The lakeside path at Amselsee in the Rathen spa town has been open to pedestrians again since Saturday, 7 November 2026. The Saxon Switzerland National Park Authority at the state-run forestry company Sachsenforst also reopened the adjoining Füllhölzelweg Previously, following the severe storm at the end of July 2026, debris had been cleared, damaged railings repaired and hazardous areas made safe.
The authority stresses that the reopening is based on a current risk assessment. Targeted work, such as securing rocks and trees, is continuing. Nearby woodland areas and some access routes may also remain closed. The Municipality of Rathen and the national park authority advise visitors to observe barriers and warning signs strictly, use designated alternative routes and follow instructions from forestry and emergency services.
The reopening restores a key connection in the Bastei and Amselgrund area. It is intended to ease congestion on the heavily used stretch of valley path. However, the situation remains mixed: according to media reports, the privately run Amselsee hiking rest stop remains closed, and it is currently not expected to reopen before 2028. Decisions concerning restaurants and private use are made by the respective operators and owners.
The closures were prompted by storm damage caused by a severe storm at the end of July 2026. Falling branches, uprooted trees and damaged safety structures affected several paths around Amselsee and the surrounding ravine woodland. The repairs completed so far focused on restoring safe passage along the lakeside path and the Füllhölzelweg; further work in the area will follow in stages.
For the Saxon Switzerland region, the reopening comes at the start of the 2026/27 winter season, when, despite weather-related restrictions, many day-trippers are typically out and about. Authorities warn that wet layers of leaves, frost and sudden rock movements can affect whether paths are safe to use at any time. Current on-site advice takes precedence.
Further information about local closures, diversions and path conditions is available from the national park authority for Saxon Switzerland and the Municipality of Rathen. Visitors are asked to plan their trips and choose their equipment to suit autumn conditions, and to stay on marked paths.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).