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Saxon Switzerland Tourism Nears 2019 Levels as 2026 Push Brings Events, Rail Link and Bike Park

Officials report resilient demand despite the Bad Schandau bridge closure, with efforts now targeting overseas visitors.

Overview

  • The region counted about 1.5 million overnight stays through October 2025, only 2.1% below the same period in 2019.
  • The average stay was 3.5 days, and officials estimate smaller lodgings add roughly one third more nights beyond the official statistics.
  • April and May were about 4% above 2019, while heavy rain left July 19% lower, officials said.
  • Deutsche Bahn and partners announced a Eurocity direct link from Copenhagen via Berlin to Prague starting in May that will stop in Bad Schandau.
  • Plans for 2026 include the Wintersterne festival, Malerweg 20th‑anniversary events, and the EU‑funded cross‑border Borderless Trails bike park with 15 trails spanning 35 kilometres, alongside efforts to steer visitors to lesser‑known areas.