Saxon switzerland national park how to get there. Rathen Rock Theatre. Bastei Bridge in Saxon Switzerland

national park Saxon Switzerland located in German territory, in Saxony. It includes a geological region called Saxon Switzerland. General area the park is 93 km2. The first attempts to preserve the nature of Saxon Switzerland were made at the beginning of the 20th century.

The unique local landscape was under threat due to the construction of sand pits, as well as roads, which were actively built in the region. In 1850, part of these lands received the status of a protected area. This happened thanks to the initiative of numerous opponents of destruction. natural conditions Elbe valley. Various actions to protect the region continued for the next 60 years. The most serious of them occurred in 1880, 1896, 1902 and 1911.
Under the auspices of the public, in 1877 a ban was introduced on the development of sandstone deposits and the extraction of stone, if rock massifs, including the Bastei massif, were destroyed. However, this measure was not enough to fully protect the region from the destruction of natural resources.

In 1910 a society for the defense of Saxon Switzerland was founded. In 1912, the Polenz area received protected status, and in 1930 a proposal was made to assign protected status to the entire region. In 1938, the Bastei nature reserve was established, and in 1940, the Polenztal. Finally, in 1956, the national park Saxon Switzerland. At that time, its area was 370 km2.
One of the most important conditions for granting Saxon Switzerland the status national park there was an effective division and conservation of dynamic natural zones. In accordance with this requirement, Saxon Switzerland is divided into four such zones.

The root zone occupies 23% of the total area of the park and represents its main natural reserve. Natural zone A is open to visitors and covers 37% of the protected area. Natural zone B is 58% of the total area of the national park. This area is distinguished by a significant degree of protection of nature from human activity. Finally, the protection zone (38%) is regularly maintained by the national park staff.

Among the most important attractions of Saxon Switzerland is a huge rocky massif of stone - Bastei, which rises 198 meters above the Elbe. From many ledges opens beautiful view the Elbe and the mesas. In 1812, the first hotel was built on these lands. Therefore, the rock is popular among tourists not only because of the bizarre shape of its massif, but also because there are some memorable places. One of them is a stone bridge built at the end of the 19th century, and famous trail artists, which was visited by a large number of famous artists, including painters.

In the Saxon Switzerland National Park, you can see animals that are not found in the rest of Germany due to human activity. Many of these animals live on the east side of the park. It is not visited by tourists. Many representatives of the German fauna and avifauna are protected on this territory: martens, deer, wild boars, bats, snake, viper, kingfisher, black stork, woodpeckers, hawks, owls. Salmon and trout are found in local water bodies.

How to get to Saxon Switzerland from Berlin?

On trains

Super-expensive and comfortable option with the opportunity to enjoy the views of Saxony: take the Berlin-Dresden train. To do this, go to the site https://www.bahn.com and look for tickets. At best, you will pay 50 euros per person for the Berlin-Dresden-Berlin route. Add to this the train from Dresden to the town of Kurort Ratten or Bad Schandau (20 euros round trip per person, there are travel cards for a family with children (a more economical option), plus there may be cheaper ways to get there, but there is nothing about them on the Internet ) and a ferry across the Elbe (1.5 euros one way).

By bus

Moderately expensive but not interesting. Well developed in Europe bus service. The cheapest tickets are sold by the low-cost airline https://www.flixbus.ru - if you're lucky, you can buy tickets for 6.90 euros one way per person. Those. at least 15 euros from the calculation of the route to Dresden and back. We add here the part of the journey from Dresden, which is described in detail in the previous paragraph, and we still get a solid amount of about 40-50 euros per person.

By rented car

The best choice if you have rights. As I wrote in, if you estimate the pros and cons of traveling on various types transport, you can understand that car rental - the best option to travel to Saxon Switzerland from Berlin. We took full insurance, so renting a car with it, gas and parking costs cost us about 100 euros. At the same time, we were not limited by the public transport schedule, worries about cancellations and transfers of flights, we calmly visited not only the national park, but also Dresden itself. As a result, we spent comparable money compared to traveling by bus and, especially, by train. If there are three or more of you, the benefits of renting a car are even more tangible.

