The national park stretches over 93.5 square kilometers to the right of the Elbe Sandstone mountain range and is part of the European ecological network Natura 2000.The climate of the Saxon Switzerland National Park is characterized by its canyon-like gorges, which ensure a humid and cool cellar climate. On the other hand, the overgrown rocky reefs are exposed to strong temperature fluctuations of around 60 degrees Celsius between day and night in the summer months.The average temperature is around seven degrees Celsius on an annual average.The spectacular natural landscape with its rugged rocks and endless oak, hornbeam and spruce forests invites you to go on long bike rides and walks.The National Park Center is located directly in the city centre of Bad Schandau and is one of the most modern nature conservation information centers in Germany.

The Elbpromenade with bike path stretches over 2.6 kilometers from the entrance to the Elbbrücke to the Elbkai with its ship landing stages and into the city centre with the Haus des Gastes [ae: tourist information] and further up the Elbe to the district of Postelwitz.

A special highlight of Bad Schandau is its terrain cure. A special form of exercise therapy that combines performance-based strain with full-body training with outdoor stays and landscape experience.

(c) Elisabeth Storer