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A Day Trip to Bastei Bridge (Basteibrücke)
Ever since we moved to the Oberpfalz in northern Bavaria we’d been hearing about, and seeing stunning pictures of, Bastei Bridge in the region known as Sächsischen Schweiz (or Saxon Switzerland) in former East Germany. The bridge is located in a national park that is both enchanting and awe-inspiring, in eastern Germany on the Czech border.
Saxon Switzerland National Park is known for its natural beauty attributed to the deep gorge carved out from the Elbe river which has left pinnacles of sandstone that are reminiscent of the gigantic pinnacles of Meteora, Greece and the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia, Turkey. This is a surreal landscape that makes you want to take photo after photo after photo. On a whim, we decided to jump in the car one Saturday afternoon and take the three hour drive from Weiden with the hopes of catching the sunset while we did one of the shorter hikes.
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Get Outside at Bastei Bridge
Visiting Saxon Switzerland, and in particular the Basteibrücke, means that you’re going to get out of the concrete jungle to see the scenery. Not many people know how beautiful Germany is, but if you go here you will set them straight. That’s for sure. Hiking is the main activity, and there are a lot of options. We took one of the shorter walks, because I was there to photograph the sunset and we were set on finding a good viewpoint. Make sure to check the trail maps as you enter the park and carefully plan your route.
Our favorite part of the walk was going to the ruins of the old fortifications (which are not visible anymore) where you could look out across the valley and see pillars beyond pillars climbing through and above the dark green pine trees and a panorama view of the bridge that is absolutely breathtaking. It is probably the best place to get a full view of Bastei. The old fortress was built during the early nineteen-hundreds in order to help Germany protect its border to the east, but the area soon became a tourist attraction due to the natural beauty of the region. The bridge was built later and it too became a popular site around the turn of the 20th century.
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Power Tip: All of the walking trails are pretty steep, and they all have a number of stairs to negotiate. It is doable for most, but if you have trouble walking or climbing don’t take the longer six kilometer trail. It doesn’t sound that bad until you realize that it probably also has about 600 steps to climb as you go down to the valley floor and then climb back up again.
When To Go to Bastei and the Saxon Switzerland National Park
This is one of the wonderful things about heading to the national park, it’s open all year long and each season brings a completely different experience. It is, of course, extremely popular with German and Czech tourists so traveling there on weekends, you can expect it to be pretty busy. We went in late August and in the afternoon it was a bit crowded, but we wanted to stay for sunset and by that time many of the people had left. So stay late. The park is open 24 hours per day.
Photography Tips
The bridge is a perfect place to spend the afternoon shooting photography. Late afternoon light is golden, and there are fewer people on the bridge. However, no matter what, since the valley is so deep, the sun cannot reach into all the different corners so there will be lots of shadows. Using a tripod will help take great photos. The bridge is a wonderful backdrop for portraits as well.
Other Sights And Activities In The Area
Take a boat down the Elbe River, starting from a number of ports including Dresden and Pirna. We stopped in the town of Pirna for lunch. It is a great place to walk around, with a beautiful church, medieval houses, and a central fountain. There was even a plaque that boasted Napoleon had been there in 1813.
How to get to Bastei Bridge from Dresden
Dresden is the closest large city, and it’s only an hour drive on the A17 if you have a car. You can also get there using public transportation, and it’s only a little over an hour to do that. You need to take the S1 from the Dresden Central Station towards Bad Schandau getting off at Kurort Rathen. Then walk down to the ferry to cross the river, and it’s a 20 minute walk to Bastei.
Practical Information
Bastei Bridge Parking
There are a couple of parking areas, but we recommend following the signs to the Berghotel Bastei and driving until you can’t drive anymore. There, just before the hotel, you’ll find a parking lot which cost about 3-5 Euros depending on the length of your stay. Cost is 3 Euros per hour up to 5.50 Euros for the day.
Cost
There is no cost for entering entering the park. The park is not stroller-friendly; however, you may take dogs in.
Amenities
From the parking lot you walk through a small gauntlet of businesses which include a snack bar, a restaurant, the Berghotel Bastei, and a few souvenir shops.
Have you been to the Bastei Bridge or the Saxon Switzerland National Park? Any tips?
Pin Bastei Bridge for later trip planning.
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Wow – what beautiful scenery and stunning photos! That bridge is so unique as is the whole area. I’d love to see it in person someday.
Jill, I definitely think Bastei Bridge is your kind of place. If/when you come to Germany…don’t forget!
You got some pretty shots here, except for the one of Jim.
Well, you know….gotta do it sometimes.
Wow, what cool place! Your captures are captivating. Now I want to check out the bridge myself!
Adonis, Bastei is a surreal landscape, completely gorgeous!
Whoa! I’ve never heard of this bridge – until now. Pretty amazing scenery! Adding it to the list!
Jill, It is an amazing sight for sure. I hope you get there; you’d love it!
Oh my god! I was in Germany last month and I was dying to go to Saxon Switzerland! But guess what? Sadly I did not!!!! When I saw your blogpost, I thought to myself, Gosh, This must have been a sign from the universe, I am definitely going back! Thank you for your sharing… I love every lines!
Vivian, It is a sign! You must come back. Germany is amazing!
It’s so incredible to see these natural formations. You captured them beautifully. It definitely makes me want to visit this magnificent bridge.
Colby, It is a stunning area. You will love it!
Looks like a lot of fun. 600 hundreds steps isn’t so bad when you take into account what the reward is. Thanks for sharing!
Jarrod, I say “go for it!” You’ll love it.
Wow looks like a great spot for photography. I love the afternoon shot with the forecast sky on the rock formations – absolutely stunning. Haven’t been to Bastei though… looks like I should!
Jo, It is challenging, but yes fun! You would love it.
I’ve never heard of Bastei Bridge, but it’s gorgeous. I’d love to visit one day.
Lara, It is a stunning area; you would love it.
Whaaat… I’ve never thought a place like this would actually exist! This is stunning and really something else. I’ve never been to Germany before, but when I do, I’ll definitely make this as a priority 🙂
Bethany, I know! I was gobsmacked when I saw it; it’s really spectacular!
Looks like a beautiful spot to spend the day. Thanks for posting all the practical information and tips for taking great pics! Glad you got the bridge almost to yourself so you could take some stellar photos!
Samantha, It’s a gorgeous place! I hope you make it there.
I had never heard of this place. The view is gorgeous. Great tips for photography. I could go for the boat ride, too.
Rebecca, I hadn’t heard about it until just a few years ago either. It’s a pretty unique place! We loved it.
WOW – I just cant believe that is Germany. Ive been a few times and I never imagined anything like this…love to save it and head there next time!
Jordan, I hope you make it there…it’s pretty amazing.
So worth the 600 steps from the looks of it! I’d never heard of this place, but it looks incredible. And that light is like magic hour in the middle of the day! Great post!
Amy, It is so worth it! Do go if you get the chance.
Wow, great pictures, well done guys! 🙂 x
Thanks Cecile!
Stunning photos!
Thanks Ahila!
Wow, what a beautiful place! Great pictures.
Anabel, It really is pretty. You and John would love hiking there, I’m sure.