---
title: "🗺️ Top 10 Highlights in the Saxon Switzerland"
url: "https://www.saechsische-schweiz.de/en/saxonswitzerland/highlights"
description: "Rock Stage Rathen, Bastei Bridge, Painter's Way and more: 10 sights for your adventure in Saxon Switzerland. ➤ All highlights at a glance!"
language: "en"
breadcrumb: "Root > Saxon Switzerland > REGION > HIGHLIGHTS"
---

**TOP 10 attractions & experiences**
========================================

**Saxon Switzerland: these highlights should definitely be on your bucket list!**

 

- Bastei Bridge
    -------------
    
    enjoy the view
- Malerweg
    --------
    
    go for a short hike
- Steamship Travel
    ----------------
    
    take a steamboat trip on the Elbe
- Elbe Cycle Route
    ----------------
    
    enjoying a leisurely bike ride
- Rathen Open Air Stage
    ---------------------
    
    Open-air theatre in the National Park
- Königstein Fortress
    -------------------
    
    conquering a legend on foot
- Kirnitzschtalbahn
    -----------------
    
    chugging into the national park by tram
- National Park Center
    --------------------
    
    explore the national park
- Boat Ride Upper Lock
    --------------------
    
    a relaxing boat trip through unspoilt countryside
- Pirna Old Town
    --------------
    
    go for a stroll

 

Bastei Bridge

**\#1 Bastei Bridge**
---------------------

**The Bastei Bridge is the landmark of Saxon Switzerland and our ‘little Great Wall of China’. Enjoy the view and explore the various vantage points.**

- 

 

**\#2 Painters' Way**
---------------------

**The Painters' Way: 116 magnificent kilometres following in the footsteps of artists such as Caspar David Friedrich. There are eight stages. You should try at least one. And who knows where that might lead.**

- 

On the Gohrisch

 

Steamship on the Elbe

**\#3 Steamboat Trips**
-----------------------

**It is worth changing your perspective more often. The rocky landscape looks entirely different from the water. Treat yourself to a new vantage point on a steamboat trip.**

- 

 

**\#4 Elbe Cycle Route**
------------------------

**The Elbe Cycle Route is over 1,200 kilometres long, and the section in Saxon Switzerland is undoubtedly one of its most scenic stretches. It is also largely flat and smoothly paved. Our tip: enjoy a leisurely ride from Schmilka to Pirna.**

- 

Elbe Cycle Route with the Schrammsteine

 

Introduction to the Rathen Open-Air Stage

**\#5 Rathen Open-Air Stage**
-----------------------------

**Our Rathen Open-Air Stage is an open-air theatre in the heart of the national park. Whether musicals, fairy tales or grand opera, there is something for every taste.**

- 

 

**\#6 Königstein Fortress**
---------------------------

**There is, of course, a lift to the fortress plateau. However, those wishing to experience Königstein in its original form should conquer it on foot through the dark access passage.**

- 

Königstein Fortress

 

Kirnitzschtal Tramway

**\#7 Kirnitzschtal Tramway**
-----------------------------

**Even Kate Winslet has travelled on our Kirnitzschtal Tramway. Our tip: Enjoy a leisurely journey to the Lichtenhain Waterfall, combine it with a hike to the Kuhstall, then take the tram back to Bad Schandau.**

- 

 

**\#8 National Park Centre**
----------------------------

**Why are fallen trees simply left where they lie? How did the rock formations here develop? You will find the answers at the National Park Centre in Bad Schandau. Anyone wishing to learn more about the area in which they are holidaying should certainly pay it a visit.**

- 

Bad Schandau National Park Centre

 

Upper Lock

**\#9 Boat Trip at the Upper Lock**
-----------------------------------

**In Venice, gondolas glide through narrow corridors between buildings; at the Upper Lock, you will be gently punted past moss-covered rock faces and through wonderfully verdant surroundings. This is relaxation in its purest form.**

- 

 

**\#10 Pirna Old Town**
-----------------------

**Fancy following in Canaletto's footsteps? Enjoying a delicious meal or taking a relaxing coffee break? You can do all this in Pirna's lovingly restored old town. And what would a holiday be without a little shopping trip?**

- 

Pirna Old Town