Saxon Switzerland National Park. Saxon Switzerland National Park. Stone "toys" of the fabulous giant

Saxon Switzerland(Dresden, Germany) - exact location, interesting places, inhabitants, routes.

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This national park can definitely be called one of the most beautiful in Germany. Its predecessor appeared in the middle of the 20th century, and after the fall of the Berlin Wall, the park acquired its modern form. Features of Saxon Switzerland, firstly, in an absolutely fantastic mountain-forest landscape, and secondly, in the presence of a number of outstanding natural and historical attractions on the territory.

Many travel to Saxon Switzerland solely to take a look at the Bastei Bridge or the Königstein Fortress. But in a good way it is worth staying at least a week, or even two. Go rock climbing or equestrian sports, ride a bike or sail along the Elbe in pleasure boats or rowing boats, roam the mountains, breathe the air of dense forests. Saxon Switzerland is a real goldmine for understanding tourists arriving in Dresden.

Saxon Switzerland is a real goldmine for understanding tourists arriving in Dresden.

Bastei

Bastei is the name mountain gorge and the most monumental rock, which rises almost 200 m above the Elbe River. This creviced and jutting rock offers unparalleled photo opportunities, not to mention the breathtaking views. The local places were discovered a long time ago, and their charm made Bastei one of the very first destinations for mass tourism in the country and Europe as a whole. Already in 1812, a hotel appeared here, and at the turn of the century, creative people and just travelers around Europe literally poured in here.

The attractiveness of Bastei today is not limited to the views alone. Here is the most famous bridge of the same name, built between sheer rocky cliffs and so organically inscribed in them that in the days of film cameras, the film was tormented by reels on it. Another attractive place of Bastei is Malerweg, the “Path of Artists”. It is easy to guess that this path winds along the edge of the cliff and opens up such landscapes that painters from many countries spent whole days here.

Kushtal

The name “Kushtal” is translated very prosaically (“cowshed”) and in no way reflects the beauty that a tourist who has passed through Kushtal can see through. This is the second largest rock gate in the Elbe Mountains: their height exceeds 10 m, width - more than 16, depth - almost 25. This most interesting natural attraction attracted travelers so much that a restaurant was opened right near Kusztal in 1824. And just above Kushtal you can see the ruins of a medieval fortress, which can be reached through a narrow rocky gap, along the “stairway to heaven”.

Lichtenhain Falls

Most famous waterfall Saxon Switzerland, Lichtenhain, by nature did not look at all as dramatic as it looks today. But tourists had to be attracted by something, and in 1830 the bed of a small stream was blocked by a dam. Now, in order to swim further along the stream, it was necessary to pay a fee to a local resident who opened the dam and very quickly guessed to keep a small restaurant next to it. Later, self-proclaimed guides and porters pulled up here, who were constantly “on duty” at the dam, and the waterfall became full-fledged tourist attraction. And after the Kirnichtal narrow-gauge railway was opened, hundreds and thousands of tourists came to see the waterfall throughout the year. The ancient dam was repaired at the end of the 20th century, and today you can look at the "birth of a waterfall" every half an hour when it is unlocked.

At the Lichtenhain Falls, the Malerweg, the Artists' Path, ends.

Königstein Fortress

The majestic citadel is located on the mountain of the same name and near the city of the same name. The fortress, built presumably in the 11th-12th centuries, stands on a 240-meter cliff above the Elbe and once belonged to the Czech Republic. In the 15th century she went to Meissen, and a monastery was founded here, but not for long. Subsequently, the fortress was used as a prison. Today it unique monument culture and history and just a wonderful scenic spot. Stunning views open from the fortress wall, the castle of St. George is harsh and impregnable against the sky, ancient artillery pieces still stand on the ramparts, and the Königstein well (150 m plus) is still the deepest in Saxony and the second in Europe. Tourists, which is natural, are also enough in the fortress, so there are open historical Museum and a restaurant.

