Spectacular rocky landscape with a stone bridge and sweeping views of the Elbe valley and the rocky landscape of Saxon Switzerland.
The area was developed for tourism as early as the 19th century. Viewpoints, inns and hiking trails made the area a popular destination early on. To this day, it is one of the most visited places in the national park.
In addition to the Bastei Bridge, there are 7 vantage points that constantly open up new perspectives. The new Bastei view point is barrier-free.
The Neurathen rock gate rises up from the Bastei Bridge - a motif captured by Caspar David Friedrich in his 1823 painting "Rock Gorge". The dramatic depiction combines the force of nature with symbolism and is considered by many to be one of his most powerful landscape paintings.
The original is based on a drawing on site that is now lost. A boulder was deliberately added to the picture to reinforce the message. An information board near the Ferdinand viewpoint commemorates the artist and his connection to the rocky landscape.
Hiking tips:- Malerweg 2nd stage
- Lohmen: Via the Schwedenlöcher to the spa town of Rathen to the Bastei
- Wheelchair tour: "To the Bastei"
