Breathtaking mountain scenery: Germany's Bastei Bridge

Come and discover the magnificent Bastei Bridge, suspended over the Elbe Valley in a magical setting!

Have you ever heard of Saxon Switzerland? This very special mountain region is located in Germany, to the south of beautiful Dresden. It’s famous for its beautiful hiking trails and atypical landscapes. But today, we’re interested in an equally special place: the Bastei Bridge. Central Europe has many surprises in store for travelers, and this secret spot is a fine example! Who could have imagined that just a few kilometers from Dresden lies such a wonderful and atypical landscape?

Aspiring travelers, if you want to discover the unique places of our beautiful continent, you’ll find everything you need to know about the Bastei Bridge in the Elbe Valley in this article!

On the trail of the Bastei Bridge in Germany

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Bastei is first and foremost a formidable rock formation, sculpted by water erosion a million years ago. In addition to its impregnable appearance, the name « Bastion » comes from the presence of a medieval castle called Neurathen atop the rocks. At the time, it was the largest defensive structure in Saxon Switzerland.

In the 19th century, with the opening up of the region, the Bastei became one of the Elbe Valley’s main attractions. Travellers and visitors flocked to admire the rock formations and superb panoramas that can still be found here today.

Initially, access was only via two towns and a path, known as the charming « painters’ path » (Malerweg in German). As the area grew in popularity, a wooden bridge was built in 1826. This was later replaced by the sandstone bridge that still stands today: the 76.5-meter-long Bastei Bridge, with its seven arches.

In 1938, the Bastei was declared the first nature reserve in the Elbe Sandstone Massif, in order to protect the area and its natural beauty. Today, it lies at the heart of the Saxon Switzerland National Park.

What’s behind the Bastei Bridge?

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At an altitude of 305 metres, the Bastei Bridge towers 194 metres above the River Elbe, offering breathtaking views of the river and the Elbe sandstone massif. But what really lies behind this bridge is an exceptional hike, where you’ll discover one of Germany’s richest faunas and, above all, astonishing rock formations. They are a delight for visitors and travellers alike, as well as for visiting mountaineers and climbers!

Your adventure begins in the charming, picturesque village of Kurort Rathen. If you come by train, you’ll have to cross the river by ferry – a pleasant stopover – to reach the heart of the village and the path to the Bastei Bridge.

Afterwards, a short 40-minute hike awaits you to reach this emblematic local landmark. The walk takes you through the heart of the forest, among the rocks, and offers you some fine views of the Elbe Valley. Before you reach the bridge, you’ll have the chance to cross a few footbridges over the void. Be careful, the cliffs are vertical in this region sculpted by the waters millions of years ago!

Finally, then, you’ll have the joy of seeing the Bastei Bridge and walking across it. From this magnificent 200-year-old structure, you can admire an exceptional panorama of the Elbe Valley and the river below. In the distance, you can also contemplate stunning rock formations and the surrounding mountains, which cut through the landscape in the mist. No doubt you’ll need a few moments to catch your breath in the face of such a formidable view!

How to get there

How?

Now that you’re convinced to visit this exceptional place, let’s see how to get there:

By plane :

From Paris or other French airports, it’s easy to find a flight to Dresden. You can also choose to land in Berlin or Prague and then reach Dresden by bus or train.

To find the best flight, check out our partner Ulysse’s flight comparison site.

By train :

From Dresden, the best way to reach the village of Rathen is by train. The average fare for a one-way trip with Deutsche Bahn is €14. The journey takes around 30 minutes.

By car :

From Dresden, it’s a good hour’s drive to Rathen. There are several pay parking lots near the ferry or at the start of the hike to the Bastei Bridge.

When?

You can visit the Bastei Bridge all year round! Of course, spring and summer are the best times to visit. From May to September, you’re more likely to enjoy bright sunshine and blue skies: optimal conditions for enjoying the unique panorama offered by the Bastei Bridge.

However, the more adventurous can also enjoy the view of the snow-covered Bastei Bridge in winter. To enjoy the fairytale scenery, you can kill two birds with one stone: the Dresden Christmas Market and the Bastei Bridge in December.

At what price?

Taking into account a round trip from Paris to Dresden and an overnight stay in an Airbnb rental in Dresden, at around 35 euros a night, you’ll need to spend at least 150 euros to visit the Bastei Bridge.

For sleeping

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On site

From budget B&Bs to four-star hotels, you’ll find plenty of accommodation near the Bastei Bridge in the charming village of Rathen. Staying at the foot of the Bastei Bridge is a good opportunity to relax and discover the region’s other natural attractions.

Nearby addresses

You can also stay in nearby towns, such as the charming town of Pirna, or in beautiful Dresden! From Pirna, it’s easy to discover Saxon Switzerland and its national park. Dresden, meanwhile, is a very interesting city, with many points of interest and activities. For your accommodation in Dresden, take a look at our guide to the city’s best neighborhoods.

To eat in

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On site

Near the Bastei Bridge, you’ll find an excellent panoramic restaurant, the Panoramarestaurant Bastei. Expect high prices, however.

Fortunately, you can bring your own snacks or meals for this hike. Just make sure you respect the surroundings and the unspoilt local nature.

Nearby addresses

In Rathen, you’ll find many small restaurants and guesthouses where you can enjoy a delicious meal, or even a local beer: there’s something for everyone.

To take in my backpack

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If you’re coming in summer, you’ll need to be well equipped to avoid sunburn or sunstroke. In winter, you’ll need warm but comfortable clothing for hiking. For your trip to the Bastei Bridge, we recommend that you bring the following:

Water bottle or flask
Non-polluting sunscreen
A hat or cap to protect you from the sun
Shoes suitable for mountain hiking
A rain jacket in case of showers
Camera and wrist strap
A snack to keep your strength up!

What I can discover in the region

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Saxon Switzerland and the Elbe Valley have no shortage of things to see and do. Here’s a non-exhaustive list of things you can do or discover in the region:

Königstein Fortress, not far from Rathen
The Lilienstein, a superb viewpoint, also at Königstein
The Felsentor « Kuhstall » and many other natural sites in the National Park
Pravčická brána, an exceptional site in the Czech Paradise, also known as the Switzerland of Bohemia!
The must-sees in Dresden, to visit on the outward or return journey.