Struppen offers several ways to shape your stay: the main settlement lies in the broad valley on the left bank of the Elbe, and there are also hiking and climbing destinations, cycling, and local history. If you are looking for accommodation, you can first consider whether you want your stay to focus on scenery and outdoor activities or on cultural attractions.
Elbe Valley and viewpoints
Struppen is part of the Saxon Switzerland Landscape Conservation Area. In the main settlement, the slopes of the broad valley rise gently towards the surrounding heights. In the district of Thürmsdorf, the mausoleum on the Elbe slope offers a view into the Elbe Valley. The “Pilz” viewpoint also affords a view over the Elbe Valley; it lies on a hiking trail that approaches Struppen from Obervogelgesang.
A marked route from Obervogelgesang towards Struppen leads to an old millstone and viewpoints overlooking the Eastern Ore Mountains and Dresden. The viewpoints described therefore look in different directions: some face the Elbe Valley, while others look towards the Eastern Ore Mountains and Dresden.
Hiking and climbing
In Struppen’s district of Naundorf, trails begin that climb to the Großer and Kleiner Bärenstein; the high trail to the Rauenstein also starts there. On the Rauenstein ridge trail, bridges and steps follow the route, which ends at the Rauenstein mountain inn. For train travel to the Rauenstein ridge trail, Wehlen station serves as the access point; from there, follow the yellow trail markers towards Rathen.
The municipality of Struppen has 27 climbing peaks with routes of varying difficulty. In the district of Naundorf, there are more than 20 climbing peaks, with routes across all grades of difficulty. The municipality thus combines a climbing offer firmly rooted in the local area with hiking destinations whose routes and waymarkers vary.
Cycling and regional routes
Cycling is also one of the activities in Struppen: the Moldau-Elbe Cycle Route runs through the district of Strand. In the wider travel destination of the district of Saxon Switzerland-Eastern Ore Mountains, the Elbe Cycle Route runs for 40 kilometres through Saxon Switzerland. The Painters’ Way is a hiking-only trail there and cannot be explored by bicycle or e-bike. This distinction is useful when planning: cycling is an option in Struppen, while the Painters’ Way is reserved for hiking.
Church, castle and local history
Struppen Church is considered the oldest church in Saxon Switzerland. Its organ was built in 1668 and enlarged in 1736. Wilhelm Leberecht Götzinger was born in Struppen in 1758 and wrote books about Saxon Switzerland. An armistice was signed in Struppen on 16 October 1756.
Struppen Castle can be visited during public events, exhibitions and guided tours, or by prior arrangement. The banqueting hall is considered a venue for events, celebrations and exhibitions; the programme and access arrangements may change. Check the programme in advance and ask whether a visit by arrangement is possible.
Guest card and planning your stay
Guests staying overnight in Struppen receive the Gästekarte mobil from their hosts. It is valid on public transport in the VVO fare zones of Pirna (70), Bad Gottleuba (71), Bad Schandau (72) and Neustadt (73). During your stay, you can also use the Kirnitzschtalbahn without an additional ticket. Check the current terms and conditions of the guest card before travelling.
Visits to the castle depend on events, guided tours or prior arrangements, so include the relevant dates in your plans.
Discover more destinations: Bahretal, Kirnitzschtal, Freital, Heidenau, Bad Gottleuba-BerggieĂźhĂĽbel, Liebstadt, Bannewitz, Porschdorf
Return to the overview of the wider travel destination: Saxon Switzerland.
