Wheelchair route "The Waldhusche - forestry experience then and now"

From the car park at the Buchenparkhalle, after a few meters westward, you reach the main entrance to the open area marked by two stacks of wood. From here, a wide forest path leads us gently downhill past the first information stations to the viewpoint above the Beizehaus.

To reach it, however, after the short detour to the viewpoint, we must first follow the now narrower and steeper hiking path further downhill until we can take the grass-covered, slightly sloping path sideways at a sharp angle back. Anyone who wants to see the exhibition in the Beizehaus must keep left in front of the building, as the entrance to the information point is on the side facing the mountainside.

The now wide, gravel path becomes noticeably steeper until just before the central meadow, where brake assistance from helpers is absolutely necessary. Without their help, there is very much a risk of tipping forward in a (short) wheelchair. Once at the bottom, the detour on a slightly ascending track to the Blockhaus with its event room and exhibition of historical tools used by forest workers is worthwhile. Children will definitely be thrilled by the so-called squirrel den playground. Additionally, a nearby small U-shaped boardwalk crosses a body of water.

The first three hundred meters of the continuation past the actual Waldhusche (a wooden chute for transporting felled wood) demand full effort uphill again from helpers as well since the incline temporarily ranges between 12 and 14%. Once the next large junction is reached, the most strenuous section is behind us, but the path continues uphill on a bumpy road back to the starting point of the hike. On both sides here (briefly turning off a side path), there are several experience stations offering opportunities to rest while children can run around. After passing through the stack of wood marking the main entrance again, the route ends at the car park.

Note: The route can also be extended by continuing straight ahead at the large junction after the steep ascent from the central meadow and eventually looping back to the car park (see the overview map of the open area, which is also posted at the entrance). However, the more and nicer wheelchair-accessible play stations are found on the route variant described above.

Hinterhermsdorf can be reached from Bad Schandau via the Kirnitzschtal both by bus line 241 and by car. It is also possible to travel from Sebnitz by bus and car.

Hiking car park at the Buchenparkhalle above Hinterhermsdorf, follow the signs "Obere Schleuse" in the village to get there

Arrival and departure: Bus line 241

At several adventure playgrounds, parents in wheelchairs can accompany their children directly to the station. Unfortunately, the play elements are not suitable or accessible for children with mobility impairments.

Further information about the Waldhusche including an overview map is available on the Saxon Switzerland National Park's website.

The hike is particularly worthwhile for families with children of middle age, who can enjoy themselves at numerous forest experience stations here.

Due to some short but steep sections, especially in the central part of the open area, visitors in wheelchairs require support from companions without mobility restrictions (warning: otherwise risk of tipping over!). It cannot be assessed to what extent these difficult passages can be managed in an electric wheelchair due to the steepness – but at least the signposted wheelchair-accessible paths are passable.