The starting point is the car park or the bus stop in close proximity to the famous Bastei Bridge. In the direction of Bastei, the path turns left towards the "Schwedenlöcher" marked with a "Blue Bar". You walk through a beautiful woodland. "Schwedenlöcher" is the name of a gorge-like ravine that leads down about 700 steps. Before the Schwedenlöcher begin, a detour to the pavilion viewpoint is worthwhile. From here, you have the first impressive rock view towards the Bastei Bridge and into the Wehlgrund valley.
Once in the valley, leave the blue bar trail and walk right through the Amselgrund, past the Grünbach, the Amselsee, and the box office of the rock stage theatre towards the town center of the spa town Rathen. At the height of the Hotel Amselgrundschlösschen, the hiking trail with a signpost to the Bastei branches off to the right. You can comfortably reach the Bastei Bridge via a well-developed path with steps. Lovely views of the Elbe valley are offered along the way.
Do not miss the worthwhile detours to the viewpoints along the way.
The hike is also possible in the opposite direction, but note that the over 600 steps in the "Schwedenlöcher" have to be climbed uphill.