Hiking in the heart of Elbe Sandstone – Saxony Switzerland National Park.

As rightly said – It is only by Adventure you can succeed in knowing yourself in one self.

This day would always be in my memory of doing something beyond my comfort level.
With No safety helmet, No harness and climbing sets, and my sweaty palms hiking is never a recommend but one of the most harmful thing to do.
Trust me if I am writing this then it is with the sense of accomplishment of coming back successfully without breaking any bones;-)

I was always fascinated with the videos and pictures of hikers and had a wish if I could do something like that ever.
Only those who will risk of going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.
In the end we may not remember the people we met and every usual day in life but we will always remember the craziest moment done together.

No trail

Overview of our Trail –
Distance Travelled – 14 kilometers
Hiking Time – 8.5 Hours
Route – Beuthenfall – Zwillingsstiege –Wild Hell – Carolafelsen – Oberer Terrassenweg – Schrammsteine

We started our tour from the Parking point at Beuthenfall and reached our first point Zwillingsstiege. We took the kein einlass (which means no entry in german).

Zwillingssteige known as Twin Stair case is a real ferrata(iron road) requiring absolute sure footedness and head for the heights. It is one of the most popular trails selected only by hikers with no weak nerves.
Even the information board of the Nation Park recommends – Experienced Hikers only!

The trail was about climbing through the steel brackets. Initially I was tensed of falling down while climbing up, of course any first timer would have. The total climb (length 1000 m) through the steep wall was an experience. The first three feet had a free climbing, and then you get a rocky ridge, narrow hill top in the middle of steep part. The narrow passage between the rocks was very tricky and looked not suitable for a little heavy people or maybe they could squeeze in with a little push.

Having successfully climbed the Zwillingssteige rocks the level of confidence was boosted. The next trail to the Wilde Hoelle (Wild Hell) was adventurous with walking along the lush ravine. I was not feeling scared anymore and had started enjoying the walk.

 
The detour to 458 m high Carolafelsen, Carola rock is said to be one of the scenic mountain hiking trails. Here we got the most beautiful views of Saxon Switzerland, so we decided it to be a big lunch break there and enjoyed our sandwich with good view and breeze.

After a long walk again, a little of climbing up and a little down we reached our next point Oberer Terrassenweg.

The trail at this point was so dangerous that it gave a skip of a heartbeat. My pictures and words will not do the justice about the extreme thrill involved. The walking was through a narrow pathway which was about ½ m wide with steep valley on one side and you could only walk taking a support of the iron rails attached to the rock on other side.
It was equally difficult and scary to walk without seeing down. It was an incomparable experience.

The last point of our hiking trail was Schrammsteine rocks. The elevation is about 425 meters above sea level. The Schrammsteine crest is one of the most popular trails because of the overwhelmingly magnificent views with the visibility extending till Czech border. The climbing route to this point was better protected with rails and steel ladders in many places. Though the steps were not manmade but were better than any other point. This is a most popular photographed point. Most of the paintings of Saxony Switzerland are painted from the view here.

It was a well spent adventurous Sunday. This place had everything from casual walk to strenuously endless stairs, iron handholds and climbing; slipping down the dried leafy steep. The whole landscape was like a scene.

We live only once then why to think twice. What is the point to wait when tomorrow is never guaranteed!!

Finally on top of the sand stonr

I enjoyed this confrontation with Fear and yes I overcame my fear of heights!