The hike begins at the Kirnitzschtal Sturmbauers Eck stop. From there, the path leads uphill towards the Kleinstein Cave, to which you turn right off the main path. Just above the rock gate, it is worth taking a short detour to the viewpoints before returning to the new trail. The Kleinstein Cave is one of the largest rock gates in Saxon Switzerland. It measures around 10 meters in height and width and around 5 to 7 meters in depth. A carved date of 1586 is the second oldest known rock inscription in the region.
The path continues towards Arnstein. At the junction, keep right, then left and climb up the steps to the rocky summit. The Arnstein, also known as the "Ottendorfer Raubschloss", was the site of a small castle in the 15th century. It was first mentioned in 1436, but the castle was abandoned and partially destroyed in the same century. Remnants of walls, beam bearings, steps and a cistern carved into the rock are still visible today.
Once at the top, there is a wide view of the Kirnitzschtal valley and the rocky landscape. However, caution is advised in icy conditions. A detour to the Arnstein Cave is worthwhile, but requires surefootedness as the access is narrow and somewhat adventurous.
The way back leads above the road back into the Kirnitzschtal valley to the Ottendorf junction.
