By Alaric 
One of the most magical places you can visit in Germany is the Bastei to see the Bastei Bridge.
This fairytale landscape over the River Elbe in Saxon Switzerland is filled with jagged sandstone rock formations that look otherworldly.
I’ve had this on my bucket list for years, and I’m pleased to say it’s even more enchanting in person. It felt like entering a real-life Narnia.
It makes the perfect day trip from Dresden, whether you choose to drive or take public transport and hike.
Here is how to visit the Bastei Bridge, including things to do during your visit.
What is the Bastei?
The Bastei is the most famous sandstone rock formation in Saxon Switzerland.
It rises 305 metres (1000 feet) above sea level over the River Elbe and the spa town of Rathen.
From the viewing platform, you get sweeping panoramic views of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains and Saxon Switzerland National Park.
It’s a very popular attraction in Germany and most people visit to get a view of the famous Bastei Bridge.
But, there is plenty more to do in the area that makes it worth visiting.
Is the Bastei in Germany or Switzerland?
Bastei is very much in Germany and is near the border of the Czech Republic.
However, the name Saxon Switzerland can be confusing as the country is thousands of miles from there.
To make matters even more complex, there is also a Swiss municipality called Saxon!
The name came from two Swiss Artists of the 18th century, Adrian Zigg and Anton Graff, who were working in Dresden.
They felt that this area reminded them of their homeland with all the Elbe sandstone mountains.
So, the area is now called Saxon-Bohemian Switzerland, which includes Saxon Switzerland National Park.
Bastei Bridge history
The Bastei Bridge has been a popular tourist attraction for over 200 years.
However, the area of unique sandstone rock formations was formed over a million years ago by water erosion.
The name Bastei or ‘Bastion’ refers to the defensive ring around Neurathen Castle built on top of these rocks in medieval times.
‘Robber knights’ (corrupt, tax-hungry landowners) lived in the castle for centuries until 1485 when a Duke of Saxony inherited but abandoned it.
In the 18th century, many artists visited the Bastei on the ‘Painter’s Path’. It later became accessible due to public interest in romantic scenery.
The first wooden bridge was installed in 1824 to allow visitors to see the unique landscape.
It became so popular that a permanent sandstone bridge replaced it in 1851. This is the Bastei Bridge you can still visit today.
It’s still a major tourist attraction in Germany that draws thousands of visitors each year.
How to visit the Bastei Bridge
Bastei is located in Saxon Switzerland National Park on the River Elbe. This is around 50 kilometres from the city of Dresden.
The easiest way to visit the Bastei Bridge is to drive, and the journey will take around one hour from Dresden.
There are two parking areas close to the Bastei. One is 3.5 kilometres away called Behinderten Parkplatz.
Or you can find the main Bastei parking lot on ‘Basteistraße’ which runs a shuttle bus to a stop near the bridge.
Both parking areas charge fees of €3 – €5.50 depending on the length of your stay.
If you plan to explore the national park by road, you can look at rental car prices here.
Can you visit Bastei by public transport?
Yes, you can. It’s very easy to visit Bastei by public transport from Dresden.
You can take a regional train (S-Bahn) from Dresden Central Station to Kurort Rathen (Pirna).
The scenic journey takes around 40 minutes, and trains run every 30 minutes. You can use the DB Navigator app to check the schedule.
From Rathen, you will need to take the ferry over the River Elbe to begin your hike to Bastei, which is 30 minutes each way.
It takes a bit longer to visit by public transport than if you were to drive. But, I found travelling without a car in Saxon Switzerland a breeze.
I recommend purchasing a Deutschland Ticket if you plan to travel around Germany by train. You get unlimited public transport around the country for just €58 a month!
Why not book a river cruise?
Another way to visit Bastei without driving is by booking a river cruise by paddle steamer from Dresden.
This is what I did, and it was such a relaxing way to be introduced to Saxon Switzerland National Park.
I then got the train to Rathen to visit Bastei Bridge and then took another train back to Dresden.
The Saxon Steam Shipping Company or Sächsische Dampfschiffahrt have been operating their historic paddle steamers since 1836!
As you cruise the Elbe River, you can enjoy panoramic views, vineyards and attractions such as Blasewitz, Schloss Pillnitz and Pirna.
You can also enjoy coffee and cocktails or indulge in local dishes served straight at your table.
I sampled the famous Dresdner Christstollen, a fruit bread and cultural delicacy you must try when visiting the city.
The only thing to consider is that the steamer takes time. My journey to Königstein took four hours. So, this cruise is not for everyone!
You can see Bastei Bridge from the boat and it makes a stop at Rathen. It then heads to Königstein and finally terminates at Bad Schandau.
