The unique landscape
It's somewhat unhelpful to describe this area as 'Saxon Switzerland', it's something completely different to what I was expecting, and more magical. The colossal crags, the towering rock stacks, rising above broad wooded Elbe valley seems to defy explanation! The Day 6 walk from Krippen to Gorisch, walking across open fields with views across to the north bank and the surrounding table mountains of the Zirkelstein and Pfaffenstein, makes it easy to understand why so many artists have been drawn here for inspiration.
Ascending the Schrammesteine
Day 3 was a real adventure – climbing up on ladders, squeezing through narrow crags on sloping paths with grabrails – it's a well-established, well-maintained route with a real feeling of adventure! Not for the faint hearted, but walking the wooded, sandstone ridge line, literally in the footsteps of people that have walked before you (footholds being worn away in the sandstone) is really rewarding!
Eierschecke
There are many culinary delights to experience in Saxony, but few can rival the Dresdener Eirschecke, a layered cake made with egg and curd, it is a welcome reward for any walker!
Transport
It's perhaps a funny thing to say about a walking holiday, but the variety of transport added to the sense of adventure, whether it was riding the iconic Kirnitzschtalbahn tram, crossing the Elbe on a foot ferry, sharing a train with a bunch of school children on a field trip, or a combination of all three!
Wildlife
Especially birdlife – particular highlights were watching a pair of nesting storks on the Elbe and seeing – not just hearing – my first woodpecker!
An authentic trail
The Malerweg is a popular among walkers in Germany (its third most popular established trail), yet it's hardly known outside of Germany. What struck me was how authentic the whole experience felt – whilst you are amongst a community of walkers it was only at the Bastei Bridge and Prebischtor that I ever encountered crowds, or heard another English voice!
One memory will stay with me, having a meal next to a group of farm labourers coming in after a day in the fields – they greeted other locals and neighbours as they drifted in with a customary knock on the edge of their table (a traditional greeting which ensures that the diner is not disturbed and forced to respond with a mouthful of food!).