How to get there by car?

The path from Berlin to the Bastei Park, which we, in fact, having studied the sources, and decided to visit, lies practically through Dresden. The distance from the center of the capital to this city is about 200 km. Given that you can drive on most of the autobahn without speed limits, the journey takes 2-3 hours, the lion's share of which is the departure from Berlin. We decided to combine the trip and stopped in Dresden for a couple of hours to have a bite to eat and walk around the city center.

In fact, Saxon Switzerland is a huge national park, so huge that it continues even outside of Germany, however, having changed its name to Czech Switzerland, in general, it is obvious that it is simply physically impossible to explore it in half a day or a day. In addition, we were severely limited in time, since our entire trip to Germany lasted only 4 days, and therefore, it was decided to make the main point of our trip to Saxony natural Park And famous bridge Bastei.

To get here you need to get to the village of Kurort Rathen. It is divided into 2 parts by the Elbe River.

If you find yourself on the side railway(the station is visible on the Google map) - you will need to cross to the other side by ferry. The ferry departs approximately every half an hour, it takes an unimaginably long time, given the distance of 50 meters 🙂 Here it is in the photo.

If you are by car and found yourself on the "right shore" - everything is a little easier. First you need to park at the entrance to the park. Parking, like almost everywhere in Germany, is paid. Even, as in this case, there is a machine gun in the middle of the forest.

Then go down to the city through the park. You are in the Kurort Rathene - you can start your journey to Bastei. The village itself, however, is of interest. Extremely cozy and cute, full of flowers - a typical small German town.

Walk in the Bastei Nature Park

Like almost everywhere in Germany, all sights are neatly labeled. Follow the signs starting in the town center and don't get lost. And most importantly, photographs. All photos are from my phone, so they are vertical. For easy viewing, click on any of them.

Separately: the main views for which he goes here every day most of tourists.

It is also extremely popular with rock climbers. Saxon Switzerland is even called the Mecca of German mountaineering. Both experienced athletes and complete beginners train here.

Entrance to Bastei Park is absolutely free. The only exception can be considered a small area at the very top, fenced with a high fence, with steep viewing platforms. From here, the most beautiful and, most importantly, deserted views open up. Entrance costs a couple of euros, for this money you also get small excursion(in the form of tablets) according to past times, when a settlement existed here.

Saxon Switzerland is a national park in Germany, covering an area of 93 km 2 in a wonderful mountain landscape. The base for the national park was laid in 1956. The park received its current status after the unification of Germany. Adjacent to the park Czech Switzerland located in the Czech Republic.

The first attempts to save Saxon Switzerland were made back in the 19th and 20th centuries, when the construction of sand pits and new roads threatened the unique landscapes. In 1850, this small area finally got the status of a nature protection zone, which was welcomed by the defenders of the Elbe Valley. A large number of actions to protect the area were carried out in subsequent years. In 1877, public organizations achieved a ban on the destruction of several rocks, including Bastai. But to completely defend the region from possible efforts to destroy natural treasures the edge for the extraction of sandstone did not work.

The most visited place in the park is the rocky massif of Bastei, almost 200 meters high. On its ledges, visitors to the park can see stunning views of the mesas and the Elbe River. The first hotel was built here back in 1812, from that moment on, the popularity of these places only gained momentum. The park is distinguished by a stone bridge built in the 20th century and the famous "Path of Artists", which was visited by many eminent poets and painters.

The landscapes of Saxon Switzerland are conditioned by unusual heaps of rocks, narrow valleys, mesas and gorges. Saxon Switzerland is rich in rare and feathered animals, such as: dormouse, otters, eagle owls. The bulk of the animals found shelter in the east of the park, which adjoins the Czech Republic. This part is rarely visited by tourists. Often found in the park: owl, hawk, woodpecker, kingfisher, black stork, deer, marten, wild boar. The rivers are home to trout and salmon.