Fortress Stolpen

This fortress is closer to Dresden and lower above sea level, but it also has its famous well. The peculiarity of Stolpensky is that it is punched in basalt, which is much more solid rock. It took 22 years to hollow out the well (the Königstein one was struck 10 times faster), for which it was heated by making a fire, and then water was poured from above, destroying the rock in such a logical, but not fast method. Moreover, having already reached the water, they managed to raise it from such a depth only 30 years after the start of work. Today, the Stolpensky well with a depth of more than 80 m is the deepest in the world, punched into the basalt rock.

Rathen rock theater

The resort town of Rathen decided to acquire its own summer theater in 1936. What was done, and in Rathen they began to stage plays of simple content with an adventure plot. This tradition took root so much that after the Second World War the theater was used for its original purpose. Today it is still functioning and can accommodate up to 2000 people. IN summer season here they stage plays about Indians, light operas on fairy tales, etc.

Practical information

national park starts about 30 km from Dresden. You can get here by train or bus to different settlements, depending on which part national park you are planning to start reviewing it. The historical narrow-gauge train Kirnichtal is especially popular, which still carries travelers to the top ten “most-most” places in the park.

During a day trip from Prague to Saxon Switzerland, we visited the largest medieval fortress in Germany - Königstein and the Bastei natural and historical complex. Actually, it was the desire to see the majestic rocks and the Bastei bridge with our own eyes that prompted us to go to these places. Bastei is located in Saxony, not far from Dresden and 2-3 hours drive from Prague. Along with the Königstein fortress, this is the most visited place by tourists. federal state Saxony.

Bastei. Saxon Switzerland

Don't be fooled by the name "Saxon Switzerland", these lands are not related to real Switzerland, but are called so because of their incredible beauty. We went to Bastai, surprisingly picturesque places- banks of the Elbe decorated with greenery, fields, hills, small Saxon towns with half-timbered houses. Of course, the difference with richer Bavaria is immediately evident, but the places are no less beautiful, albeit in their own way.

Bastei. Saxon Switzerland

When you drive up to Bastei, in fact, nothing foreshadows what you will see. From the parking lot, where all transport stops, you need to walk 5-10 minutes to the rocks themselves, including past restaurants, cafes, souvenir shops and shops. After passing all these required attributes tourist site, you go to the first observation deck from where you can enjoy magnificent views of the Elbe, small town Raiten below and where the path to the inspection begins. We had 3 hours for everything. From here, our guide let us go on a “free float”, explaining what time to get together, what and where is located: “you will go to the right ..., you will go to the left ...”.

Bastei. Saxon Switzerland

In general, there are really two paths for a tourist from the beginning of the inspection: to the right and to the left. If you face the descent, then first you should go to the left. If you immediately go right - to the bridge, then later, when you have already gained impressions on the bridge, the “left” will not be interesting, so enjoy it in stages. There you will walk along the mountain path, climb the narrow steps and go out to the observation deck, from where a dizzying view will open. It is here that you can for the first time appreciate the beauty of the famous Bastei bridge from a distance (everything beautiful looks better from a distance), all the grandiosity of the work done by nature, which created amazing columns or "fingers" of stone.

Bastei. Saxon Switzerland

After taking amazing photos, admiring the breathtaking views, we went the other way. On the right is the same bridge, which we have already managed to look at from a distance, and for which, in general, many tourists come here.

Bastei. Saxon Switzerland

But before you go to the bridge, it's worth walking along the "path of artists" - this is a descent down to the Elbe; during this descent, it is worth making pauses at specially equipped viewing platforms. There are three of them on the "path of artists", as our guide told us, if you are not confident in your abilities, it will be enough to stop at the first two and not go down to the third one, since the ascent will be very difficult. But we are not looking for easy ways, so we went down to the very foot of the rocks. The "Path of Artists" got its name due to the fact that these places were chosen by artists and painters who sought to capture this beauty in their paintings. But not only artists admired the beauty of Bastai. There was also the famous Russian composer Alexander Scriabin, who, under the impression of what he saw, wrote the prelude "Bastei". To be honest, climbing up is really hard, but we didn’t show it, because “both old and young” walked side by side - despite the difficulties, both the elderly and children overcame the path.

