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Bastei is a sandstone rock, rising approx. 190 m above the Elbe river. The place is usually full with crowds, but for a good reason. The views are gorgeous (pic 1). You see the bend of the Elbe river below you, the flat-top mountains Lilienstein, Pfaffenstein, Königstein in the middle, the Czech mountains Ruzova hora and Snieznik in the background. The cute houses of the villages, like Rathen or Weißig on the opposite bank of the river, look like toys.
There are restaurants and a hotel on top, but I prefer to bring my own food and have a picnic.
The trail up from Rathen is steep and rather exhausting, but in very good condition. A couple of minutes before you approach the Bastei you pass the ruins of the medieval castle Neurathen (small entrance fee). There are only a very few remains, though, but especially for kids it is fun to hop from one sandstone rock to the next one - it's all safe, iron ladders, stairs and fences ensure that. Some metres farther you cross the impressive 76 m long Bastei bridge, built in 1851.
Another option to get to Bastei (w/o sweat!) is to drive from Pirna via Lohmen or take the bus #237 (Pirna - Sebnitz).
Updated May 16, 2013
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This is heaven for younger and older kids :-) On grounds of over 7,000 m2 they designed and built a fascinating model train (LGB) outdoor installation. The tracks have a length of 4,500 m, about 30 trains are permanently running on them. More than 200 historic buildings were copied in smaller scale and are to find all over the grounds.
If you cannot get enough you can stay overnight in their B&B :-)
Opening hours:
Mid Mar - early Nov daily from 10 - 18 h
Admission fee:
Adults 6 Euro, pensioners 5 Euro, children 6-16 4 Euro, younger kids 1 Euro.
Family ticket 15 Euro.
Written Mar 17, 2012
Address: Elbweg 10, Kurort Rathen
Website: www.eisenbahnwelten-rathen.de
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The ruins of the former castle were bought by a guy from nearby Dresden in 1888 and used for the construction of a romantic Neo-"castle", finished 1893. After confiscation by the communists in 1945 it was sold to two guys from Dresden in 1995. The place was reconstructed and is now restaurant and B&B.
A castle was first mentioned in 1261. 1467 - 69 the Saxon Elector Duke besieged and conquered the guys at the castle. From then on the place was hardly used anymore and it went rack and ruin. Thus not much original structure is preserved, most of what you see was built in the 19th century.
The reason for walking up the steep path are the stunning views of the village and the river with Mt. Lilienstein in the background. If the weather is fine you can enjoy the views while having a meal or coffee or so on the terrace.
Written Mar 17, 2012
Website: www.burg-altrathen.de
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The famous Bastei with cliffs and a rock bridge with wonderful views in and over the valley of the Elbe river.
See for a visuel impression my video The Bastei.
Updated Jan 11, 2009
Address: Elbe valley, Saxon Switzerland.
Website: www.kurort-rathen.de
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Hiking in winter has its pros and cons. The weather keeps you cool and there is hardly any crowd at all.
The con, mushy grounds.
The hiking trail can be easily located and if I remember correctly, it starts at the end of a shop lined street. Having a forest behind your store is pretty cool.
Written Apr 18, 2004
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A short walk (about 15 minutes) from Rathen in the Amsel glen you find this little lake (600 m long). It is beautifully located, surrounded by fascinating sandstone rock formations and woods.
Boat rowing is offered Apr - Oct.
Updated Aug 6, 2003
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This "theater of nature" was erected in 1936. It is an ideal travel destination for families with kids. Theatric plays like stories of Karl May (Winnetou) or "Der Zauberer von Oz" (the Wizard of Oz) or even Ronja Räubertochter (Ronja, the daughter of the robber) are performed here.
Updated Jun 29, 2003
Website: http://www.soekoe.de/kurortrathen/
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The Bastei is located in a vast forest region. If you walk down to the foot of the Bastei (this takes 40min) you come across a small river. If you walk downstream you will reach Rathen, in the other direction you will come across this small dam.
Updated Jun 29, 2003
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The Elbe meanders peacefully through the Saxon Switzerland. Along the river are on both sides cycle and hiking tracks.
It is also possible to take the ferry from Dresden to Rathen.
The photo in the top right corner shows the mount of Lilienstein. In this region you find several so shaped flat-topped mounts.
Updated Jun 29, 2003
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The famous Bastei Bridge was built of sandstone in 1850/51; before it was made of wood. Did you know that the Bastei Bridge was the first construction in Europe that was erected only as a tourist attraction?
Updated Jun 29, 2003
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