D · Week of nude hikes in Saxon Switzerland [5 August 2018]

► Sat 4 Aug: Hike in the nude to the Gohrisch and the Papststein [5 August 2018]

4 Aug: View from Gohrisch in direction of Pfaffenstein | 1

The Gohrisch – falsely also Gohrischstein – is located about four kilometres southeast of Königstein in the middle of a plateau called Ebenheit, which is still dominated by further rocky mountains. Surrounding mountains are Papststein [en: Pope's Stone], Kleinhennersdorfer Stein [en: Kleinhennersdorf Stone] and the Lasensteine. At the foot of the Gohrisch, there are the small towns Gohrisch (same name as one of the stones) and Papstdorf, which belong to the municipality of Gohrisch.

On the eastern side, there is the Specksteinstollen [en: Soapstone Gallery], a witness of earlier mining experiments. In the immediate vicinity, there is a small, overgrown quarry, in which basalt was mined as road gravel.

As early as 1780, Papststein was opened up by a path (Alter Weg [en: Old Path]), which, however, is no longer accessible today. The gorge on the eastern climb was made accessible in 1845. In 1858, a wooden pavilion was erected on the summit, then in 1862 a mountain inn, which still exists today.

A team of British TV station ITV accompanied a group of nude hikers. Thus, the approach of hiking in the buff is also becoming more widespread internationally.

► Sun 5 Aug: Bernhardstein and Labyrinth - Highlights near Bielatal Valley [5 August 2018]

“I have rarely been so enthusiastic about a panorama of a relatively unknown mountain in Saxon Switzerland, as I was about the Bernhardstein.

The mountain of a height of 42 m above sea level, formerly known as Kegelstein, got its name from a Hermsdorf manor owner, who promoted the touristic development of the mountain.

After its development, the mountain became a popular lookout into the Bielatal Valley and into the ‘world of stones’.”

 – Translated cit. by “Matthias, the Saxon, who explores here everything.”

5 Aug: Panoramic view from Bernhardstein | 1

► Tue 7 Aug: Hike at Hockstein or ride an inflatable boat on the Elbe River [7 August 2018]

7 Aug: Hikers enjoying view from Hockstein towards a castle | 1

On Tuesday, we had the choice between a hike in the nude or to ride an inflatable boat on the Elbe.

10 naturists rode the boat from Königstein to Pirna. In between, we took a rest near the ferry at the town Kurort Rathen [en: Spa Town Rathen], to refresh ourselves in the nude together with clothed people – mostly families – by licking icecream or drinking cool buttermilk-elderberry beverages.

17 participants opted for a classical hike in the nude, which we started at a car park near the Hockstein. Later, we had a impressive look-out to Hohnstein Castle. The following descent led over ladders worked adventurously into narrow stone gaps. Due to the sunshine, the temperature went up to over 30°C, only in the caves and the Gautschhöhle [en: Gautsch Grotto], the air was clearly cooler. In a beer garden at Waltersdorfer Mühle [en: Waltersdorf Mill], we could rest in the buff to enjoy coffee, ice, sausages, and beer. Other dressed guests were very interested in our way of hiking and started detailed conversations. Finally, we went up the Polenztal Valley and arrived after a difficult final climb at the Hockstein.

► Wed 8 Aug: Hiking near Radebeul or on Hoher Schneeberg Mountain [10 August 2018]

Our group hike took place near Radebeul. It had a length of 18 km in total, if you wanted to enjoy Schloss Moritzburg [en: Moritzburg Castle] as a highlight.

Although it might have been cool inside, the majority of us opted, to leave and treach the edge of town as soon as possible due to air temperature significantly aabove 30°C and full sunshine without any clouds. We were just eager to protect our clothes from getting soaked with sweat.

As an alternative, Helmut ‘natury’ chose a short hike of a length of 5.5 km – but with 200 m ascent on a 2 km track – with the goal of the Hundewand near Hoher Schneeberg in Bohemian Switzerland, from where a broad panorama view into the valley of the Elbe and the city of Decin was available.

At the inn at the look-out tower, he had an ice cream and Viennese coffee.

8 Aug: Group picture in front of Moritzburg Castle | 1

► Thu 9 Aug: Schrammsteine and Breite Kluft – Shadow in the forest before arrival of a cold front [10 August 2018]

28 Participants first descended from Ostrau to the Zahnsgrund [en: Bottom of the Tooth], where the wetness of the previous evening's rain remained in the foggy air, which made the ascent to the Schrammtor extremely sweaty. On top of the Schrammsteine [en: Scratchy Stones], meanwhile a light, dry wind blew again, which quickly made forget the strain of the ascent.

Once again, the temperate went up to 34°C, so that everyone was glad, that the way led us predominantly through half shade of the forest. Nevertheless, we enjoyed further look-outs like at the Breite Kluft [en: Wide Gap]. We splitted into two groups: A fast group, because they had to pick up a repaired car at a garage in the afternoon before close of business, and a slow group without such time constraints.

SNW 2018 photo album

► Sun 12 Aug: From Kirnitzschtal Valley to Affensteine and Carolafelsen [12 August 2018]

From the Kirnitzschtal Valley near Bad Schandau through the Wilde Hölle [en: Wild Hell] to the Affensteine and the Carolafelsen (Why is the name not Carolastein, although it is sandstone?).

A young couple took the opportunity, to hike in clothes with us and to get an idea of our community. While he had to return early, she accompanied us until the end of the hike and told us, that she enjoyed it so much, that she would like to accompany us again.

Shortly before our return to the Kirnitzsch Creek, another young couple showed interest in nude hiking and our naturist lifestyle. The conversation soon changed from German to English, when it became clear, that she understood English better. They accompanied us to our bathing place. Both did not hesitate long to our invitation from the water “Come in. It is refreshing.”: They undressed and came into the Kirnitzsch. She answered the question “Where are you from?” with “Columbia, Bogotá.” Her friend from Hanover, where both now live, had met her during his studies in Spain. She is now learning German as her next language.

SNW 2018 photo album

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