Bastei. Saxon Switzerland

And only after that we went to the "dessert" - we went to the Bastei bridge. The bridge itself is a tourist attraction - it is, without exaggeration, a visiting card of Saxony. Built of stone, more than 75 meters long, rising from the abyss to 165 meters and standing on huge arches, it harmoniously fits into the surrounding fantastic landscape. There are indeed a lot of tourists here. I saw such a pandemonium only at another tourist site in Germany - Neuschweinstein Castle (although, of course, the latter is visited by much more tourists and is more famous).

Bastei. Saxon Switzerland

In general, tourists began to come to Bastei at the beginning of the 19th century to admire unusual rocks, which for millions of years have been carved out of sandstone by the wind and the Elbe. Directly over the abyss of the Mardertell Gorge in 1951 was built wooden bridge for tourists, later the current one appeared instead a stone bridge safer and enduring thousands of tourists. The views from the bridge are amazing.

Bastei. Saxon Switzerland

Somewhere else before the trip I read that this is a bridge that leads nowhere. This is not entirely true. The fact is that there used to be a fortress on a separate rock formation (historians call it Neuraten). Actually, the name "Bastei" is translated as "fortress", "bastion". You can go to the territory where the fortress was located by paying an additional 2 euros. We had plenty of time, so we could not miss this opportunity. For the first time, fortifications were erected here back in the days of the Roman Empire, but the Neuraten fortress belonged to the period of the early Middle Ages. And the first documentary evidence refers only to the middle of the 16th century. Due to its location, the fortress was impregnable, and also very convenient for firing stone cannonballs at the enemy from huge catapults. Today, here you can see these same nuclei, as well as reconstructed catapults. There is also a plan - an image of the fortress, as it supposedly looked like.

Bastei. Saxon Switzerland

There is practically nothing left of the fortress itself, only part of the foundation. But archaeologists and historians are working on the reconstruction of its individual parts - fences, fortifications, outbuildings.

Bastei. Saxon Switzerland

Walking through the territory of the former fortress resembles walking through a mountain labyrinth - a metal staircase constantly winds right, then left, then up, then down, revealing amazing views that sometimes make your head spin. In some places, metal bridges are laid between the rocks, and if you look down, you understand that you are standing over an abyss. Particularly impressive was the tree that managed to grow between the rocks. As they say, if you want to live, adapt as best you can. From here you can see another interesting object- on a separate stone "pillar" there is a figurine of either an angel or a saint. We found her during a small repair and cleaning, which was carried out by climbers.

Bastei. Saxon Switzerland

In general, after these places I want to say to everyone who thinks that he has seen a lot - be sure to come here, you will not leave without impressions. This is truly an amazing place. Bastei surrounded coniferous forests, and German pensioners are very fond of coming here, since rest here, on the one hand, is active, on the other, feasible. A lot of groups with people of precisely retirement age passed before our eyes, many elderly couples, many with special sticks for Nordic walking.

Bastei. Saxon Switzerland

On the way back we stopped at a local restaurant. There are several of them - some are more expensive, some are cheaper. There are also souvenir shops nearby. Saxony is famous for its traditional wooden toys and souvenirs, and there are plenty to choose from. A little further, near the bus stop, there is also a “patch” with a cafe selling traditional German fried sausages, and a souvenir shop. Here you can buy almost the same souvenirs, but cheaper.

Bastei. Saxon Switzerland

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.

