Bastei Bridge, Saxony, Germany

Panoramic view from the Bastei over the Elbe valley

Bastei Bridge , Saxon Switzerland, Saxony, Germany. 

 

The term Bastei refers to the jagged groups of sandstone rocks located in Saxon Switzerland National Park.

The Bastei is located in an area called Saxon Switzerland, 40 km east of Dresden, Germany

 

The Bastei Bridge rises to a height of 305 meters (1,000 feet) and is considered to be the majestic throne above the Elbe River.

The Bastei Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in the Saxon Switzerland National Park, a stunning natural area near Dresden, Germany.  

The Bastei is one of Germany’s most unique landscapes.

 

 

The Bastei is a rock formation rising 194 metres (636 ft) above the Elbe River in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains of Germany. Reaching a height of 305 metres (1,001 ft) above sea level, the jagged rocks of the Bastei were formed by water erosion over one million years ago. They are situated near Rathen, not far from Pirna southeast of the city of Dresden, and are the major landmark of the Saxon Switzerland National Park. They are also part of a climbing and hiking area that extends over the borders into the Bohemian Switzerland (Czech Republic).

View of the Bastei Bridge in Elbe Sandstone Mountains near Rathen, Saxony, Germany

 

The Bastei has been a tourist attraction for over 200 years. In 1824, a wooden bridge was constructed to link several rocks for the visitors. This bridge was replaced in 1851 by the present Bastei Bridge made of sandstone. The rock formations and vistas have inspired numerous artists, among them Caspar David Friedrich (German: Felsenschlucht, lit. 'Rocky Gorge').

 

Aerial_image_of_the_Bastei

 

The spa town of Rathen is the main base for visiting the Bastei; the town can be reached from Dresden by paddle steamer on the river Elbe.

 

The wooden Bastei bridge (1826)

The Bridge link the rock "Felsentor" with the "Bastian rock". In 1851 the bridge was replaced by the present "Bastei Bridge" made from sandstone. Today is the Bastei and the "Bastei bridge" a landmark in the Saxon Switzland in Germany

 

Bridge of the Bastei (Saxony, Germany)

The Bastei around 1900

 

View of the Elbe and the Wartturm rocks

Bastei, Saxon Switzerland, Saxony, Germany. 

 

View of the Bastei

 

 

 

Bastei Bridge, Saxony

. Bastei Bridge, Saxony©proslgn/Shutterstock

 

Situated in the Saxon National Park, the Bastei Bridge is an awe inspiring 251-foot-long (76.5m) stone structure that connects a number of towering rock formations and offers breathtaking views of the Elbe River. Across the bridge you’ll find the ruins of Neurathen Castle, the largest medieval fort in the area.

Both the bridge and castle have inspired many renowned painters, writers and musicians over the centuries, including Caspar David Friedrich, Ludwig Richter and Richard Wagner. Head to the Elbe Sandstone Mountains for a magnificent view of the bridge itself.  

 

 

 

 

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