The Quirl is one of Saxon Switzerland's most fascinating table mountains — a broad, flat-topped massif stretching nearly a kilometre in length, hiding caves, a historic cannon road, and a quiet that feels almost out of place this close to the busy fortress of Königstein. At 350 m above sea level, it may not be the tallest peak around, but it boasts the largest unbroken summit plateau of all the 'stone' table mountains in the area.

The plateau is largely forested, giving the Quirl a wild, secluded feel. The best views open up from the rocks at the south-eastern corner, where you can look out across the other sandstone table mountains of left-bank Saxon Switzerland. In spring and autumn the forest puts on a spectacular show, and the Biela river curling around the western and northern flanks adds a gentle, pastoral quality to the landscape. Whether you are here on a misty autumn morning or a clear summer afternoon, the atmosphere is consistently special.

• Königstein (town) — red dot marked trail, part of the famous Malerweg (Painters' Way); loops around the northern and western side towards Pfaffenstein. Difficulty: easy.
• Forststeig trekking route (established 2018) — crosses the summit plateau and includes the protected Kanonenweg, a sandstone-paved path on the south-eastern side. Difficulty: moderate.
• Unmarked ascent near the Diebskeller cave on the northern side — suited to more experienced hikers.

• The Forststeig is a multi-day trekking route that requires advance registration and a fee.
• The Kanonenweg (Cannon Road) on the south-eastern flank is a listed historical monument.
• Several bedding-plane caves are found beneath the plateau, including the Diebskeller — one of the largest caves of its type in Saxon Switzerland.

During the Austro-Prussian War of 1866, the old footpath up to the plateau was deliberately blown up to prevent Prussian troops from positioning artillery against the neighbouring Königstein Fortress — a piece of history that adds a surprising edge to what looks like a peaceful woodland walk.