The area of the park can be explored by boat or by boat. A particularly romantic trip will be on an old paddle steamer or an old tram to one of the waterfalls in Lichtenhain. In addition, there are other attractions: the Königstein fortress, a theater located on open skies in the city of Rathen, Flessersteig castle, "Post obelisk" in the city of Pirna, Neurathen fortress. You can feel the primeval charms of Saxon Switzerland on excursions conducted by guides of the national park or during a fascinating kayak descent along the gorge.

In this area, an abundance of rivers, mountain streams. The main water artery is formed by the Elbe River. The mountains here are not particularly high, on average 400-500 meters, but nevertheless they were chosen by many climbers. But it is worth noting that in rainy weather climbing is prohibited. Firstly, sandstone loses its strength after rain, which can destroy the rocks, and secondly, because of the fragility of the rocks, climbing equipment fixed on the sandstone walls becomes unreliable. It has a very warm and dry climate. average annual temperature at 7.5 C°. Nevertheless, winters here are cool and after strong snowstorms, snow can last up to a month. It is better to climb the rocks in May-September, at this time the weather is more constant.

It is forbidden to put up tents in the national park, is it possible beyond its line in under some kind of rock, in a grotto, cave. Local climbers call these overnight stays Bofe.

Königstein, located in the middle of Saxon Switzerland, can be reached by car or by train from Dresden, where the international airport is located.

Germany is a country that is famous not only for its traditions, but also for its natural attractions. One of these amazing places is the region of Saxon Switzerland, here is the national park of the same name with an amazing mountain landscape. Of course, rock climbers have chosen this place, but if you are not, then you should visit the rocky massif above the Elbe River.

Saxon Switzerland is a district in the west of Germany, formed in 2008 during the communal reform, and is part of the state of Saxony, Dresden district. In the same place is the national park of the same name, which was founded in 1956. total area this park 93 square kilometers. The center of the Saxon Switzerland region is the city of Pirna.

City of Pirna

Pirna - regional center, small town, its population is about 40 thousand inhabitants. This is enough old City, the first mention of it dates back to 1233. And despite its small size, there is something to see. For example, the main attraction is the Town Hall - the first mention of it dates back to 1396. This building combines several architectural eras - baroque, late gothic and renaissance. Another interesting place is a boarding school, a complex of five city buildings of the 17th century. Canelottohouse is a city house from the first half of the 16th century. This building houses tourist centre as well as a small exhibition of paintings.

Pirna is located just seven kilometers from Dresden, so getting here is easier from this city. Trains run twice an hour, travel time is about 40 minutes.
City of Rathen

City of Rathen

Rathen - small resort town, which is the starting point for those who want to visit mountain range Bastei and its Bastei Bridge. You can get to Rathen by train from Pirna or Dresdan. From Dresdan to Rathen, about 24 kilometers. If you are traveling by car, then from Dresdan you should take the A178 highway, then turn onto the A172a highway, after a short turn onto the S164 highway, which will turn into S165 and then follow the sign for Bastei, where you will reach the tourist parking for cars and buses . It is about three kilometers to the Bastei bridge, so buses run from the site, which will take you to the right place.
Bastei bridge

Bastei

The Bastei Bridge is located on the right bank of the Elma River and is the most visited attraction in Saxon Switzerland. The first bridge on this site was built in 1824, and in 1851 acquired modern look. Today the bridge is a historical landmark and architectural monument. From the bridge, laid between the rocks at a height of 195 meters and a length of 76.5 meters, offers a stunning view mountain scenery national park. In foggy weather it seems as if you are above the clouds. With the increase in the flow of tourists, the Bastei bridge was equipped with protective railings, and trade tents and a restaurant were also built.
Königstein

In addition to the bridge itself, during your journey, you can also visit the nearby medieval fortress Königstein, which is located on the mountain of the same name. This fortress is known for its well 152.5 meters deep, which served as an autonomous water supply. By the way, this well is the second deepest in Europe. In addition, there is a museum dedicated to German and Saxon military history.

Services for tourists that will save or get more for the same money:

– the journey begins with the choice of profitable insurance, the service allows you to find the best option for your requirements;

Even in the middle of carefully built-up Europe, you can find a "piece" wildlife This is Saxon Switzerland National Park.

