Bastei Bridge in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains

County-wide ban on forest access lifted

The ban on entering the forest in the district of Sächsische Schweiz-Osterzgebirge was lifted. BUT: for the operational area in the "Hintere Sächsische Schweiz! continues to apply a ban on entering the forest. To the general decree and the updated map of the area of operation.

Avoid the area of the national park "Hintere Sächsische Schweiz" in order not to hinder the emergency services in their work!
All rescue routes are to be kept free urgently!
Firing and smoking is strictly prohibited - fire endangers nature - not only during drought!
The federal road 172 will be open again from 18.08.2022 - 14:00 in the direction of the Schmilka border crossing, as will the Schmilka / Hrensko border crossing.
The ferries in Schöna and Schmilka operate only for urgently needed trips of the emergency forces.
The ferry connection between Postelwitz and Krippen will not be operated until August, 22nd.

Here you will of course still find alternative ideas for your vacation day in and around Saxon Switzerland and current hiking recommendations.

Status: 18th august | 9:30 am

Bastei Bridge

The most famous rock formation in Saxon Switzerland – the region’s most popular trip destination

Robber knights once roamed the area long ago. Then the Romantic artists came. Today, the Bastei Rock is a popular sight. From the Bastei look-out point (which had to be closed partly for safety reasons) a unique panoramic view opens up to many landmarks including the Lilienstein Mountain and Königstein Fortress. A 76.5 m long bridge stretches between the rock formations. You can also enjoy a fantastic view from the Bastei Bridge in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. Across the bridge you reach the well-known remains of Felsenburg Neurathen Rock Fort. It is the largest medieval fort of the area. Other impressive viewing points such as Ferdinandstein or Kanapee Cliff provide spectacular wide views over the Elbe Valley and to the Elbe Sandstone Mountains.

Saxon Switzerland Highlights

Look-out points around Bastei Rock:

Pavillonaussicht View to the Bastei Bridge (before descent via Schwedenlöcher hiking trail)
Wehlstein-Aussicht View (on the left side shortly before reaching Bastei Hotel)
View from Ferdinandstein Cliff (on the left side before getting to Bastei Bridge)
Bastei Bridge with various look-out points
Felsenburg Neurathen Rock Fort (on the descent to Rathen Village on the left side)
Thiedge-Aussicht View (on the descent to Rathen Village on the right side)
Kanapee Cliff View (on the descent to Rathen Village on the right side)

Overview of the look-out points on a map
Copyright: National Park Administration Archive, Frank-Rainer Richter

The Bastei is not closed!

Only one look-out point at Bastei Rock (so-called Basteiaussicht) has been closed for visitors for precautionary measures. Please note that this is only one out of many look-out points at Bastei Rock.

There is unlimited access at any time to the famous Bastei Bridge and the Bastei Berghotel Mountain Hotel. In addition, there are other viewing points in the area around Bastei Rock which are definitely worthwhile and provide spectacular views, too.

Opening Hours, Arrival, Entry Fees

Saxon Switzerland’s top destination can be visited free of charge. There are no opening hours; Bastei Rock is accessible all year round at any time. Only the visit of the Felsenburg Rock Fort located in the area has an entry fee.

Getting to Bastei Rock by public transport:

Bastei Hotel and Panoramic Restaurant

Panorama Berghotel Bastei und Basteibrücke

From the panoramic restaurant of Berghotel Bastei Mountain Hotel guests enjoy a grand view from an altitude of 194 metres above the Elbe River. The restaurant provides typical local food but also international dishes.

Hotel guests benefit from the location and have Bastei Rock for themselves before and after the daily rush of visitors. The 4 star Berghotel Bastei Mountain Hotel provides modern and neatly furnished rooms as well as a relaxing spa area.

Getting to Bastei Rock by car and parking

The access road to Bastei Rock and to the Bastei Berghotel MountainHotel leads via the small village of Lohmen. Simply enter the address 01847 Lohmen into your navigation system or the GPS coordinates: Latitude 50.9665139 and Longitude 14.0657333.

At the approach to Bastei there are two options to park your car. There is a car park in the immediate vicinity of Bastei Rock. From there, even wheelchair users can comfortably start their excursion to Bastei Rock. Another car park is situated at the outset of Basteistraße Road; there is the option to use a bus shuttle service to Bastei Rock.

No 1 Cark Park is located right at the crossroads and provides enough space to function as a reception car park. There are day tickets for cars, coaches and campers (the latter are allowed to stay for max. 24 hours). From there you walk on foot (about 3.5 km) or take the shuttle bus to Bastei Rock.

No 2 Car Park is closer to Bastei Rock and therefore slightly more expensive. Varying fees are charged for campers depending on the vehicle’s height as detected by a light barrier. Thus for small campers (for instance VW Caravelle) that do not claim more space than a normal car, a smaller fee is charged than for more roomy vehicles.

Hiking to the Bastei

A visit to the Bastei can be integrated perfectly into a day tour through Saxon Switzerland. There are many hiking routes that lead around Bastei Rock. A very popular hike runs from Stadt Wehlen via Bastei to Kurort Rathen (or the other way round). On this hiking tour, also called the “Golden Triangle”, sights such as the ruins of Wehlen Fort, Bastei Bridge and the Schwedenlöcher (Swede Hole) Trail can be discovered.

You like hiking? Find various hiking tours around Bastei Rock as well as routes in Saxon Switzerland on our interactive hiking map.

Tour planner