Germay, Bastei – Iconic Rocky Bridge above Elbe Canyon – VIDEO

Bastei is a name for the sandstone rock tower, which rises 194 meters above the Elbe bank. It is located near the town of Pirna, approximately halfway between the Hřensko and Dresden. Among other things, because the Neurathen castle used to stand on the rock in the Middle Ages, the foundations of which have been preserved up to the present day, built a wooden bridge in 1824. The current sandstone bridge on the site has been in place since 1851 and today attracts millions of visitors from all over the world. The bridge measures 76.5 meters and you can see it about 40 meters deep.

Right in the surroundings of Bastei you will see dozens of other rock towers, which together form an unforgettable scenery. You can also visit the rock theater or take a boat ride on Lake Amselsee. There is also a panoramic restaurant and hotel near the bridge.

From the vantage points above the Elbe canyon, you will see, in addition to the surrounding villages, more rock formations such as the Königstein Fortress or the Pfaffenstein Table Mountain. We recommend a trip to visit at least one of the other places, or even a trip to the Czech Switzerland National Park. At the Rathen dock, right at the start of the Bastei exit, a paddle steamer is being built, which regularly cruises between Dresden and Bad Schandau in the high season.

In addition to the steamboat, you can easily get to Bastei by car, you will even arrive at a parking lot at the same height as the bridge, so you don't have to climb almost any hills. If you still want to improve your condition, take the train to the Kurort Rathen stop, where the ferry will take you to the same place as the steamboat.

When visiting, just avoid weekends and German public holidays, we recommend to go off-season or at least for a day. Otherwise, get ready for crowds.

GPS: 50°57'43.8"N 14°04'24.8"E

Text, photos, and video: Matouš Vinš

Music: Ketsa