--- title: "Blackbird ground" url: "https://www.saechsische-schweiz.de/en/poi/amselgrund-kurort-rathen" description: "Due to a forest closure, the Amselgrund is currently inaccessible. (As of August 5, 2026)Like the Gamrig, the Honigstein is also somewhat reminiscent of castle ruins. Although this striking formation is only hinted at in the background of Friedrich’s watercolor “Rocks Along a Forest Path,” created around 1810, it is crucial to the composition.The painter’s vantage point can be easily determined from the perspective. It is the path through the Amselgrund, just before the Amselfall.In this painting, as in others from the period, it is evident that Saxon Switzerland was significantly less densely forested in the early 19th century. Today, the Honigstein is mostly hidden behind tall trees.The Amselgrund itself is a popular stop on many hikes. With Lake Amsel, access to the Felsenbühne, and the cool Grünbach stream babbling through the valley, it delights many visitors.Hiking Suggestion:Malerweg, Stage 2Rathen Spa: Amselgrundweg" language: "en" type: "Place" image: "https://dam.destination.one/2393164/1453a6b351b6dc82ad993d495e41ee0e5281c9991ee888038226caee1d113743/.jpg" breadcrumb: "Root > Saxon Switzerland > Special > Destination.Data Details > Points of Interest" --- Share Blackbird ground ================ - Worth seeing - Natural sight Two people are walking along a forest path, surrounded by tall trees and rocks, in the soft light of the morning sun. A pencil drawing shows a large rock in a wooded landscape, surrounded by grass and bushes, with delicate tree sketches in the background. A couple walks along a forest path beside a river, surrounded by tall trees as the sun shines through the branches. Wanderer auf einem Weg entlang eines ruhigen Sees, umgeben von Bäumen. Amselgrund - a place of inspiration for Caspar David Friedrich **Due to a forest closure, the Amselgrund is currently inaccessible. (As of August 5, 2026)** Like the Gamrig, the Honigstein is also somewhat reminiscent of castle ruins. Although this striking formation is only hinted at in the background of Friedrich’s watercolor “Rocks Along a Forest Path,” created around 1810, it is crucial to the composition. The painter’s vantage point can be easily determined from the perspective. It is the path through the Amselgrund, just before the Amselfall. In this painting, as in others from the period, it is evident that Saxon Switzerland was significantly less densely forested in the early 19th century. Today, the Honigstein is mostly hidden behind tall trees. The Amselgrund itself is a popular stop on many hikes. With Lake Amsel, access to the Felsenbühne, and the cool Grünbach stream babbling through the valley, it delights many visitors. **Hiking Suggestion:** Read more Good to know ------------ General information - Parking Available Directions & Parking facilities PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: S-Bahn S1, stop: Kurort Rathen | Bahnhof Then take the ferry to the other side of the Elbe Timetable information: www.vvo-online.de Travel time from the stop: approx. 30 minutes Parking lot: Oberrathen (on the Elbe) Read more Contact person Nicole HesseBahnhofstraße 21 01796 01796 Pirna Our recommendations ------------------- View on map 5.79 km - Hiking - Open-air theatre 6.37 km - Hiking 1.82 km - Hiking Show more Nearby ------ View on map - Event - Food - Place of interest - Natural sight - Natural sight - Viewpoint/viewing tower - Tours 8.68 km - Hiking 1.92 km - Hiking 4.17 km - Hiking Contact 01824 Kurort Rathen