Czech/Saxon Switzerland National Park
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| VanSims6. 11. 2012 21:22:27 |
I used the holiday week including the weekends for a trip to the border national park between Czechia and Saxony (České Švýcarsko/Sächsische Schweiz). Not Germany! Saxons are a bit sensitive about that and are something of their own in Germany like Bavarians. 
Why is it called 'Switzerland'? Probably because it's such a hilly area or made up of many rocks that although they don't exceed approx. 500-600 m a.s.l., look like mighty mountains. The rock forming them is dark-colored sandstone which gives the landscape extra charm.
Walking paths on both sides are nicely maintained and marked. Due to low elevation they are suitable also for children, elderly, dogs,... Exceptions are the climbing paths to some rocks. These range from easier (conditionally accessible to anyone) to harder ferratas. Protections are diverse and interesting: steps, ladders, pegs, holds, bolts, steps carved into the rock (since sandstone erodes quickly, they can be very worn and need care)... only cables are very rare. Note that some require no fear of heights, and some also no claustrophobia as they often go through crevices, gorges, gullies, cracks (flashlight recommended). Otherwise perfect for those who love short and less fitness-demanding approaches. Usually an easy forest walk with mild slope and you're at the rock.
Path descriptions on portal www.klettersteig.de. Select Klettersteige-suchen-->Detail-Suchen, then Deutschland, Sachsen, Elbsandsteingebirge or Tschechische Republik, Usti nad Labem, Böhmische Schweiz.
One and a half days on Czech side and 4 days on Saxon.
On Czech side first surprised by path to Rudolfuv kamen (access from Jetrichovice). Snow and ice made it harder. I thought all would be like that but only exceptionally some were so hard, and it warmed up and snow melted.
On Czech side also climbed Šaunštajn. Access from Visoka lipa shorter than from Mezni Louka plus latter charges crazy park fee, unfriendly collector; Visoka lipa half price and free till 11h when restaurant opens. Shorter path round trip under an hour.
Next post Saxon side
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| VanSims7. 11. 2012 18:35:18 |
Across the border, in the Saxon part of the park (federal state Saxony was part of former GDR) I first stopped in the spa town Bad Schandau, center of Saxon part. A bit above it, towards Ostrau is start for 'rock formation' Schramsteine, which I visited first.
Next day went to Kirniztschtal and did nice 5-hour tour through Kirniztschklamm gorge, spiced with ascent to Hermanseck rock. Tour description here (also unfortunately only in German): http://www.4funweb.de/ssw/hdf.htm
Third day climbed stairs and ferratas of Affensteina. First Heilige Stiege (if not at least 300 steps altogether), then Wilde Höle (official B, to me more A/B), upper part of Häntschelstiege ferrata (B/C, whole otherwise C) and to end Starke Stiege (B, though seemed B/C to me).
Last two were quite interesting. Despite fixed cable on Häntschelstiege nobody secured (irresponsible), me neither  , peak irresponsibility parents with ca. 8-10 year old kids - without protection. Ferrata is quite exposed esp. upper exposed part a bit dangerous. To me not so bad: starts with initial crux few meters free climbing deterring inexperienced (national park lots of ferrata-illiterate walkers), then rise on almost vertical pegs, traverse on them over narrow abyss between two rocks then more pegs (all B/C), then some easier (B) but exposed cables. Up to here ok - the candy saved for end: unsecured rock traverse with deep abysses in between. Here I admit whimpered a bit. Crux to deter casual walkers from going down the ferrata.
Starke Stiege short but sweet. Starts again standard crux few unsecured meters then only with sparingly dosed pegs to top of wall (all ca 10-15 min). Wall exposed. Well, who reached Triglav or at least Mangart (even say Italian normal route), shouldn't have big problems.
These two ferratas (like probably other harder) not marked at all. Another safeguard so inexperienced doesn't stray onto it. Starke Stiege especially well hidden harder to find.
Last day visited two more rocks: Gohrisch and Pfaffenstein. First has three routes, second two. All fairly easy (A/B I'd say though two supposed B). Path through gorge to Pfaffenstein (went down it) very picturesque.
Finished with visit to Dresden only 20-30 km away and drove home via Czechia.
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