Pfaffendorf: To the table mountain Pfaffenstein

The starting point of the hike is the bus stop Pfaffendorf Vereinshaus. From there, follow the Malerweg trail marking. It leads left to the steep ascent through the Nadelöhr, a narrow rock crevice with steel stairs and ladders. The ascent was established as early as 1897 and is not suitable for dogs due to its steepness and narrowness.

Once at the top of the Pfaffenstein, there are various viewpoints, first to the left and then turning back to the right. Passing a mountain inn and the 28-meter-high stone observation tower, the path continues on the table mountain. The tower was built in 1904 in just a few months by five men and one woman.

A detour to the southern tip of the Pfaffenstein is worthwhile – here stands the Barbarine, a free-standing rock needle considered one of the most famous natural monuments of Saxon Switzerland.

The descent of this route takes place via the so-called Comfortable Path. Then follow the Upper Kohlweg to the southeast corner of the Quirl. Here there is the possibility of short detours – either to the viewpoint via the Kanonenweg or to the Diebskeller cave.

The path continues past a garden colony and the sports field. At a fork in the path, turn right onto the cross path and finally return to the starting point at the bus stop Pfaffendorf Vereinshaus.