Arriving in Kurort Rathen
Whether you decide to take the train or paddle steamer to Bastei, you will alight at Kurort Rathen station or river port.
This fairytale spa town is a delight to explore, with colourful houses and fabulous views of the Bastei Bridge from below over the Elbe River.
But to access the town and the Bastei walking trail, you will need to take the Rathen Ferry across the water.
Thankfully, the ferry terminal is very easy to find as it’s just five minutes away from the train station.
Rathen Ferry
The Rathen Ferry is a private ferry company that runs trips over the River Elbe.
So, you can’t use your Elbe/Labe pass or a Deutschland Ticket. Everybody pays.
The ferry costs €1.50 one way and €3 return. For children, it’s half-price.
You will need to pay for a ferry ticket in cash at the ticket kiosk. Make sure to bring some with you.
As I visited for sunset, I was a little worried about ferries stopping and being stranded. But, they run almost all hours of the day:
- November – April: 4.30 am weekdays / 5.30 am weekends – 11.45 pm
- May – October: 4.30 am weekdays / 5.30 am weekends – 12.45 am
There is no specific timetable, but they usually run every 10 minutes during peak hours.
The frequency at non-peak times depends on demand or the train services arriving/departing at Kurort Rathen station.
It’s a standing ferry without much seating, but it only takes a few minutes to cross, and the views are outstanding!
How long is the walk to the Bastei Bridge?
From the Rathen Ferry terminal, the walk up to the Bastei Bridge will take you around 30-45 minutes, depending on your speed.
You will ascend many steep slopes and steps through woodland areas to the top, which are both scenic and peaceful.
Just keep in mind that the bridge is 300 metres above sea level, so the hike can be challenging but doable with a reasonable level of fitness.
Even on the way up, you can see fabulous rock formations. You can even walk through many of these on the hike. I thought this was so cool.
Although the walk was wonderful, it took me a while as I kept stopping on the way to admire the views of the River Elbe.
On my visit, Germany was experiencing a heatwave. There were weather warnings as it was over 32 degrees Celsius.
Although many will say this isn’t hot, as a Brit, I am simply not made for those temperatures. So, the hike was a struggle but worth it!
On that note, bring lots of water to keep you hydrated, whatever the weather.
Bastei ticket prices and opening times
Saxon Switzerland National Park and Bastei Bridge are open 24 hours a day so you can visit any time that you like.
I recommend visiting early morning for the best experience as you will encounter fewer crowds.
It’s also completely FREE to visit the Bastei and the national park. So, it makes a great budget day out in Germany.
Magical things to do at the Bastei Bridge
Of course, the bridge is the main attraction, but there is plenty more to do around this area.
From medieval castles, panoramic viewpoints, restaurants and hikes. Here is what I recommend;
1. Tiedge Scenic View
Before you head up to the bridge itself, you should make a stop at the Tiedge Scenic View.
This viewing area can be found on the ascent from Rathen and gives you sweeping panoramic views of a bend in the Elbe River.
You can see for miles on a clear day over the national park. You can spot settlements, wildlife and boats on the river.
It’s also a fabulous photo opportunity. Make sure to have your camera ready.
2. Neurathen Castle
The only thing that has a charge at the Bastei is Felsenburg Neurathen or Neurathen Castle, and you’ll see the entrance on the walk up.
This is the remains of a 12th-century medieval fortress, and it costs €2.50 to enter.
There’s not much that remains of the castle today but you can walk around the open-air museum and see historical exhibits like an old catapult.
There are also some incredible viewpoints over the rock formations and Elbe River.
Unfortunately, the castle was closed on my visit. I was sad as I love medieval history, but there were plenty of other incredible views to see.
3. Cross Bastei Bridge
After you pass the entrance of Neurathan Castle, you’ll walk up several more steps and through the ‘Rock Gate’ to cross the Bastei Bridge.
As soon as I stepped onto the bridge, I was in complete awe, as there were spectacular panoramic views on both sides.
It felt like I had stepped into the pages of a fairytale or was walking through a land in the Chronicles of Narnia.
It was utterly breathtaking and the huge rock formations felt like something from another world.
The bridge is 76.5 metres long, so there’s lots of room for visitors and panoramas to take in.
Halfway there is a viewing platform that extends over the valley for even better views.
4. Ferdinandstein viewpoint
The best views of Bastei Bridge can be found by hiking over to the Ferdinandstein viewpoint.
It’s only a few metres from the end of the bridge and can be found by following a well-marked path with steps and safety rails.
From Ferdinandstein, you can get those postcard-worthy views of the bridge, foliage and rock formations.
I could have spent ages here admiring this dreamy vista. I have wanted to visit for ages, so to finally see this for myself was a dream come true.
If this viewpoint is too crowded, there are other viewing platforms you can visit nearby.
