Kirnitzschtalfest

One Valley, One Tram, One Festival

The Kirnitzschtal is one of the most impressive side valleys of Saxon Switzerland. Steep sandstone cliffs, a wild and romantic stream, dense mixed forests, and medieval mills characterize the landscape between Bad Schandau and Sebnitz/Ottendorf. The Kirnitzschtalbahn runs through it — a narrow-gauge tram that has been bringing summer guests to the Lichtenhainer Waterfall stop since 1898. This tram is not just a means of transport — it is the identity-giver of the region. And it is the backbone of the Kirnitzschtalfest.

Seven Venues Spread Across the Valley

The festival follows an unusual choreography: instead of concentrating on one festival site, it is spread along the valley road across seven main venues. Each location has its own character, its own businesses, its own program — and guests commute on foot, by historic tram, or by shuttle trams between the locations. The stops: Tram Depot Bad Schandau (market square with model trams, craft stalls, VVO play bus, bouncy castle, climbing tower), Ostrauer Mühle Campsite, Forsthaus Restaurant, Lichtenhainer Waterfall (central stage), Felsenmühle, Buschmühle, Ottendorfer Hütte.

Historic Tram, Rose von Sebnitz, Jugglers

Over the two days, historic tram trains from the Kirnitzschtalbahn collection, which are not used in regular service, will be running. In addition, there is the vintage bus «Rose von Sebnitz» — a restored historic bus that commutes between Sebnitz and the valley. Jugglers, music groups, acrobats, and theater ensembles perform on the stages. Readings, regional specialties (smoked trout from the Kirnitzschtal, Saxon game dishes, plum cake), a craft market with local products, and a children's program round off the offering.

National Park, Nature Conservation, Arrival

The Kirnitzschtal is located in the middle of Saxon Switzerland National Park. The festival organizers — the town of Sebnitz and the tourism association — explicitly ask visitors to refrain from using cars. Arrival by train (S 1 Dresden → Bad Schandau), then by Kirnitzschtalbahn or by shuttle trams into the valley. Those arriving by bike will find parking spaces at the depot in Bad Schandau and at the Lichtenhainer Waterfall.