Bad Schandau is a riverside spa town in the mountainous region of Saxony. Great rolling hills shelter the valley of the River Elbe and the charming houses that flank the shore. Use the town as a portal to the climbing hotspot of Saxon Switzerland National Park.
Explore the medieval quarter of the town, which is full of quaint cafés and restaurants. Enjoy the spa facilities at one of the many wellness and beauty centers. Visit the Toskana Therme beside the river to experience the atmospheric colored lights that illuminate the pools.
Wander through the town’s Spa Gardens to relax by a fountain and attend concerts in summer. Inspect the range of plants in the Botanical Garden.
Among the town’s highlights is St. John’s Church, which dates back to the 14th century. Admire its Late-Gothic style and the tall Renaissance sandstone altar.
Ride the Aufzug Bad Schandau, which is an outdoor elevator that rises above the trees to give views of the charming town and the undulating countryside. The steel framework reaches a height of 164 feet (50 meters) and has been used to scale the Ostrau hill since 1905.
Learn about the geological history of the area in the Museum of Bad Schandau. Note how the town’s buildings and amenities are situated primarily on the northern flank of the river, while only the railway line runs through the other side. Enjoy the view of the green countryside across the river.
Take trips to the Saxon Switzerland National Park for its thousands of climbing routes and hiking trails. Expect cold, snowy winters and pleasant summers in this region.
Reach this town in the southern part of Saxony via its nearest major airport in Dresden, a 1-hour drive northwest. Get around the region by railway and bus, or ride the Kirnitzschtal Tramway to small villages along the River Elbe.