What is Saxon Switzerland? Photos of this area remind picturesque mountains alpine country. Although the Elbe sandstone hills are located quite far from Switzerland. More precisely, in the southeast of Saxony, on the very border with the Czech Republic. Basically, hilly area starts right next to Dresden. Nature, which is the best architect in the world, managed to create from the bottom sediments of the ancient ocean that splashed here millions of years ago, bizarre spiers, arches, towers and intricate figures. Swiss artists Anton Graf and Adrian Zing, who taught at the Dresden Academy of Fine Arts, noticed the similarity local mountains with native Alps. And although the sandy hills of Saxony are far from the four-thousanders, the landscapes here are amazing. The mountains cut through numerous gorges, small rivers murmur everywhere, cascading into the Elbe. How to get to this wonderful land and what to see, read in this article.

Saxon Switzerland: how to get there

The most convenient starting point for traveling around this picturesque region is Dresden. If you live in the city, then you can get to the mountains by train in just half an hour. You need to get off at the station of the resort town of Rathen. From this point, which is located on the right bank of the Elbe, it is convenient to start climbing the Bastion Bridge. And if you take the train a couple more stops, you get to Bad Schandau. From this resort town an old tram departs, plying to the Lichtenhain Falls. Choosing the second locality as the starting point for hiking in the mountains, it is necessary, as they say in the reviews, to take care of suitable shoes, since not all Saxon Switzerland is equipped with railings and comfortable steps, like the Artists' Trail leading from Rathen to Bastei.

Easy one day itinerary

If you have little experience of trekking in the mountains behind you or you are burdened by years (or small children), the reviews advise you to take a walk along the convenient path to Bastei. This natural rock formation is named so because of the citadel, which in the Middle Ages controlled the Elbe valley. A trip to Bastei will be successful even in cloudy weather. Then Saxon Switzerland will remind you of Japanese mountain prints. But walking here is quite comfortable, since the height difference is small ( relative height- 194 m, and absolute - 305 m above sea level). The path - the so-called Artists' Trail - is equipped with benches and railings. Passing through the sandy cliffs of Bastei, you can reach Lake Amsel with the waterfall of the same name. Here, reviews advise you to have a bite to eat in a cafe and go further along the trail, following the sign Schwedenlöcher. You will come out to the observation deck over the cliff. Well, then the path will take you to the old, known since the thirteenth century, Rathen. A castle (Burg Altrathen) has been preserved in the town. A non-motorized ferry will take you to the other side of the Elbe, where the kids will love the miniature railway museum.

Journey to Königstein

This impregnable medieval fortress advise you to definitely visit when traveling around the edge of Saxon Switzerland reviews. What to see in one day? Of course, the castle itself. This fortress is located in the town of the same name Königstein. It was built by the Czechs, and the citadel was first mentioned in 1233 in the charter of King Wenceslas I. In 1459, the castle, along with the lands, passed to the Margraviate of Meissen (modern Saxony, Germany). In the fortress there is the second deepest well in Europe - one hundred and fifty-two and a half meters. The local castle became the birthplace of the famous Meissen porcelain. The thing is that the alchemist Böttger was imprisoned in the fortress at the beginning of the 18th century. The prisoner had complete freedom conduct their chemical experiments, as a result of which porcelain was invented. And during the Second World War, the collection of the Dresden Gallery was kept in Königstein.

Lichtenhain Falls

It's half man-made miracle nature is located on the stream Kirnich. At first, a small waterfall did not arouse the interest of tourists. Therefore, in 1830 it was decided to dam it up with a sluice. Enterprising local opened a restaurant near the waterfall and opened a dam for money to the music. To look at a beautiful sight, tourists climbed the plateau of Saxon Switzerland. For their convenience, a narrow-gauge tram was launched in 1898. Reviews advise you to wait until the "dam keeper" opens the gateway. Three minutes of fascinating action are provided to you.

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 is a regional center, a 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 trip, you can also visit the nearby medieval fortress of 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.

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