Four Unforgettable Days in Germany and Czech Republic: Day Four – A Breathtaking Trek Through Saxon Switzerland National Park

Hey there, fellow freelancers and adventure seekers! Today, I’m taking you on an epic journey through the heart of Saxon Switzerland National Park. Buckle up for a day filled with castles, stunning vistas, and a touch of unexpected excitement!

After yesterday’s urban exploration in Prague, we were ready to dive back into nature. We kicked off our day at 9 AM with a hearty German breakfast, perfect fuel for digital nomads on the go!

Our ambitious plan? A 7-hour trek starting from Königstein, through Kurort Rathen, Polenztal, Hohenstein, and finally back to our temporary home base in Bad Schandau. Spoiler alert: things didn’t quite go as planned, but that’s the beauty of freelance life, right?

We hopped on a train to Königstein, where a magnificent castle perched high on a hill awaited us. True to our adventurous spirit, we opted for the steep climb rather than the tourist tram. The views? Absolutely worth every step!

Time was ticking, so we rushed down to catch a train to Kurort Rathen. Quick travel hack: we grabbed a delicious döner for lunch at the station – budget-friendly and oh-so-tasty!

Kurort Rathen greeted us with crowds (it was German Unity Day, after all) and a unique rope-pulled ferry. The town itself? Picture-perfect with flowers everywhere – talk about a dream remote work location!

As we entered Saxon Switzerland National Park, we were immediately struck by its raw beauty. The Polenztal valley left us speechless with its serene silence, broken only by birdsong and the gentle gurgle of the mountain river. Digital nomads, if you’re looking for inspiration, this is it!

We reached Hohenstein village as dusk was settling in. Another castle, another breathtaking view. But with darkness approaching, we had to push on.

Our journey led us to Brand café, perched atop a hill. We treated ourselves to a well-deserved beer while watching the sunset over the park. Pure magic!

Now, here’s where things got interesting. As we descended the Brandsche Treppe in near-total darkness, we realized we’d miscalculated our timing. For the next hour and a half, we navigated the pitch-black forest paths. Talk about an adrenaline rush!

We finally made it back to Bad Schandau around 10:30 PM, exhausted but exhilarated. Our day ended with a cheerful dinner and wine, celebrating an adventure we’ll never forget.

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