--- title: "From Stadt Wehlen across the Bastei Bridge to the spa town of Rathen" url: "https://www.saechsische-schweiz.de/en/tour/stadt-wehlen-basteibruecke-kurort-rathen" description: "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!" language: "en" type: "SportsActivityLocation" image: "https://dam.destination.one/2724595/1f601f8ede08554dce9d9b41a4ee814b81e2abc63c363df01203f71de253d7b8/.jpg" breadcrumb: "Root > Saxon Switzerland > Special > Destination.Data Details > Tour" --- GPX Share From Stadt Wehlen across the Bastei Bridge to the spa town of Rathen ==================================================================== - Tip - 5.79 km long - Difficulty: medium - Condition: easy - Great panorama - Hiking - 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 This tour connects two idyllic towns with the most famous landmark of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains—the Bastei Bridge. It spans the Elbe at a vertical height of nearly 200 meters and offers views of the fascinating rock formations of the Rathen area from numerous vantage points. 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! Read more Good to know ------------ Best to visit suitable Depends on weather - Jan - Feb - Mar - Apr - May - Jun - Jul - Aug - Sep - Oct - Nov - Dec 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. Read more Tour information - Cultural Interesting - Stop at an Inn - Summit Directions & Parking facilities **Getting there**Traveling 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. Read more **Parking**There 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! Read more **Public transportation****Arrival: S1** to Stadt Wehlen Station **Departure:** Kurort Rathen S1 Read more Additional information - - , created in collaboration with the Mountain Rescue Service - , especially when hiking through areas dead spruce stands Read more 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.! Read more 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 in effect there and —is available on the national park’s website. Read more Map Sachsen Kartographie Dresden GmbH: Vordere Sächsische Schweiz Read more Nearby ------ View on map - Event - Christmas event - Stage/Theatre - Food - Place of interest - Train station - Direct sellers - Ferries - Tours 13.42 km - Hiking 13.42 km - Hiking 13.42 km - Hiking Contact 01829 Stadt Wehlen Download GPX file - - - -