Today, there are more than 2,000 national parks located in 120 states. All of them are completely different. Some are very small, such as "Hamra" (Sweden), which occupies only 0.28 square meters. kilometers. And there are huge ones, like "Northeast Greenland", under which 972 thousand square meters are occupied.

But the most important thing that unites all these parks is their goal - to protect nature from dangerous human impact. People are allowed into such places, but under full control in order to still preserve natural heritage for posterity.

Germany and Europe

In Europe, there are about 300 parks, and in Germany there are 16. And this is another confirmation that even with a high population density, it is possible to preserve wildlife oases.

"Saxon Switzerland"

This park area is located in Saxony, near Dresden (Germany). Occupied territory - 93.5 sq. kilometers. Here is a unique landscape, mostly mountainous, represented by Elbe sandstones.

It is believed that earlier on the site of the mountains there was a sea. At the end of the Cretaceous period, the sea receded, under the influence of wind and erosion processes, mountains were formed. To date, this whimsical figures of sand, dark gorges and narrow valleys.

The park was founded back in 1956, at that time the country had a program to restore and protect national natural areas. The official founding date is 1990.

At the beginning of the 20th century, millions of tourists came here, and the authorities had to restrict access to the park. There are areas here where visitors are not allowed at all.

Location

You can get to the park "Saxon Switzerland" by train, from some 30 minutes on the way. Territory natural area begins 15 kilometers from the border of the city, in a southeast direction.

The Germans call the city of Pirna the gates of the park, in which only 40 thousand people live. Most of the buildings in Pirna, like Dresden, were built from sandstone mined from the Elbe Mountains. Park area extends up to the border with the Czech Republic, where there is a similar park.

Flora and fauna

In "Saxon Switzerland" grow the most unique plants. And where access for visitors is limited, in the eastern part, rare animals live, these are marten, otter, kingfisher, dormouse and black stork.

There are special ecological trails in the park. Where ordinary travelers can see snakes and vipers, deer and bats. In the ponds you can see trout and salmon.

There are many viewing platforms in the park, from where amazing view to spaces and unique nature.

Fortress Bastei

Most reviews of "Saxon Switzerland" are associated with the Bastei fortress. This castle is located at an altitude of 305 meters above sea level, on the right bank of the Elbe River. For the first time this fortress was mentioned in 1592. Already since 1800 tourists began to come here. So observation deck offers a view of the winding river bed and the Königstein fortress, the village of Reiten. If you are lucky and the weather is clear, you will be able to see the entire territory of the German part of the park.

Bridge

No less famous landmark of "Saxon Switzerland" is the Bastei Bridge. It has been popular for over 200 years. It was erected in 1824 from wood. After 2 years, the first trading tents appeared on the bridge. And in 1851 they carried out a complete reconstruction and built a sandstone bridge.

The artist Friedrich Kaspar immortalized this architectural creation on his canvas, and the photographer Krone Herman left a commemorative plaque on one of the rocks of the bridge.

The path that runs along the bridge is called the “Path of Artists”. This is a 112 km road. With the increase in the number of tourists, protective fences appeared on the bridge, and a restaurant appeared instead of a hut.

The length of the Bastei bridge is 76.5 meters, it runs through the deep gorge(40 meters).

Fortress

In "Saxon Switzerland" - another of popular places. It is located on a rocky plateau, the height above sea level is 240 meters. In the middle of the castle grounds is the deepest well in all of Saxony. It also has the status of the second deep well in Europe.

The first mention of the building was found in the charter of King Wenceslas I (Czech Republic) dated 1233. At that time it belonged to the Czech kingdom. Due to its important commercial importance, the fortress was expanded. The castle was even visited by Peter I.

In 1459, the boundaries were already clearly defined, and the fortress passed into the possession of the Margraviate of Meissen (the border of the German Empire).

During the First and Second World Wars, the castle served as a place where prisoners of war were kept. Also in the second world war hid here art gallery Dresden.

