The historic yaw rope ferry between the districts of Niederrathen and Oberrathen connects the two districts without a motor.
The ferry crosses the Elbe between the two districts and uses the current of the river to move forward. It is attached to a firmly anchored wire rope and is steered against the current using an adjustable steering angle.
This technology has become rare and is a listed building. The yaw rope ferry in Rathen is one of the few of its kind still in operation in Germany.
The crossing is short, but technically impressive and scenic. The ferry is in operation all year round and also runs in the early morning and late evening hours.
In the immediate vicinity, there are connections to the steamboat landing stage, the Rathen rock stage and hiking trails to the Bastei or through the Schwedenlöcher.
Please note that no VVO tickets, no Saxon Switzerland mobil guest cards and no Deutschlandtickets are recognized on the Gierseilfähre. A separate ticket must be purchased.
