This excursion destination is definitely on the programme of every tourist group that visits Saxon Switzerland: The Bastei Bridge in the famous Bastei rock formation, which leads over the 40 metre deep Mardertelle Gorge to the ruins of the Neurathen rock castle. The Bastei Bridge has a total length of just 76 metres and has a total of seven arches. Every year, around 2.5 million visitors come to see the Bastei Bridge with its sensational views. On a weekend with good weather, up to 50,000 people can visit the bridge. No wonder the Bastei Bridge is by far the most famous structure in the Saxon Switzerland region.
Place of interest: Bastei Bridge is one of the top places to visit in Germany
The Bastei Bridge in Saxon Switzerland is both an impressive structure and a natural phenomenon. The rock towers of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains that surround the Bastei Bridge are certainly something special. They look like something from another world. There are several ways to reach the bridge. The walk from the nearby Bastei car park at the Bastei Berghotel takes around 20 minutes. A highly recommended hike takes around two hours. It leads from Rathen via the Amselsee and the ‘Schwedenlöcher’ to the Bastei. If you walk over the Bastei bridge in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains, you will have an impressive view of the rock formations. One of them is the Schrammsteine. The bridge is not long, 76 metres in total. With around 2.5 million visitors every year, you can imagine that it is very crowded on some days. You will probably want to capture one of the famous photo motifs. It’s best to choose an off-season weekday for this. Walk across the Bastei Bridge in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains either early or late. A view at sunrise or sunset also shows the rocks in almost unreal beauty.
History: From a defensive fortress to a place of longing for romantics
The Bastei Bridge leads to the Neurathen rock castle. The bridge was built over the Mardertelle gorge below in order to reach it skilfully. It was initially made of wood and was a sophisticated defence element. If enemies attacked the castle and were on the wooden bastion bridge, it was destroyed from the rock castle. The attackers fell into the Mardertelle. In 1851, the sandstone Bastei Bridge was built in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. It spans adventurously over seven arches and is framed by special rock formations. This very romantic backdrop attracted the painters of the Romantic period, including Caspar David Friedrich. This made the Bastei Bridge Saxon Switzerland world-famous.
Special tips: Enchanting scenery in winter
At the Berghotel Bastei you can enjoy a sauna – even as a day guest. From the panoramic window, you have a fantastic view of the rock formations of the Saxon Switzerland National Park. A unique experience. We have another tip to go with it: visit the Bastei Bridge in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains in winter! There is often snow in the region. So you can see the snow-covered mountains in a special winter wonderland. If you like taking photos, you’ll find some very special motifs. And you have the advantage that the crowds are much smaller on cold winter days. With a bit of luck, you’ll be able to watch a beautiful sunset. The perfect end to the day.
Surroundings: Discover alternative perspectives around the Bastei Bridge
There are numerous places worth visiting around the Bastei Bridge. From a rocky ridge pointing towards the Elbe, you have a breathtaking view. This rocky ridge is the Bestei lookout rock. From there you can see the Elbe and the land beyond. Here you can also see the photogenic Lilienthal table mountain. If you leave the Bastei bridge behind you, you will come to the Neurathen rock castle. It has its origins in the 13th century. Today, the medieval rock castle is a ruin that offers beautiful views. A highly recommended hike from the Bastei Bridge is the path over the Schwedenlöcher. Here you walk along wild and romantic gorge paths and pass bizarre rock formations. More than 800 steps lead you 150 metres down into the depths. The path becomes very narrow in places. The nature in this gorge is moss-covered and lush green. Once you reach the valley, you can hike on to the Amselsee lake. The forest lake is surrounded by tall trees. You can take a leisurely walk around it in 20 minutes. Or you can take a rowing boat or pedalo and enjoy the tranquillity of the lake. Insider tip for special romantics: in summer there are evening gondolas at the ‘blue hour’ from 19:00 to 23:00.
