Saxon Switzerland (Bastei), Germany

Saxon Switzerland Bastei

A stone bridge spanning sandstone pillars high above the Elbe.

  • All year
  • 1 night
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Things to do

2 days in Saxon Switzerland

Day 1

  1. MorningWalk to the Bastei Bridge early, before the tour buses, for the view of the Elbe 200 metres below.
  2. AfternoonHike down the stone steps to Rathen and take the little ferry across the river.
  3. EveningStay in Bad Schandau or Rathen by the river.

Day 2

Hike the Schrammsteine ridge, or a stage of the Malerweg, the Painters' Way.

What to eat

Saxon potato soup and a slice of Eierschecke cake.

Local tips

Make the most of Saxon Switzerland

Beat the crowds

Weekends and midday in summer are very busy. Come early or late.

Best photo spot

The Bastei Bridge and the rock towers, with the Elbe far below.

Getting there

Trains run from Dresden to Kurort Rathen in about 40 minutes, then a ferry and a steep climb.

Don't miss nearby

Königstein Fortress and the Schrammsteine rocks.

Good to know

The trail from Rathen is steep but short. Some paths in the national park were closed after the 2022 fires; check before you go.

Secret spots

3 secret spots near Saxon Switzerland

Our most hidden places around Saxon Switzerland: fewer people, same wow. Unlock them with a route in Google Maps and a PDF guide of Saxon Switzerland to take with you.

15 km away
47 km away
67 km away
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Plan your visit

Getting to Saxon Switzerland

Getting there

  • Dresden Airport (DRS)30 km away
  • Prague Airport (PRG)95 km away
  • Dresden25 km away
  • Prague100 km away

Reachable by car or public transport; a car gives you more freedom to explore the area. Distances are in a straight line.

At a glance

Best timeAll year
TypeNature spot
Good forNature
Getting thereCar or public transport
Stay1 night
CountryGermany

Questions

Saxon Switzerland: good to know

Is Saxon Switzerland worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you like nature. A stone bridge spanning sandstone pillars high above the Elbe.

How many days do you need in Saxon Switzerland?

Plan 1 night. Our free 2-day plan above shows how to spend your time.

When is the best time to visit Saxon Switzerland?

You can visit all year. Weekends and midday in summer are very busy. Come early or late.

How do you get to Saxon Switzerland?

The nearest airport is Dresden Airport (DRS), about 30 km away. Trains run from Dresden to Kurort Rathen in about 40 minutes, then a ferry and a steep climb.

What is there to see near Saxon Switzerland?

Nearby hidden places include Dresden (25 km), Spreewald (Lübbenau) (101 km) and Prague (102 km).

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