Bastei Bridge – visit the landmark of Saxon Switzerland
Walk across the majestic Bastei Bridge, the most famous and visited site in Saxon Switzerland and Germany. This 76.5-meter-long stone bridge rises above the Elbe River in Germany and is 305 meters (1000 feet) high.
The Bastei Bridge or Basteibrücke opens up views of the Elbe Valley and the breathtaking nature of the national park. It leads through the deep Mardertelle pit to the ruins of the medieval rock castle of Neurathen, which was built in the 13th century. Whether you view the Bastei Bridge from a distance or walk directly across it, you will feel like you are in a movie and take away an unforgettable experience.
Where did the Bastei Bridge come from?
The Bastei rock has a long history because it was formed by water erosion over 90 million years ago. During the Middle Ages, the site was home to a rock fortress equipped with catapults, which controlled the ships in the Elbe Canyon below. Over time, the fortress was abandoned and forgotten, until the 19th century, when the area was rediscovered and transformed into a tourist destination.
As early as 1824, the locals saw the tourist potential of this natural gem and built a wooden bridge connecting several rocks. In 1851, the original bridge was replaced by a sandstone bridge for greater safety and stability, which can still be found in Saxon Switzerland today. Its official name is the Basteibrücke, and it is said to have been the first European structure built specifically for tourists.
Everything you need to know before visiting the Bastei Bridge
The Bastei Bridge is located 40 km from Dresden in Germany and 26 km from the Czech town of Hřensko which is the gateway to the Czech part of the Bohemian-Saxon Switzerland National Park. The best way to get to the Bastei Bridge is by car. The journey from Prague takes approximately 2 hours.
Start your journey by taking the D8 motorway heading north toward Ústí nad Labem. After crossing the Czech-German border, continue on the A17 motorway in Germany. Take exit 6 for Pirna and follow the signs for Pirna and the Sächsische Schweiz National Park. Continue driving on the B172 road, heading toward Rathen, and keep an eye out for signs directing you to Bastei or Basteibrücke. Once you arrive, parking is available near the site, and from there, it’s a short walk to the iconic Bastei Bridge.
Where to park near Bastei Bridge?
You can leave your car in one of the many parking lots in the area:
- at the turnoff to the S165 road
- at the Bastei Bridge (1 km before the bridge and around Berghotel Bastei)
- in Rathen (Warning: there are a lot of stairs from the parking lot up to the viewpoint, so be prepared for a real hike)
The parking fee at the nearest parking lot is 12 euros for the whole day. Be careful, the parking machine is often broken and you can’t pay by card. At the same time, the machine often doesn’t accept banknotes, so prepare coins just in case. Otherwise, you won’t be able to leave the parking lot.
If you don’t arrive early in the morning during high season or holidays, no space will likely be left. We recommend stopping around the parking lot with flashing lights and waiting a few minutes for someone to leave.
Alternatively, you can also park in a parking lot further away which is cheaper and has a shuttle service to the Bastei Bridge. A return ticket costs 1.50 euros.
How to get to Bastei Bridge by public transport?
From the Czech Republic you can take a train from Děčín to the Bad Schandau. Change to the second train in the direction of the Kurort – Rathen there. Then take a ferry to the other bank of the Elbe where your approximately hour-long hike to the Bastei Bridge begins.
The second and more fun option is to take a boat on the Elbe to the Bastei Bridge. From Děčín the boat will take you to the Kurort Rathen. Along the way you will see the beauties of the Elbe Canyon and you will have a great experience from the trip.
In Germany you can use the following lines for transport:
- Linie 237 (Pirna – Bastei – Rathewalde – Hohnstein – Sebnitz)
- Stadt Wehlen – Bastei
- Königstein – Bad Schandau – Hohnstein – Bastei
- 239 – Stadt Wehlen – Uttewalde – Bastei
- 254 – Bad Schandau – Hohnstein (- Heeselicht) – Bastei – Pirna
- P+R – Rathewalde – Bastei
Opening hours and entry fees for the Bastei Bridge
The Bastei Bridge is one of the natural monuments that is open to the public 24/7 and can be visited at any time of the year. If you want to avoid the crowds, come early in the morning or in the evening, when you can enjoy a romantic sunset. In December and January, you can catch it around 4 PM.
