Bastei, Saxon Switzerland – the perfect city escape from Dresden

The national park Saxon Switzerland is perfect for a day trip from Dresden. The unique rock formations and incredible landscape are worth the short ride from Dresden.

Not that you need to escape Dresden, but I swear that you will not regret this little city break!

How to get there

From the main train station, as well as from Neustadt train station the S1 departs every thirty minutes. The ride to Kurort Rathen takes about half an hour. Once there simply walk down what seems to be the only road to the river Elbe. Get a ticket for the ferry. Round trip ticket for an adult is 1,80€. On the other side of the river continue to walk straight ahead, pass some of the houses and follow the signs for “Malerweg” making a left turn. After about a minute a path appears to your left, follow it and you are on the right way to up to the Bastei.

The path is also suitable for beginners, but proper shoes such as trainers are recommended. Along the way there are several spots to take incredible photos of the landscape. The magnificent rock formations will take your breath away.

The Fortress of Neurathen

After about 30 to 40 minutes (including photo stops), just before you’ll arrive at the bridge of the bastion (German: Basteibrücke you’ll pass the fortress of Neurathen.

An entrance fee of approximately 5 Euros was charged when I was there in April.

Note: Don’t visit if you are afraid of heights! This little fun park consists mainly of bridges and stairs.

Even though I am afraid of heights I did visit and managed to take some photos while clinging to the rails.

The Basteibrücke – Bridge of the Bastion

The massive bridge was built in 1851 to replace an old wooden bridge. This pretty bridge is made up of rocks and perfectly blends in perfectly with the surroundings. Right in the middle of the bridge there is a little balcony where you can take some great picture!

Watch out for climbers on the nearby rocks and cheer them up in your mind! I mean look at those brave guys!

Continuing to walk a little further up you’ll find some restaurants to your left and another view point to your right. Let’s first continue to the view point!

From up here you can see the entire Basteibrücke and again take incredible pictures. This may not be the right spot if heights scare you a lot! This view point is a one way view point so you will have to turn around to get back to the main path.

When you get back you’ll find a little snack station – I have to admit that the snack station is nothing special but it is really nice to sip a beer and enjoy the view over the Elbe.

Recommendations

• Avoid public holidays and weekends as it can get quite crowded
• Proper shoes such as trainers
• Sunscreen
• Camera +  extra battery
• Saxon Switzerland
• S-Bahn Dresden (Dresden Hbf or Dresden Neustadt to Kurort Rathen)

As said before the hike is not very difficult if you can manage some stairs and walking.

I’d say this is one of the best ways to escape the city and embrace the nature close by.

Have you been to Saxon Switzerland? Tag me on Instagram @wanderlust_vik to share your photos with me!

Keep on travelling,

Viki