Hideaway Elbsandstein
Type
House
Sleeps
Cabin for 2 and house for 7
Costs
Cabin from 150€, house from 500€
WHAT?
Located high on the slopes of the Elbe in a former quarry, with unspoilt views of the Schrammsteine, Elbe Sandstone Mountains National Park, Bad Schandau and deep into the Kirnitzschtal, is an idyllic getaway with a history of a few hundred years. Before you even get to the house and the cabin, you are met with wild nature that has been allowed to return since mining ended decades ago. Hidden amongst the chestnut grove, orchards and sandstone caves, you’re likely to find badgers, owls and woodpeckers.
The main group house has had many lives. Built on the site, dating from the 1400s, of the former stone crusher’s home, the current structure dates back to the 1920s, and has housed actors, skat musicians, the GDR minister of interior and refugees. Now, the space has been transformed into a home for those looking to reconnect with each other and nature. Alongside it, built directly into the rock, is a sleek cabin with huge glass windows that frame the greenery outside, and super minimal interiors, inspired by Danish and Japanese design.
A stay here is restful, thanks to the view, the quiet location, and the focus on simplicity and quality. Returning to curl up in front of the fire or warm up in the sauna after a long day exploring the Saxony Switzerland National Park is a true pleasure.
WHY?
I fell in love because...
- The interiors are simple yet elegant, and were designed to let in as much nature into the spaces as possible
- You’re a stone’s throw away from the iconic Basteibrücke, but based outside of the main towns that can get busy with tourists
You must...
- Explore the beautiful national park on your doorstep; there are dozens of hikes to choose from
- Hire an SUP or boat, and explore the winding Elbe
You might dislike...
- The cabin and house overlook each other somewhat, but have their own private outdoor spaces
- In order to make the most of the area, it’s good to have a car, as from the closest train station you’d need to get a bus (which are unreliable) or walk uphill for 20 minutes
WHO?
Introducing Sylvia and Thomas!
“The quarry and its house have had a rich history, from being the home of a lawyer, guesthouse to well-known actors, to the summer house of the GDR Ministry of the Interior and a restaurant for skat evenings. It’s a special place with a unique energy.”
They love…
“You’re completely surrounded by nature, and we love strolling through the forest.”
Sylvia and Thomas’ insider tips
- Since the Romantic period, artists and musicians have used Saxon Switzerland as a place of inspiration. As a result, there are a lot of regional cultural events - try to time your visit with the Shostakowitz Festival Gohrisch
- There are many impressive castles and palace complexes in Saxon Switzerland, like the nearby Königstein Fortress, which until 1922 the fortress was considered the most feared state prison in Saxony. We also love Hohnstein Castle, Stolpen Castle, Weesenstein Castle, Pillnitz Castle, Decin Castle and the Großsedlitz Baroque Garden
- Soak up the outdoors: go hiking, climbing, horse riding, or paddling on the Elbe. Then unwind in the thermal baths in Bad Schandau
- The cultural and architecturally beautiful cities of Dresden and Prague are a short drive away
Hideaway Elbsandstein
You can't have a nicer vacation! As a hiking group of 6 women, we lived and loved the Hideaway on all levels, with all the offers and stylish interiors.
THE
ESSENTIALS
- Need to Know: There is an additional cleaning fee added to the nightly rate. The house and the cabin overlook each other, but each has private outdoor space.
- Sleeping: The house sleeps up to 7 in 3 double bedrooms and 1 single bedroom. The cabin can sleep a maximum of 3; there is a sleeping gallery with a double bed; the additional guest would sleep on the Japanese futon.
- Bathroom set-up: The house has two shower-only bathrooms, one has a tub, too, and three toilets. The cabin has a shower-only bathroom. Basic toiletries such as soap, towels, and toilet paper are provided
- Food: The house has a fully equipped kitchen, and the cabin has a more basic kitchen (no dishwasher and small oven). The kitchen is stocked with basic ingredients including oil, vinegar, sugar, salt, and tea. A refrigerator filling service is available upon request, as well as the option to book an organic breakfast. There are several historic bakeries and organic stores nearby. Sylvia and Thomas are happy to make recommendations, too.
- For families: The house is great for families with older children. It’s a little dangerous here for small children, as the cabin is located on an old quarry with caves and holes that are somewhat covered by plants.
- On-site equipment: The house has a sauna and unheated 16m pool, as well as a reading room with books. The cabin has a movie screen (bring a projector). Both have games, candles, books, DVDs and CDs available to borrow.
- Help: Assistance is available via text or phone call, should you need it.
- Remember to pack: Hiking shoes to explore the area, and binoculars.
- Pets: Dogs are welcome on request for an additional charge.
- Sustainability: There is a big commitment to eco-friendly practices, with features like a large photovoltaic system, bio-sewage treatment plant, biologically insulated and wooden construction, organic mattresses, and firewood sourced from the property's forest.
WHERE?
Hideaway Elbsandstein is located in Germany’s iconic Sächsische Schweiz region.
You can easily drive (around 3 hours from Berlin or 5 hours from Munich), and there’s on-site parking.
It’s easy to get here by public transport. Take the train (direct from Berlin) or S Bahn from Dresden to Bad Schandau train station. From there, it’s a 5-minute taxi ride, a 45-minute bus trip or a 20-minute uphill walk.
