Halt Gefahr
active
8/1/2026

Closure of all forest areas between Bastei, Rathen, Hohnstein and Polenztal

Update: Since August 14, the Pavillion viewpoint, the Schwedenlöcher, the Amselgrund from Schwedenlöcher to Rathewalde and the entire Polenztal are open again.

Update: Since August 7, the Basteiweg between Rathen and Bastei bridge as well as the Polenztal valley up to Neuweg/Schulzengrund are open again.

The administrative district office Sächsische Schweiz – Osterzgebirge has installed a closure of the forest areas between Bastei, Rathen and Hohnstein until further notice. The areas drawn in the map on our trail information page are for information purposes only. More information, the official map of the closed area and the official legal document for the closure (in German) can be found here: https://www.landratsamt-pirna.de/forst.html 

A heavy storm in the late afternoon of July 31st, 2026 has caused massive damage on forest trees in the National Park forestry district Hohnstein. Extreme squalls caused trees to be uprooted, broken or damaged. To guarantee the safety of all citizens and visitors, it is strictly forbidden to enter the closed forest areas. In addition to uprooted and broken trees, loose branches in the treetops as well as unstable, leaning trees pose an unpredictable risk. There is a danger to life! Please adhere to the closures under all circumstances, avoid the closed area and respect the closures and warnings on site.

Due to the great extent of the damage, clearing the affected areas will take a while. As soon as trails are cleared and there is no more acute danger, we will inform about updates to the forest closure area.

  • MALERWEG: People hiking the Malerweg trail are advised to use the diversion via Basteistraße and Rathewalder Fußweg / Basteiweg as drawn in the map. From Rathewalde you can follow the normal Malerweg signs again. 
  • BASTEI: The Bastei viewpoint platform, the Bastei hotel, the Ferdinand viewpoint and the Basteiweg from/to Rathen are open. 
  • The Rathewalder Mühle restraurant is open and accessible. 
  • The Polenztal is open. 
  • The Schwedenlöcher and upper part of the Amselgrund are open again.
  • Restaurants and tourist attractions in Rathen are not affected by the closure.