A breathtaking mountain setting: the Bastei Bridge in Germany

Come and discover the beautiful Pont Bastei suspended above the Elbe Valley, in a magical setting!

Have you ever heard of Saxon Switzerland? This particular mountainous region is located in Germany, south of the beautiful Dresden . It is known for its beautiful hiking and atypical landscapes. But today, it is a very special place that interests us: the Pont Bastei. Central Europe reserves surprises to travellers, and this secret place is a great example! Who could doubt that just a few kilometers from Dresden is such a wonderful and atypical landscape?

Travelers and travellers, if you want to discover the unique places of our beautiful continent, you will find in this article everything you need to know about the Bastei Bridge of the Elbe Valley!

In the footsteps of the Pont Bastei in Germany

The Bastei is above all a formidable rock formation, carved by water erosion a million years ago. Beyond its unbeatable appearance, this name of "Bastion" comes from the presence in the Middle Ages of a castle named Neurathen located at the top of the rocks. He is then the largest defensive work of the Swiss Saxon.

During the 19th century, with the disenclavement of the region, the Bastei became one of the main places of interest in the Elbe Valley. Travelers and visitors are rushing to admire the rocky formations and the superb panoramas that are still available today.

At the beginning, access was made only by two cities and by a path, known as the charming name of “path of painters” (Malerweg in German). With the growing popularity of the place, a wooden bridge was first built in 1826. This first work will then be replaced by a bridge of riggings, still present: the Pont Bastei, a length of 76.5 metres, with its seven arches.

To protect the site and the nature of the beautiful Saxon Switzerland, the Bastei was declared the first natural reserve of the Elbe's greedy massif in 1938. Today, it is located in the heart of the Swiss Saxon National Park.

What's behind the Bastei Bridge?

Located at 305 meters above sea level, the Pont Bastei dominates the Elbe in 194 meters and offers a breathtaking view of the river and the greek massif of the Elbe. But what really hides behind this bridge is an exceptional hike, which will make you discover one of the richest fauna in Germany and especially amazing rock formations. They make the joy of visitors and travelers, as well as mountaineers and climbers.

Your adventure will start in the picturesque and charming little village Kurort Rathen . If you come by train, you will have to cross the river by ferry – a pleasant step – to reach the heart of the village and the way to the Pont Bastei.

Then it’s a short one 40 minute hike which awaits you to join this emblematic place of the region. This walk will lead you to the heart of the forest, in the middle of the rocks and will offer you some beautiful views of the Elbe Valley. Before you reach the Bridge, you will have the opportunity to browse a few bridges above the void. For attention, the cliffs are vertical in this region carved by the waters millions of years ago!

Finally, then, you will have the joy of seeing the Bastei bridge and going through it. From this beautiful 200-year-old book, you can admire an exceptional view of the Elbe Valley and the river below. In the distance you can also contemplate amazing rock formations and surrounding mountains, which cut the landscape into the mist. No doubt that you will need a few moments to resume your breath in front of such a wonderful view!

To go

How?

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

• By plane:

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

To find the best flight, you can visit our partner's website Ulysses , which is a comparison of flights.

• By train:

From Dresden, the best way to reach the village Rathen is to borrow the train. Count 14€ on average for a ride with the company Deutsche Bahn . The trip lasts about 30 minutes.

• By car:

From Dresden, count a good hour To join Rathen. There are several paid parking lots near the ferry or from the hike to the Pont Bastei.

When?

You can visit the Pont Bastei all year ! Of course, the spring and summer are the best times to discover it. De May to September , you have more chance to enjoy a great sun and a beautiful blue sky: optimal conditions to enjoy the unique panorama offered by the Pont Bastei.

However, the most adventurers can also enjoy the view of the Pont Bastei covered with snow in winter. To enjoy the magical scenery, you can make a stone two strokes: the Christmas Market of Dresden and the Pont Bastei in December.

At what price?

If you take a Paris/Dresde round trip and a night in a rental Airbnb in Dresden , about 35 euros per night, it will take at least 150 euros to visit the Pont Bastei.

To sleep

On site

From the economic lodging to the four-star hotel, you will find many accommodation near the Pont Bastei in the charming village of Rathen. Logging at the foot of the Pont Bastei will be a good opportunity to rest and discover the other natural attractions of the region.

The nearby addresses

It is also possible to stay in nearby cities, such as the charming town of Pirna or in the beautiful Dresden! From Pirna, it is easy to discover Switzerland and its national park. Dresden, for her part, is a very interesting city, which has many points of interest and activities. For your accommodation in Dresden , do not hesitate to consult our guide better neighbourhoods City.

To eat

On site

Near the Pont Bastei you will find an excellent panoramic restaurant, the Panoramarestaurant Bastei . However, wait at high rates.

Fortunately, you have the opportunity to take your own snacks or meals for this hike. Just be sure to respect the preserved local places and nature.

The nearby addresses

In Rathen, you will find many small restaurants and pensions where you can eat and enjoy a delicious meal or even a local beer: there are plenty for all tastes.

To take in my backpack

If you come in the summer, you will have to equip yourself to avoid sunburn or insolation. In winter, prefer warm but comfortable clothes for a hike. We recommend that you take your trip to Pont Bastei:

• A bottle of water or a gourd
• Non-polluting sun cream
• A hat or cap to protect you from the sun
• Footwear suitable for mountain hiking
• A raincoat jacket in case of averse
• From a camera and a dragon
• With a snack to regain strength!

What I can discover in the region

The Saxon Switzerland and the Elbe Valley do not lack any wonders to visit or activities to practise. Here is a non-exhaustive list of things you can do or discover in the region:

• Königstein Fortresse, not far from Rathen
• The Lilienstein, a superb view, in Königstein also
• The Felsentor « Kuhstall » and many other natural park sites
• Pravčická brána, an exceptional site in the Czech Paradise, also known as the Switzerland of Bohemia!
• ♪ must-see in the city of Dresden, to visit to go or return.

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