For visitors, the doors of the fortress were opened in 1955. Now there is a military exposition, a restaurant and a souvenir shop.

Arriving at the park, you should definitely visit this impregnable castle which was built in the 12th century. More precisely, it was cut down in a basalt wall. The main problem for the builders was that they could not supply water to the castle. For a long 22 years, the miners tried to break through the well, and they still succeeded. For 1 day it was possible to break through the basalt only by 1 centimeter. Previously, prisoners from high-ranking classes were kept here. And in one of the towers was kept the favorite of Augustus the Strong - Anna Kosel.

Mountaineering

The magnificent mountain landscape of "Saxon Switzerland" simply attracts climbers here like a magnet. However, at the beginning of the 20th century, special rules were introduced in the park for mountain lovers, which are aimed at preventing the destruction of sandstone. For example, the use of rings and ropes is possible only as insurance, but not for moving along the route. No other auxiliary means can be used on the territory of the Bastei Mountains, the same wedges and magnesia. All mountains where climbing is allowed are already equipped with safety hooks.

River, waterfall and tram

The Elbe river flows through the entire park, it has a winding channel. To move to the other side, berths are equipped, from which motor ships, boats and old paddle steamers leave. It opens from the water beautiful scenery on majestic mountains, and slow movement water transport allows you to enjoy the local beauties and take great photos.

Excursions in "Saxon Switzerland" are many. So, from the city of Bad Schandau, you can take a mountain tram to the Lichtenhainer waterfall itself, although since 2010 only half the way, the rest will have to be walked.

Previously, it was a small threshold. In 1830, a dam was erected on the stream, which is opened to release the accumulated water. To date, the dam is opened every 30 minutes, but only for 3 minutes.

The park has a unique tram line called Karnichtalbahn. This is a single-rail track, which has several sidings. The starting station is the city of Bad Schandau. The tram was launched in 2010, but due to frequent flooding, the line had to be shortened, and the trailers move along a shortened route - 7 kilometers. However, throughout these kilometers you can see half-timbered houses, picturesque rocks and the fast flow of the river. Therefore, even riding a tram, not a single tourist will leave without a photo of "Saxon Switzerland".

Resort

Band-Shandau is not just a city on the border of the park and Czech Republic, but the real modern resort. The first mentions date back to 1445, and already in 1467 locality receives city status. And since 1800 it has already official resort. The city is famous not only for its hotels, but also for its own tram line. The main attraction of the city - central square where buildings from the Renaissance era have been preserved. Is here Botanical Garden, where more than 1500 unique plants are collected.

Also in the city there is a "Stone ice age”, on which there is an inscription that it is in this place that the ice cover of Scandinavia ends.

There are many rehabilitation clinics in the city, most of which specialize in orthopedics and the treatment of the skeletal and muscular apparatus. There are sanatoriums specializing in cardiovascular diseases and other pathologies. The clinics of Band-Shandau are often visited by world-class stars, in particular, Elbresidenz is a favorite place. Movies were even filmed in some hotels.

How to get there

"Saxon Switzerland" is located on the border of two states: Germany and the Czech Republic. If you go from Prague, the road will take 125 kilometers. If you leave Dresden, then only 30 kilometers.

If you are driving from the Czech Republic, it is best to rent a car and drive along the E55 highway. Estimated travel time is 1 hour 20 minutes. If you get public transport, then you should go to the city of Bad Schandrau or Rathen, where, in fact, you can stay. There are no direct trains in this direction, so you need to be prepared that you will have to make at least 1 transfer. From the city of Bad Schandau to the park, you still have to take a bus, and Rathen is located on the Alba River, and on the other side there is a park.

There is a railway connection between Dresden and Rathen, and the travel time is 30 minutes. The frequency of trains is every hour. Already in the city you can transfer to the ferry and get into the park.

Despite the fact that the goal of creating the park is completely contrary to tourism, nevertheless, "Saxon Switzerland" is 400 kilometers of paths for pedestrians, while 75% of the territory is closed to the public. In addition, almost 50 kilometers are provided for cyclists, and 12,600 routes have been created for mountaineers.