Time travel to the 19th century: Napoleonschanze and Gautschgrotte

The starting point is the parking lot or the bus stop Eiche in Hohnstein. We pass the playground, descend into the town and turn left at the town hall (following the signposts to Gautschgrotte). The small street leads into the forest and we now hike following the green dash and diagonal dash (nature trail signs). It stays almost level along the rocks. After a few minutes, we take a detour to the left to the Gautschgrotte.

The Gautschgrotte is one of the best-known fault caves in Saxon Switzerland. It is named after Karl Gautsch, who fought for democratic rights during the German Revolution of 1848/1849. The uprising was militarily suppressed in 1849. Karl Gautsch was sentenced to 20 years in prison for participating in the revolt.

Returning from the detour to the cave, we continue hiking. Later, as the terrain widens a bit, we discover the Diebshöhle on the left.

We hike slightly uphill and keep right at the next fork (green dash). Shortly after, at the next junction, we also keep right to bypass the Räumigt meadow. After some time, we meet a junction with the red dash marking; we follow this marking for a short stretch to the left/straight ahead and then sharply turn right at the next junction (green dash and diagonal green dash). Soon a wide, unmarked path branches off to the left; we turn into it and continue hiking. We cross another wide hiking trail, pass Waldborn, cross the Brandstraße (a wide forest path with blue dash), and hike slightly uphill to the forest edge. Here, we meet a path (green dash) and turn left. We walk along the forest edge, then turn right (following the signposts) across a meadow to the Napoleonschanze.

The Napoleonschanze (Schanzenberg) is an up to 4-meter-high artificial earthen rampart that was built in 1813 by the inhabitants of the Hohnstein-Lohmen district under very difficult conditions to secure the Napoleon road from Königstein fortress to Stolpen castle. One day after completion, the French army took position here. Heavy losses followed on both sides of the warring parties. After Austria allied with Russia and Prussia against the French and Saxon troops in August 1813, Napoleon's defeat was sealed with the Battle of Leipzig.

After visiting this historic site, we continue downhill following the green dash, pass the outdoor pool, and upon reaching the road, turn left until we return to the bus stop and parking lot.

• All rules in the National Park
• Tips for safe hiking in Saxon Switzerland, created in cooperation with the mountain rescue service
• Notes on dealing with deadwood for hikes, especially through stands of dead spruces

The route is suitable for children and dogs.

In the Saxon Switzerland National Park, paths must not be left and your dog must be kept on a leash. In the core zone, only marked paths may be used. Also observe our notes on dealing with deadwood.