Visiting Bastei bridge from Dresden

My travels are often inspired by pictures I have seen on the Internet. Bastei is one of such cases. Bastei is the most famous rock formation in Saxon Switzerland, Germany. Bastei and the Bastei Bridge are the highlights of the German Saxon Switzerland National Park area. You shouldn't miss out on visiting this attraction! It can be reached in less than 1 hour from the capital of Saxony Dresden. Bizarre Bastei stone formations and spectacular views are only a few characteristics of this region that is ideal for hiking, but also for a relaxed day out. From the Bastei rocks and the Bastei Bridge, you have a wonderful panoramic view over the mountains. For those who like nature, it is surely the most beautiful landscape in Saxony. By the way, Bastei reminds me of Meteora in Greece a little. 10 bastei saxony germany thesanetravel.com 1390416

What is Saxon Switzerland?

Over millions of years, Elbe River has carved the graceful rock landscape and romantic gorges and valleys of Saxon-Bohemian Switzerland. The total area of a wilderness of Elbe Sandstone Mountains is more than 700 km2. It is divided between two countries: Germany and Czechia. There is a Saxonian Switzerland National Park with an area more than 93 km2 in Germany and Bohemian Switzerland National park in Czechia with a 79 km2 area. So there is plenty of space to explore besides Bastei. The name of Saxon Switzerland was given to the place by two Swiss painters Adrian Zingg and Anton Graff, who worked at the Academy in Dresden and painted the landscape along the Elbe in the 18th century.11 bastei saxony germany thesanetravel.com 1390462

How to get there from Dresden?

Regional trains ("S-Bahn") connect Dresden and Saxon Switzerland at least every 30 minutes during the day. They stop in Pirna, Obervogelgesang, Stadt Wehlen, Kurort Rathen, Königstein and Bad Schandau. To me, the easiest way to get to Bastei from Dresden is by S-Bahn getting out at Kurort Rathen station, then taking a short ferry boat ride across the Elbe and hiking up to Bastei and Bastei Bridge. Bastei & Bastei Bridge, the highlights of Saxon Switzerland in Germany are free of charge! There are no opening or closing times. The area is not fenced. You can visit the famous Bastei rock formations at any time of the year.20 bastei saxony germany thesanetravel.com 139035721 bastei saxony germany thesanetravel.com 139036222 bastei saxony germany thesanetravel.com 139036523 bastei saxony germany thesanetravel.com 139037425 bastei saxony germany thesanetravel.com 139038326 bastei saxony germany thesanetravel.com 139038527bastei saxony germany thesanetravel.com 1390394

What to see there?

The Bastei rocks are the biggest attraction of NP Saxon, Germany. They are a rock formation almost 200 metres high, situated above the Elbe River. In the first half of 19th century, a wooden bridge was built between the rocks so that the visitors can enjoy spectacular views. 30 years later the locals decided to make a sandstone bridge that has remained intact since then. From the Bastei rocks and the Bastei Bridge in Saxony, Germany, you have a wonderful panoramic view over the mountains. You can see the river Elbe, the Lilienstein Mountain, and Koenigstein fortress just to name a few. Many of the rocks at Bastei, Germany near Dresden are said to have the appearance of a person or an animal. One set that looks like a pair of praying hands is called Der Mönch or The Monk. Some enterprising climbers have added their own rendition to the top of it, which seems to swivel in the wind much like a weather vane.30 bastei saxony germany thesanetravel.com 139044031 bastei saxony germany thesanetravel.com 139042732 bastei saxony germany thesanetravel.com 139045033 bastei saxony germany thesanetravel.com 139041834 bastei saxony germany thesanetravel.com 139046535 bastei saxony germany thesanetravel.com 139042436 bastei saxony germany thesanetravel.com 139040637 bastei saxony germany thesanetravel.com 139044538 bastei saxony germany thesanetravel.com 139045539bastei saxony germany thesanetravel.com 139047040bastei saxony germany thesanetravel.com 139047241bastei saxony germany thesanetravel.com 139047942bastei saxony germany thesanetravel.com 139048743bastei saxony germany thesanetravel.com 1390503

