From Stadt Wehlen across the Bastei Bridge to the spa town of Rathen
- 2:00 h
- 5.79 km
- 250 m
- 252 m
- 112 m
- 317 m
- 205 m
- Start: Stadt Wehlen Train Station
- Destination: Kurort Rathen Train Station
Stadt Wehlen Train Station – Ferry to the right bank of the Elbe – Schwarzbergweg – Steinerner Tisch – Bastei – (Neurathen Rock Castle) – Rathen Spa – Cable ferry to the left bank of the Elbe – Rathen Spa Train Station
Neurathen Rock Castle has been closed to the public for some time due to safety concerns. However, there are plans to secure it and reopen it to visitors in the future. The tour is still well worth it even without the rock castle!
Good to know
Best to visit
- suitableDepends on weather
Directions
- The tour starts at the train station in Stadt Wehlen. From there, we take the ferry across to the other side of the Elbe. In Stadt Wehlen, we walk a short distance upstream along the Elbe, then follow the Malerweg up the Schwarzbergweg and arrive at the “Steinerner Tisch” rest area . The structure of the same name was once commissioned by Elector Augustus the Strong as a place to dine during a hunting expedition.
From here, we pass the snack bar and follow the Fremdenweg, which leads us to the Bastei Bridge (we’re still on the Malerweg). Perched nearly 200 meters vertically above the Elbe, this is arguably Germany’s most famous bridge. The stone bridge was built in 1851; prior to that, the rugged rocky outcrop was accessible via a wooden bridge. From the Bastei Bridge and the surrounding vantage points (e.g., Ferdinandaussicht, Hochzeitskanzel), we are treated to magnificent views of the landscape. The panoramic viewpoint to the right of the bridge was built in 2023. There are also various snack options here.
After crossing the Bastei Bridge, we arrive at the Neurathen Rock Fortress. This was one of the oldest and largest fortifications in Saxon-Bohemian Switzerland, known at the time as the Alt- and Neurathen Double Fortress. It was first mentioned in the 13th century. Even today, traces of the original dwellings and defensive structures can still be found in the rock—valuable clues for reconstructing the past. Currently, however, the rock castle cannot be visited, as it had to be closed due to safety concerns.
We descend the Basteiweg via steps until we reach the spa town of Rathen. On the descent, we follow the blue line, as the Malerweg branches off toward Amselsee—where, in nice weather, you can enjoy a relaxing boat ride!
Now it’s time for a well-deserved break at one of the many restaurants in the spa town of Rathen before we take the Gierseil ferry to the train station on the left bank of the Elbe.
Tour information
Cultural Interesting
Stop at an Inn
Summit
Directions & Parking facilities
- Getting thereTraveling by car is not recommended, as there are only a few parking spaces available and the tour is designed to be taken using the S-Bahn.ParkingThere are only a few paid parking spaces in the town of Wehlen; the Elbe parking lot is located on the left bank of the Elbe in the spa town of Rathen, near the train station. Please note: The spa town of Rathen, located on the right bank of the Elbe, is not accessible by car for day visitors!Public transportationArrival: S1 to Stadt Wehlen Station
Departure: Kurort Rathen S1
Additional information
- All Rules in the National Park
- Tips for Safe Hiking in Saxon Switzerland, created in collaboration with the Mountain Rescue Service
- Guidance on navigating deadwood, especially when hiking through areaswith dead spruce stands
Author´s Tip / Recommendation of the author
- The tour includes two ferry rides: The ferry in Wehlen is free with the “Gästekarte mobil” guest card, while the cable ferry in Rathen costs €1.50 per ticket.
Note: On weekends and holidays, it can get very crowded—especially on the Bastei Bridge—between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.! Safety guidelines
- The tour is suitable for children, but due to the many stairs and steps—some of which are steep—as well as the large number of visitors at the Bastei,
it
is generally not recommended for dogs.Please note: The tour passes through the Saxon Switzerland National Park. You must not stray from the trails here, and dogs must remain on a leash at all times. In the core zone (indicated by signs on the ground), only marked trails may be used. Violations may result in fines. Please also be sure to take your trash (including food scraps and tissues) with you when you leave.
Further information about the national park—such as the rules in effect there and trail markings—is available on the national park’s website.
Map
Sachsen Kartographie Dresden GmbH: Vordere Sächsische Schweiz
