Kurort Rathen: Large Bastei route

This hike is especially suitable for families. Because in addition to the great views, this route is also very varied and invites you to explore.

The starting point is the train station „Kurort-Rathen“. After a few steps, you are already at the ferry dock. In good weather, you can easily spend 2-3 ferries here. In the meantime, you can enjoy the great view of the Bastei massif, through which the Bastei Bridge can be seen. You cross the Elbe comfortably with the cable ferry and first walk a short distance through the town. The paths here are very well signposted and there are a few cafés and restaurants where you can sit down comfortably. The many flood markings on the houses also catch the eye, and you have to wonder how high the Elbe must have risen in the respective years. The path into the Amselgrund also leads past a good trout smokehouse and the entrance to the Rathen open-air stage. The paddle boats on the Amsel lake are in their winter quarters. So walking is very comfortable up to the junction where you turn to the Schwedenlöcher. Here the nature immediately acquires a completely different charm. Large rock blocks that broke off a few years ago lie to the left and right of the many steps. On the stairs and through these mystical rocks, you feel like you are in a fairy tale world. After what feels like 1000 steps, you are finally at the top and a few meters further at the pavilion viewpoint you have a nice view into the Wehlgrund. Here you simply follow the path further towards the Bastei. At noon you are never alone here and no matter the weather, you have to be patient to explore the various views. After crossing the bridge, you go down again on equally good paths to Rathen. Here you can end the hike with a hot chocolate.