If you have more time

You can explore both National parks in Germany and Czechia on a several days trip. You can freely cross the border and do both parks on one trip. There are more than 1200 kilometres of hiking trails of varying degrees of difficulty from gentle walking paths to steep climbing treks available in the area. There are also about 860 kilometres of cycling paths along the Elbe available. You can take a romantic boat tour on the river Elbe on one of the world's oldest paddle steamers. Old beautiful steamships and also modern diesel ones serve as a route between Dresden and Saxon Switzerland. It is a very relaxing trip. There is only one tram entering the National park in Bad Schandau running to Lichtenhain Waterfall, so you can give it a try.50 bastei saxony germany thesanetravel.com 139052952 bastei saxony germany thesanetravel.com 1390520

Practical information

To just see Bastei rocks, a half a day trip from Dresden is enough. The level of hiking difficulty is easy to moderate. It’s better to have sturdy hiking shoes. A bottle of drinking water and a map could be handy as well. And don’t forget a camera! Keep to the paths. Be especially careful in wet weather when paths can get slippery. The rocks are often icy in the winter. Also avoid narrow, steep paths during the winter period. Better have your passport or ID with you just in case of crossing Czechia border. It can get crowded in the summertime, so it’s advisable to arrive early in the morning in this season.60 bastei saxony germany thesanetravel.com 139050661 bastei saxony germany thesanetravel.com 1390372

Read about things to do in Dresden clicking this link! Have you been to Bastei Bridge? Share your impressions in the comments section!Bastei is the most famous rock formation in Saxon Switzerland, Germany. Bastei and the Bastei Bridge are the highlights of the German Saxon Switzerland National Park area. You shouldn't miss out on visiting this attraction! It can be reached in less than 1 hour from the capital of Saxony Dresden. #Bastei #SaxonSwitzerland #Visitgermany #travel #travelblog #travelphotography #germany #Europetravel

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  • Published by Anita on March 31, 2018
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    Author: Anita Sāne

    Anita 03 18

    About the author
    Anita is a part-time traveller, passionate photographer and a retired career woman from Latvia, 
    travelling mostly solo for more than 15 years. She is a skilled travel planner who plans and executes her travels by herself. Anita wants to show you how to travel the world and open your mind to new experiences. Follow her on FacebookInstagramPinterestTwitter and Bloglovin.

     

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    Gravatar
    Robert
    Hi Anita,

    Great blog and post about the Bastei Bridge. I've always wanted to visit and your post was the best I've come across so far! Thanks for providing the station name and mentioning the ferry. I have two questions: 1) Upon leaving Kurort Rathen S Bahn, is there a sign to the ferry to the Bastei and what is the name of the ferry company and 2) Where can I get a copy of the map of the hiking trails and are they available in English? I suppose that's 4 questions :) Thanks for your help and keep up the great work!

    Gravatar
    Anita
    Hi Robert, Thanks for the nice words about my article. If I remember correctly, there is a sign to ferry. Anyway, it's nearby and hard to miss. I do not remember the name of the ferry company. I just followed the signs for walking. I did not have a printed map and did not see a place where to buy it right there so my advice would be to get the map in advance.
    Gravatar
    trądzik
    Love the site-- really individual friendly and whole lots to see!
    Gravatar
    Keto 6X
    Would love to forever get updated outstanding site!
    Gravatar
    Zevs
    Basically want to express I'm thankful I came on your website!
    Gravatar
    Waldo
    Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed browsing your blog posts.After all, I will be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again very soon!
    Gravatar
    Camille
    Estimulante e revigorante sexual 100% natural.
    Gravatar
    Bridgett
    Eficácia do óleo de coco para perda de peso.
    Gravatar
    Gina
    Wow! I love how thorough this is! So informative, and so many gorgeous photos - Makes me want to visit!
    Gravatar
    Lynne
    Great post Anita with some stunning images. I'd heard of Saxon Switzerland and have seen some images but yours are better! And I didn't know about the bridge and the boats on the Elbe. It looks beautiful!!
    Gravatar
    Smiling
    This is a beautiful place!

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