Buschmühle is a charming old mill on the banks of the Kirnitzsch river, tucked deep in the Back Saxon Switzerland. For centuries it has drawn hikers and climbers looking for a hearty meal and a place to rest among the sandstone cliffs and forests. Today it operates as a mountain inn and hiker's lodge, carrying an almost legendary reputation among outdoor enthusiasts.

The Kirnitzschtal valley here feels intimate and wild - narrow, forested, with the river rushing right past the mill building. In summer it's a favorite stop along the valley trail, in autumn the surrounding woods turn golden, and in winter the area grows quiet and remote. It's the kind of spot where you want to linger, soak up the historic atmosphere, and listen to the old water wheel still turning - though nowadays it just generates electricity for the inn.

How to get there

• Bad Schandau or Ottendorf (Sebnitz) - via the Kirnitzschtal valley trail, approx. 2-3 hours, easy
• From Zeughaus or Neumannmühle - via footpaths along the river, moderate difficulty

Practical information

• Inn and hiker's lodge open year-round (seasonal restrictions may apply)
• Historic watermill dating back to the 16th century, operated as a grain mill until 1992
• The 5 m water wheel still turns, now generating electricity for the inn
• A favorite stop among climbers in Saxon Switzerland

In 2008 Buschmühle served as a filming location for The Reader, and in 2010 the mill was badly damaged by flooding - it was rebuilt with the help of local climbing clubs and mountain lovers who organized fundraisers and volunteer work.