Important
Felsenburg Neurathen has been closed for quite some time. The main viewpoints, the Bastei Bridge itself, are still open to the public.
Best photo spots near the Bastei Bridge
Enjoy breathtaking views of the Bastei Bridge and its surroundings! Stop at one of the viewpoints which are ideal places to take a photo for your Instagram.
- Basteiaussicht
- Tiedge–Aussicht (Tiedge scenic view)
- Ferdinandstein
- Wartturm
- Kanapee
Discover the magic of the Bastei Bridge
Visit the Bastei Bridge with locals
Summer Tours
The Easy Tour
Perfect for families and hiking newcomers, this tour combines stunning landscapes with a touch of magic. Stroll across the majestic Bastei Bridge and glide through the serene Kamenice Gorges on a scenic boat ride. All at an easy, relaxed pace, ideal for creating unforgettable memories.
- 2 Easy Highlights
- 11 Hours
- 4 Miles (6 KM)
- Walking Tour
Winter tours
The Narnia Labyrinth and Bastei with Wine
Discover the iconic Bastei Bridge, Germany’s sandstone masterpiece, with sweeping views over the Elbe Canyon. Then, step into the enchanting Tisa Rocks, a hidden gem and Narnia movie site. Top it off with mulled wine and a cozy winter atmosphere—perfect for a magical day out!
- Mostly Walking
- 10 Hours
- 4 Miles (7 KM)
- Best winter scenery
Hikers’ TOP 3 Highlights
A day packed with adventure! Hike to the iconic Pravcicka Gate, Europe’s largest natural sandstone arch, glide through the serene Kamenice Gorges on a boat ride, and take in breathtaking views from Germany’s renowned Bastei Bridge. An unforgettable journey through two countries for active travelers.
- 3 Best Highlights
- 13 Hours
- 9.5 Miles (15 KM)
- Challenging day
Pravcicka Gate & Bastei Winter Hike
Experience the breathtaking Bastei Bridge, a masterpiece of sandstone architecture with panoramic views of the Elbe Canyon. Combine this with the tranquil beauty of Pravcicka Gate and a hearty Czech lunch for the ultimate winter hiking adventure!
- True Hiking
- 10 Hours
- 7 Miles (10 KM)
- Panoramic Cliff Views
Why go to the Bastei Bridge with a guide?
See the best spots at the best time
With our local guides you’ll experience the highlights of the national park without the stress of planning. We know the park inside out and we will show you the best angles for stunning photos, ensuring memories that last a lifetime. We ensure an early arrival, allowing you to explore the bridge with a minimum number of visitors.
Enjoy extra comfort and safety in winter
Winter at Bastei Bridge can be magical but also challenging. Our tours include thoughtful extras to make your experience safe and cozy. We provide anti-slip sleeves, warm socks, hand warmers, and even hot tea or mulled wine from thermoses. With us, you’ll feel secure and comfortable while enjoying the winter wonderland.
No need to worry about logistics
Parking, finding restrooms, having coins for machines, or waiting at border checks—traveling can be stressful. With us, you’ll avoid it all. We’ll pick you up in Prague, handle everything, and ensure a smooth, worry-free journey. Plus, our guides are fluent in English, sparing you the hassle of deciphering German instructions or signage.
Safety and confidence with local experts
Our guides explore the park daily and know it like the back of their hand. Whether it’s an easy trail or more challenging terrain, you’re in safe and experienced hands. All our guides are CPR-trained, and some even hold a safe driving certification, ensuring your safety on every step—and mile—of the journey.