Bad Schandau - a spa town with charming streets and beautiful natural surroundings

Bad Schandau is a picturesque spa town in Saxon Switzerland, Germany, on the right bank of the Elbe River. It is an ideal starting point for trips to the surrounding Sächsische Schweiz National Park. The city is famous for its historic buildings, charming streets and beautiful natural surroundings, which attract tourists from all over the world.

Things to do and see in Bad Schandau:

  1. Walk around the town: Walk through the narrow streets of Bad Schandau and admire historic buildings such as St. John’s Church, the town hall and many traditional Saxon houses. A visit to the local shops and cafés will give you a pleasant rest.
  2. Tuscan Column: In the centre of the city you will find the Tuscan Column, which was built in 1724 as a symbol of gratitude after the Great Fire. The column offers a beautiful view of the town and the surrounding countryside.
  3. Spa Park: Visit the local spa park with its peaceful alleys, fountains and flower beds. The park is an ideal place for rest and relaxation.
  4. Excursions: Bad Schandau is an excellent starting point for excursions into Saxon Switzerland. You can hike the rock formations, visit the nearby Bastion Lookout, Königstein Fortress or the Sächsische Schweiz National Park.
  5. Kirnitzschtalbahn: This historic narrow-gauge tramway takes you from Bad Schandau to the Kirnitzsch valley, where you can visit the Lichtenhain waterfall or take other hiking trails.
  6. Thermae Toskana Bad Schandau: If you are looking for relaxation, visit the Thermae Toskana spa complex, which offers thermal pools, saunas, massages and various wellness treatments.
  7. Elbe Sandstone Mountains: Saxon Switzerland is famous for its impressive sandstone rocks. There are many rock formations near Bad Schandau that you can visit and admire. Some of these include Schrammstein, Affenstein and Falkenstein. These rocks offer spectacular views and are ideal for hiking, climbing and photography.
  8. National Park Centre: The Sächsische Schweiz National Park Centre is located in Bad Schandau and is the ideal place to find information about the park, its nature, hiking trails and other activities. Visitors can get maps, brochures and suggestions for trips in the area.
  9. Crossing the Elbe: The Elbe River is an essential part of the Bad Schandau landscape. You can enjoy a romantic boat trip on the Elbe or cross the river on one of the historic ferries that connect Bad Schandau to Krippen on the other bank.
  10. Cycling: The area around Bad Schandau is ideal for cycling. Try the cycle paths along the Elbe River or take on more challenging routes in Saxon Switzerland. Local bike rental companies offer a wide range of bikes, including electric bikes to ease the hilly terrain.
  11. Hike to the Malé Bastei: From Bad Schandau you can hike to the Malé Bastei, a rock lookout with a spectacular view of the Elbe Valley and the surrounding sandstone cliffs. The route is marked and takes about 1.5 hours.

How to get there:

Bad Schandau is easily accessible by train or car. It is located on the main railway line between Dresden and Prague, which provides good connections to the surrounding cities.

Whether you are looking for an active holiday full of hiking, climbing and cycling, or you want to enjoy a quiet stroll through the town and relax in the spa park, Bad Schandau has something to offer everyone. Plus, with direct train connections to Dresden and Prague, you can easily incorporate a visit to this picturesque town into your European adventure.

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