Pfaffendorf – Pfaffenstein – Pfaffendorf
This loop track is especially attractive for families with outdoor buggies – around Pfaffenstein you will find dense forests and beautiful views, like that of the Königstein Fortress.
View of Pfaffenstein with to the “Barbarine” rock pinnacle to the left / Photo: Archive National Park Management, S. Klingner
| Distance: 3.3 km Narrowest point: max. 60 cm wide Obstacles: tree roots, ruts, sandy spots Accessibility in wet conditions: not for wheelchairs, doable with appropriate buggies Transport connections: Bus line 244a to Pfaffendorf (town centre), car to Pfaffendorf car park Parking: Pfaffendorf car park, subject to charge, no separate disabled parking Refreshments: several inns in Pfaffendorf (and on Pfaffenstein) |
From Pfaffendorf you can reach the signposted Pfaffenstein via a steep ascent on concrete slabs. From here you can already see the royal fortress of Königstein. At the foot of Pfaffenstein turn right and follow the sandy path along the edge of the forest. Unfortunately, due to the steep climbs up the mountain, there is no possibility for a full ascent. Keeping to the left you will reach, among other things, the Pfaffenstein promenade which takes you onto a gravel road. Then take another turn into denser forest where you will have to overcome roots and other bumps along your way. Soon you will pass by the goods lift to Pfaffenstein and reach the “Steinerne Scheune” (stone barn), a collection of large boulders. You will leave the forest on an unpaved road with tire tracks and find the Königstein Fortress infront of you again. Soon you will have returned to your starting point, the path down to Pfaffendorf.
To enlarge, please click on the map.
Pfaffenstein is a nature reserve with interesting fauna and flora, which was put under protection in 1997. Pfaffenstein is surrounded by the Saxon Switzerland Conservation Area. The Barbarine, a striking rock pinnacle, used to be climbed but has long been unstable and therefore barred for climbing. Now it is a natural monument only to be admired from afar.
The pinnacle, landmark of Pfaffenstein, has only been called “Barbarine” since the middle of the 19th century. Previously the impressive rock had been called “Jungfernstein” (maiden stone) and this is said to go back to a legend: A mother once sent her daughter to church on a Sunday, but instead of going to church the daughter went out to find blueberries. When her mother found her, she cursed her daughter to stone in anger.
The daughter’s name could have been grounds for the pinnacle’s new name. (Source: Sagenbuch A. Meiche)
