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Natural Monuments

Saxon Switzerland-East Ore Mountains

Mönch rock formation

Natural Monuments

Saxon Switzerland-East Ore Mountains

Saxon Switzerland

Rathen

Mönch rock formation

Highlight • Natural Monument

Mönch rock formation

Recommended by 290 hikers out of 316

This Highlight is in a protected area

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Nationalpark-Kernzone

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Location: Rathen, Saxon Switzerland, Saxon Switzerland-East Ore Mountains, Saxony, Germany

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Best Hikes to Mönch rock formation

4.8

(1280)

4,231

hikers

1. Schwedenlöcher – Schwedenlöcher loop from Stadt Wehlen

12.4km

03:47

370m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

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Moderate

4.7

(548)

2,885

hikers

2. View of the Elbe Valley – Bastei Bridge loop from Kurort Rathen

4.14km

01:16

140m

Moderate hike. Great for any fitness level. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

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Moderate

4.8

(763)

2,777

hikers

3. View of the Elbe Valley – Bastei Bridge loop from Rathewalde

8.06km

02:22

200m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

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Moderate

Tips

Beyond the Horizon

September 20, 2023

A special landmark of Saxon Switzerland rises majestically near Rathen: the Mönch, often also called the Mönchstein. A stately rock tower that not only makes climbers' hearts beat faster, but also offers a unique sight for all nature lovers.

Even from a distance, the weather vane on its summit catches the eye, a delicate figure of a monk made of sheet metal, which not only gave the mountain its name, but is also known as a widely visible landmark in the region.

For all those who love the thrill of heights, the Mönch is a popular climbing peak. But caution is advised, because this is not an ordinary hiking trail. Given the numerous visitors that the neighboring Bastei attracts, it is important to stress that the Mönch is primarily reserved for climbers.

For those who want to enjoy the view of the rock in all its glory, it is advisable to approach it from a distance. An ideal place for this is the Neurathen rock castle, from which you have a wonderful view of the Mönch. In the middle of the picturesque landscape of Saxon Switzerland, this climbing rock is just one of the many beauties, but its uniqueness makes it an indispensable highlight on every trip to the region.

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Nordhesse

February 8, 2024

The Mönch near Rathen is a rock in the Bastei area in Saxon Switzerland. In the Middle Ages it is said to have been an observation post for the Rathen fortress. An observation cave was dug into the rock for this purpose, and can still be seen today.
A weather vane in the shape of a human has stood on the Mönch for over 130 years. The figure was erected in the year of the first athletic ascent (1887) and has been faithfully reproduced or replaced over the years.
The first "Mönch" summit figure from 1887 can still be viewed as a museum piece in Bad Schandau.
The Mönch can only be climbed by sport climbers. There are several climbing routes with different levels of difficulty. In the Middle Ages, the observation post had to climb to the summit using a climbing aid made of timbers.

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Chalien

April 26, 2024

Be sure to visit this beautiful area!

Translated by Google •

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Elevation 240 m

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Tuesday 25 November

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Max wind speed: 7.0 km/h

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Location: Rathen, Saxon Switzerland, Saxon Switzerland-East Ore Mountains, Saxony, Germany

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Gamrig Stairway

Mönch rock formation

1. Schwedenlöcher – Schwedenlöcher loop from Stadt Wehlen

2. View of the Elbe Valley – Bastei Bridge loop from Kurort Rathen

3. View of the Elbe Valley – Bastei Bridge loop from Rathewalde

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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