The rails are there for your safety. I saw some bad eggs climb over them to pose for photos, it’s so dangerous. Don’t do this!
5. Bastei Panorama Restaurant
Close to the Bastei Bridge, you will find the Berghotel with the Bastei Panorama Restaurant.
It’s a great place to enjoy lunch or dinner as, true to its name, you get incredible panoramic views over the area.
I enjoyed a solo dinner here and although a little pricey, it was a lovely experience.
I always like to try local cuisine so I sampled one of their fish specialities with butter and boiled potatoes.
It was lovely, but I wasn’t aware the fish would be served pickled raw. But my Aperol Spritz was delicious and needed with the heat.
As one of the only restaurants at the Bastei, it can get very busy. So, make sure to book a table well in advance to avoid disappointment.
6. Bastei Walking Trails
There is plenty more to see around the area by following the well-marked walking trails.
These walks range in difficulty but provide even more incredible scenic views over the Bastei and Saxon Switzerland National Park.
I would have loved to explore, but I couldn’t face walking any more than necessary in the heat.
It was stifling, and I found the walk up to Bastei was more than enough.
Is Bastei Bridge worth visiting?
Yes, the Bastei is a magical place that feels like it’s been plucked from the pages of a fairytale.
The views are out of this world, and the area around Bastei Bridge provides spectacular views of this unique landscape in Saxon Switzerland.
This is one of the best day trips you can take in Germany and it’s very easy to do either by car or public transport.
I had such an enchanting time here and would return in a heartbeat. You have to visit!
When is the best time to visit?
Saxon Switzerland National Park is a gorgeous place to visit all year, as every season brings something new.
The best time to visit Bastei Bridge would be early in the morning, around sunrise or later in the evening for sunset.
Midday is traditionally the busiest time due to tour groups from Dresden/Berlin, so it will be packed with people.
Although it will still be beautiful, it’s easier to appreciate its beauty and tranquillity without the crowds.
I visited late afternoon on a weekend in summer and was surprised to see it so empty. On such a sunny day, it was amazing!
I later found out there was a very important football match on, so everyone went home to watch the game. What a shame ;).
Discover Saxon Switzerland National Park
Bastei is the most famous attraction in Saxon Switzerland, but there is plenty more to see.
You can visit quaint spa towns on the River Elbe like Rathen and Bad Schandau.
Or, take a ride on the Kirnitzschtal tramway that has been running since 1898.
There are waterfalls to chase, like Lichtenhain Waterfall or numerous hiking trails on the famous ‘Painters’ Way’.
If you only have time for one attraction, I recommend visiting Königstein Fortress.
Also known as the Saxon Bastille, this fabulous hilltop fortress has over 800 years of history and 50 buildings to explore.
Not only can you learn its tumultuous history but you also get incredible views over the River Elbe and beyond.
You can easily pair this fortress with a trip to Bastei from Dresden! You can drive, take the train or travel by paddle steamer.
I got the paddle steamer from Dresden to Königstein, then the train/ferry to Bastei and finally the train back to Dresden! It was all very easy.
My top tips for the best experience
- Visit early morning – sunrise is the best time to visit and get those clean photos without lots of people.
- Wear sensible shoes – you don’t need hiking boots, but trainers will be best as you’ll be climbing lots of steps.
- Bring cash for the ferry – if you’re arriving by train, you need cash for the ferry. Cash is very much king in Germany.
- Bring a layer – I visited during a heatwave, but I would bring a layer, as the bridge is 300 metres above sea level and can be chilly.
- Pack water/snacks – there are facilities at Bastei and Kurort Rathen, but I recommend having water and snacks with you.
- Toilets – Berghotel near the Bastei Bridge has some paid toilets in their visitor reception you can use for €1. You will need a coin.
Why not stay at the Berghotel?
Berghotel Bastei is a 4-star hotel right beside the bridge with views over the Elbe River.
It makes the perfect base to explore Saxon Switzerland National Park.
The views from their rooms and the panoramic restaurant are breathtaking. You can also wake up early and have the Bastei bridge all to yourself!
Read more of my Germany travel guides
How to visit the Upper Lusatian Library of Sciences
Pfunds Molkerei – Most Beautiful Dairy Shop in the World
How to visit the Marienbrucke Bridge at Neuschwanstein Castle?
Visiting Neuschwanstein Castle in winter
Don’t skip visiting Hohenschwangau Castle in Bavaria
How to visit the magical Munich Law Library
The baroque hidden gem of Asamkirche
How to visit Wiblingen Abbey Library
Visiting Charlottenburg Palace in Berlin
Tips for visiting the Brandenburg Gate
Visit the Duchess Anna Amalia Library in Weimar
Save how to visit the Bastei Bridge for later!
