Brazil
Argentina
Chile
Colombia
Peru
Uruguay
Belgium
Spain
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Ireland
Italy
Portugal
the United Kingdom
Switzerland
Park · Bad Schandau, Saxônia
Lichtenhainer Wasserfall
Small waterfall at the end of the tram line in the Kirnitzsch valley, dammed since 1830 so the water can be released in bursts. It is the starting point of the trail to the Kuhstall.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Lichtenhainer Wasserfall
The Lichtenhainer Wasserfall is a small waterfall on the Lichtenhainer Dorfbach stream, which drops into the Kirnitzsch valley. In 1830 the watercourse was adjusted and fitted with a sluice that accumulates water and releases it all at once so visitors can see a stronger fall for a few minutes, an old tourism tradition in the region.
Next to it stands a 19th-century half-timbered inn that operates as a restaurant, and the final station of the Kirnitzschtalbahn, the tram coming from Bad Schandau.
The site is the starting point for one of the park's most popular trails: in about a 30-minute climb you reach the Kuhstall, a large natural sandstone arch with a viewpoint over the valley. From there, a narrow staircase between the rocks, the Himmelsleiter, leads to the top of the formation.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
20 to 30 minutes at the waterfall; 1.5 to 2 hours for the round trip to the Kuhstall.
Best time
From spring to autumn, when the valley is green and the inn has more opening hours. After rainy days the stream carries more water.
How to get there
Take the Kirnitzschtalbahn from the Kurpark of Bad Schandau to the final station, Lichtenhainer Wasserfall. By car there is parking next to the waterfall.
Tip
The fall is small: go for the scenery and the trails, not for the waterfall itself. The water release, when it occurs, is charged. For the Kuhstall wear sturdy footwear; the Himmelsleiter is narrow and steep.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Lichtenhainer Wasserfall
How to get to the Lichtenhainer Wasserfall?
By the Kirnitzschtalbahn, the tram that departs from Bad Schandau Kurpark and ends at the waterfall, or by car via the valley road.
What is the Kuhstall?
A large natural sandstone arch with a viewpoint over the valley, about a 30-minute uphill walk from the waterfall.
Is the waterfall large?
No. It is a small fall, dammed to release the water in bursts. The main interest is the valley, the inn and the trails.