Malerweg
~5 days · 66.4 mi · hard · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Malerweg is known for
The Painters' Way through Saxon Switzerland's sandstone pinnacles and gorges, retracing the viewpoints that drew Romantic painters like Caspar David Friedrich.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 371 ft to 1,483 ft over 66.4 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 18.8 mi · 28%
- Downhill 22.1 mi · 33%
- Flat 25.4 mi · 38%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Malerweg?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Malerweg scores 37/100, a relative rating across the 569 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Malerweg take?
Most backpackers hike the Malerweg in about 5 days (4 nights out) over its 66.4 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Malerweg?
The Malerweg climbs roughly 12,313 ft total — about 185 ft per mile, topping out near 1,772 ft.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.