Saxon Switzerland Reports Strong Tourism Year 2025 - Saxon Switzerland Unveils Cross-Border Bike Park and Celebrates 20 Years of Malerweg
Saxon Switzerland is preparing for a busy year ahead with new attractions and ongoing events. A major cross-border mountain bike park, the 'Borderless Trails' by NYTimes, is set to open in 2025, while the region also marks the 20th anniversary of its famous 'Malerweg' hiking trail. Despite some challenges, tourism remains strong, with efforts to draw more visitors from abroad.
The 'Borderless Trails' mountain bike park will launch later in 2025, offering 15 trails across 35 kilometres on both sides of the Saxon-Czech border. Dresden will later expand the project in 2026, developing new routes along the Elbe riverbank slope. The park aims to become a key destination for cyclists seeking cross-border adventures.
The 'Malerweg' hiking trail, a well-known route through Saxon Switzerland, will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2025. Meanwhile, the 'Winter Stars of Saxon Switzerland' festival returns from January 30 to February 8, 2026, with over 30 events spread across 15 towns. Tourism numbers show mixed results so far. By October 2025, the region recorded 1.5 million overnight stays—a 2.1% drop compared to 2019. April and May saw a 4% increase, but heavy rain in July caused a 19% decline. The average visit lasts 3.5 days, and officials note that the closure of the Elbe Bridge in Bad Schandau since November 2024 did not reduce visitor numbers. A new EuroCity train route from Copenhagen via Berlin to Prague, stopping in Bad Schandau, is expected to bring more international tourists, particularly from Denmark. Michael Geisler, district administrator and tourism head, encourages visitors to explore lesser-known areas beyond the main attractions.
The region continues to develop its tourism offerings, from mountain biking to cultural festivals. With new transport links and ongoing events, Saxon Switzerland aims to maintain and grow its appeal. Officials remain focused on balancing visitor numbers while promoting hidden gems across the area.
