Bloßstock is one of the most striking rock towers of Saxon Switzerland — a solitary, steep pillar rising to 351.6 m, visible from afar as a natural landmark of the region's remote back country. This is a destination for climbers rather than hikers, but the sight of its wall alone is worth the trip.

Bloßstock forms the northernmost peak of the Affensteine massif, separated by a deep notch from the neighbouring Kreuzturm and the rocky ridge of the Langes Horn. Its north face drops almost vertically for 79.5 m, making it one of the most imposing rock towers in the area — dramatic against autumn's rust-coloured forests or frost-covered in winter. It's a place for lovers of the wild sandstone landscape of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains.

How to reach the summit

• The summit can only be reached via climbing routes — the oldest, Wenzelweg (1899), graded V on the Saxon scale, follows a chimney crack after crossing the notch with the help of a tree trunk
• Harder routes such as Fehrmannweg (VI, 1906) or Gipfelstürmerweg (VI, 1911) require solid climbing experience

Practical information

• There is no ordinary hiking trail to the top — access is for technically prepared climbers only
• Over 30 climbing routes have been established on Bloßstock, including famous north-face lines rated up to IXa
• The area belongs to the classic sandstone climbing region of Saxon Switzerland, with its own rules and traditions

The name Bloßstock derives from the old phrase am bloßen Stock, meaning free-standing rock, first recorded on Matthias Oeder's 1592 map.