Saxon Switzerland

A sandstone mountain region along the Elbe southeast of Dresden, where the Bastei Bridge spans towering rock pillars, the Schrammstein rock formations rise, Königstein Fortress crowns the summit, and hikers can cross the border to Pravčická Gate.

Saxon Switzerland lies in the Elbe Valley about 30 km southeast of Dresden. It is Germany's only rock-type national park, and together with Bohemian Switzerland on the Czech side, it forms a single sandstone upland along the Elbe. Millions of years of erosion have created tabletop mountains, rock pillars, gorges, and natural arches. In the 18th century, two Swiss painters felt the scenery resembled their homeland, and this is how the name 'Little Switzerland' came about. The park can be explored in three parts. In the west, around Rathen, are the Bastei Bridge, the Swedish Holes, and the rock amphitheater. In the middle are Königstein Fortress, Lilienstein, and Pfaffenstein. In the east, centered on Bad Schandau, you can ride a tram into the Kirnitzsch Valley to see waterfalls and climb the Ochsenstall gate, or climb the Schrammstein rock formations, or cross into the Czech Republic to Pravčická Gate and the Kamenice Gorge. Transport: from Dresden, take the S1 line for about 40 minutes to Rathen or Bad Schandau. Between stations along the river, you can take a ferry, and in summer there are paddle steamers. Plan 2–3 days, staying in Bad Schandau or Rathen. April–October is the best time, with the autumn foliage and morning mist at their most beautiful. In winter, some boat trips and mountain restaurants close, and the trails ice over. Leaving the marked trails is prohibited in the national park core, climbing must follow Saxon climbing regulations, and the Bastei is crowded on weekends, so go early.

Top sights

Where to eat

Itineraries