Discover the Bastei Bridge: The Most Popular Place in Germany’s Saxon Switzerland

I had to look at the map three times to confirm we were in Germany despite being told I was in Saxon Switzerland so many times. Wait, where are we? Headed from Prague to Berlin, we stopped to see the famous Basteibrücke, or Bastei Bridge, in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains.

The mountains, part of the Saxon Switzerland National Park which sits on the border of Germany and the Czech Republic is nowhere near Switzerland, but worth the stop. The Bastei Bridge has the highest number of visitors of all lookout points in Saxon Switzerland (which is in Germany). You won’t be the only one there, but you’ll still be impressed by the views.

The Bastei Bridge is the most famous place to visit in Saxon Switzerland, here’s what you should know about it:

• Basic Info
• Did You Know You Can Stay On The Bastei
• The History Of The Bastei
• There are Five Main Viewpoints
  • Wehlsteinaussicht
  • Basteiaussicht
  • Ferdinandstein
  • Basteibrucke
  • Neurathen Castle
• Where To Eat

---

Basic Info

Address: Basteiweg, Lohmen, Germany

Directions: You can travel by train and get off at Kurort Rather, just across the river. From there, you’d take the ferry across the river and then you’ll need to hike up to the bridge. It’s a steep 30 minutes or so I heard from others that came that route.

Alternatively, if you drive, there are two parking lots you can use. When you head in, you’ll spot the first one, but this is further out, keep driving in to find the second to get a spot closer in if you can. From here, it’s a pretty short walk.

Hours: There are no open and close hours, so you can visit anytime. If you want to see the area less crowded, try to get there as early as you can.

---

Did You Know You Can Stay On The Bastei

Yes, you can actually stay right there at The Bastei at the Berghotel Bastei. This 4-star hotel is all about health and wellness and relaxing in the mountains. If you want to have the Bastei to yourself for a bit, or plan to do some climbing, definitely stay here.

You can book a stay at Berghotel Bastei on Booking.com or on Agoda.com.

---

If you look closely, you can also spot the metal boxes at the top of each one that climbers add their name to when they’ve reached the summit.

The first man-made bridge was constructed in 1824 and was made of wood. This made it easier for visitors to see the rocks and in 1851, a sturdier sandstone bridge replaced the wooden one, and this is why everyone is headed here.

Fun Fact: In the 18th century, two Swiss artists working in the area began calling calling it Saxon Switzerland because the landscape resembled their homeland so much. Somehow, the name stuck.

---

There are Five Main Viewpoints

Wehlsteinaussicht

The vista that is closest to the parking lot, it’s the first path to the left that you’ll come to and because it’s so easy to get to and the first thing people see, is quite busy.

Basteiaussicht

After you’ve passed the restaurants, bathrooms, and souvenir shops, you’ll find this overlook that offers just stunning views out over the Elbe River and town of Rathen. This is a very popular spot to take in the views for good reason, so wait your turn and take your time.

You can just glimpses of the Bastei Bridge on the other side of the rocks from here, but don’t worry, there is another great view to find next.

Ferdinandstein

If you decide to head down to the Bastei Bridge, you’ll find this lookout that is off the main path. A bit bumpy and more dirt path than stone staircase like the other path, this leads up to the spot to take in a view of the Bastei Bridge snuggly sitting between the rocks.

Basteibrucke

After taking in the view of the bridge, now head down to the bridge. Obviously the most popular place to be, again, take your time and you’ll be able to see everything here.

Fun Fact: The Bastei Bridge is 76.5 meters long and has seven arches that span the 40 meter deep ravine.

As you cross the bridge, you can see tablets with inscriptions that commemorate the first mention of the Bastei in travel literature in 1797 as well as the memory of Wilhelm Lebrecht Götzinger and Carl Heinrich Nicolai, pioneers of tourism in the area. There’s also a tablset for Hermann Krone, a photographer who took the first landscape photos of the bridge in 1853.

Neurathen Castle

Continue the walk after the bridge and you’ll come to these ruins, though there is a small entrance fee required to enter. This is the final point of exploration if this is all you came to see, though you can absolutely follow the trails in the area for more trekking opportunities.

---

Where To Eat

There are two options right at the Bastei if you want to spend more time there. You can’t miss these two spots, you’ll see them right as you’re headed to the lookout points and bridge itself.

Panoramarestaurant Bastei: This restaurant is in the 4-star hotel and has quite the menu. If you have the time and want a beautiful view with your meal, go hungry and head in here when it opens.

Panorama-Biergarten Bastei: If you’re a bit early for lunch and are looking more for coffee and a snack or beer if that’s your jam, this is a good spot just next door. We got coffee and bread and sat at the outdoor tables just enjoying the cool air and views.

---

Did you like this post? Pin IT!