The Bastei and the historic Bastei Bridge are the landmarks of Saxon Switzerland. High above the Elbe Valley, visitors can enjoy spectacular views of the rocky world of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains, from Wehlen in the Elbe Valley to Rauenstein, Königstein, Lilienstein and far into the back of Saxon Switzerland. The absolute highlight, however, is the direct panoramic view of the Rathen cliffs. The famous sandstone bridge dating from 1851 connects the rocks across a deep gorge and leads to the Neurathen rock castle (closed). As a highlight of the Malerweg, the Bastei combines nature, history and panoramic views in a unique way.
The Bastei with its world-famous Bastei Bridge is one of the most famous sights in Saxon Switzerland and one of the most visited excursion destinations in the Saxon Switzerland National Park. The striking rock formation rises high above the Elbe valley with steep sandstone walls, deep gorges and spectacular viewpoints. The centerpiece is the 76.5-meter-long Bastei Bridge, built in 1851, which connects the rocks across a 40-meter-deep gorge and offers impressive panoramic views of the Elbe Valley and the rocky world of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains.
From the Basteiaussicht, the panoramic view extends over Wehlen, Rauenstein, Königstein and Lilienstein all the way to the Hintere Sächsische Schweiz. Seven other vantage points, including Ferdinand's Rock and Kanapee, constantly open up new perspectives. The barrier-free new Basteiaussicht makes it possible for many groups of visitors to experience nature. The bridge also leads to the ruins of the medieval Neurathen rock castle (closed), the largest rock castle in the region.
The unique landscape attracted painters and romantics as early as the 19th century - to this day, the Bastei is a central section of the Malerweg. The Neurathen rock gate inspired Caspar David Friedrich, among others. Today, the Bastei combines a natural experience, cultural history and spectacular views and is a landmark of Saxon Switzerland.
