Saxony's hiking trail ranked as Germany's most stunning after a fresh trim!
Caspar-David-Friedrich-Weg Crowned Germany's Most Beautiful Hiking Trail for 2025
The scenic Caspar-David-Friedrich-Weg hiking trail, located on the island of Rügen, has been named Germany's most beautiful hiking trail for 2025. This prestigious title was awarded in a vote organised by Wandermagazin, recognising the trail's unique blend of art history, natural beauty, and cultural significance.
The trail, which traces the footsteps and artistic inspiration of the German Romantic painter Caspar David Friedrich, offers breathtaking views over the white chalk cliffs, ancient beech forests, and coastline. These landscapes mirror the ones Friedrich painted in the early 19th century.
Historically, the area gained artistic fame through Friedrich’s paintings, such as his depiction of the Königsstuhl chalk cliff, which is even featured in the visitor center's detailed exhibition and film near the trail. The route allows hikers to experience the natural and cultural heritage that influenced German Romanticism deeply.
Highlights of the Caspar-David-Friedrich-Weg include:
- Walking along the Hochuferwanderweg path on Rügen’s cliffs, offering panoramic views of the Baltic Sea and the iconic white chalk formations.
- Visiting the visitor center by the Königsstuhl, which includes interpretative exhibits about the geology, ecology, and history of the cliffs as well as Friedrich's artistic legacy.
- Traversing ancient beech forests, characteristic of the region’s natural landscape, providing a peaceful and immersive experience.
- The trail is popular not only for its natural beauty but also for its cultural significance, commemorating the painter’s first hike in 1801 on Rügen.
Last year, the trail underwent an extensive revamping, modernization, and extension, with the local authority paving many ways to relocate it to a more attractive route. This extensive project was one of the most significant in the anniversary year "250 years of Caspar David Friedrich."
Dr. Andreas Heine, mayor of Reinhardtsdorf-Schöna, expressed delight with the award, while Culture Minister Barbara Klepsch (CDU) emphasized its significance for tourism in Saxony and hiking. The Kammweg Erzgebirge-Vogtland came in third in the "Multi-day tours" category, and the Karras-Weg in the Elbland region came in eighth place.
This is the first win of a Saxon trail in the public competition since 2007, when the Malerweg Elbsandsteingebirge won in the same category. Heine thanked the farmers for enabling landscape maintenance that made the dream views along the trail possible.
For hiking enthusiasts, the Caspar-David-Friedrich-Weg provides a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the art and nature that have captivated generations. The trail is part of a historical circular trail between Bad Schandau, Reinhardtsdorf-Schöna, and Krippen.
Exploring the Caspar-David-Friedrich-Weg's home-and-garden landscape, with its ancient beech forests and iconic white chalk cliffs, offers a lifestyle deeply rooted in the historical milieu that inspired German Romantic painting. Truly, travelers who embark on this trail get a taste of the artist's travel experiences, immersing themselves in nature, art, and culture, making it a remarkable experience for home-and-garden, lifestyle, travel enthusiasts.
