistance. It goes without saying that our fabrics are opaque and therefore offer optimum protection and privacy.
The basis of our trailer tents is a robust stainless steel frame with a thickness of 3×3 cm. A 1.8 cm thick, water-resistant wooden floor panel is securely fastened to this sturdy frame with stainless steel screws. The frame of the trailer tents is also made of galvanized steel tubing and special stainless steel components that ensure maximum stability. The modern surface finish not only offers a high level of corrosion protection, but also gives the material a pleasant feel and ensures a durable, weatherproof construction.
We rely exclusively on yarn from the German market leader Amann. Thanks to the combination of a cotton core and a high-tenacity polyester core, this yarn is characterized by a particularly high tensile strength and excellent water resistance.

On contact with water, the cotton coating swells and closes the seam holes created during sewing. For additional protection, all seams in the roof area are fitted with a transparent sealing strip to ensure maximum waterproofness.
Less is sometimes more.
We are often asked: What about the water column? For tent fabrics, the impermeability of the fabric is specified in the form of the water column. For cotton tents, this value is usually around 300 to 400 mm. However, our tent fabric offers an exceptionally high water column for cotton fabric of around 750 mm. This means that theoretically more than 75 cm of water can stand on the material before the first drops penetrate.

A major advantage of cotton as a natural raw material is its ability to swell when it gets damp, which provides additional waterproofing. In contrast, synthetic fabrics, which cannot swell, must have a much higher water column (between 3,000 and 10,000 mm, depending on the material) in order to achieve comparable waterproofness.
Good night.
The comfort sleep set consists of a high-quality visco foam mattress that adapts perfectly to the individual body shape, ensuring a restful night’s sleep. The set is complemented by the innovative Froli bed spring system, which guarantees an exceptional sleeping experience. Perfect sleeping comfort in a well thought-out overall package.
Premium mattress.
An excellent mattress is the basis for healthy and restful sleep. Just as every person is unique, their mattress should also be individually tailored to them.
Our premium mattress adapts perfectly to the contours of the body and promotes orthopaedically correct positioning of the spine. Thanks to targeted pressure relief, back muscles and intervertebral discs can relax optimally. The innovative construction and high-quality materials create an ideal sleeping environment.
There are no compromises at CAMPWERK: We rely on flexible visco foam with memory function. The unique combination of supportive foam core and relieving visco foam topper ensures maximum sleeping comfort.
  • Visco-elastic mattress.
  • High-quality Tencel® cover (38 % Tencel®, 62 % polyester).
  • Four practical turning loops.
  • Four-sided zipper.
  • Removable, divisible and washable.
  • Four practical turning loops.
Suspension.
Good ventilation is crucial for your well-being and sleep hygiene. To ensure maximum sleeping comfort, we combine our mattress with an innovative Froli slat base. The flexible spring elements form a comfortable slat base with individually adjustable firmness zones. This combination ensures orthopaedically correct positioning of the body and provides targeted, pressure-relieving support. This effectively prevents tension and one-sided strain. The open, air-permeable cells also enable optimum ventilation and create a healthy sleeping environment.
Are you allergic or do you have special health requirements? No problem! We cooperate with a renowned German mattress manufacturer to offer customized solutions. Simply contact us and together we will find the ideal mattress for your needs.