Hockstein, Polenztal and Ice Cream in Rathen
Link to Route: https://www.komoot.com/de-de/tour/1630128653
This was one of my favorite hikes in 2024. From Dresden you take the train S1 to “Kurort Rathen” and the ferry to cross the river Elbe. Passing the “Amselgrund” and the beautiful lakes between the sand stones in the morning sun will take your breath away. After that you start climbing upwards towards Hohnstein. It’s a soft incline and doable by everyone able to walk. Reaching the “Hockenstein” you get a stunning view over the Polenz Valley. After this, you pass through (yes through) the Hockenstein sand stone downward to the valley. Down there you get a calming walk along side the river before climing again towards Porschdorf. After a sharp turn to the forest again you get back to Rathen through a rhododendron park (go there at the second half of may for the blossoming).