The Bastei Bridge
A 76.5-meter man-made sandstone bridge linking natural jagged rock formations, hovering 194 meters above the Elbe River.
View Access Details
A 76.5-meter man-made sandstone bridge linking natural jagged rock formations, hovering 194 meters above the Elbe River.
View Access DetailsConstructed in 1851, the current sandstone bridge replaced an earlier wooden structure from 1824. It spans a deep gorge called the Mardertelle, connecting several towering rock pillars.
The bridge leads directly to the ruins of Felsenburg Neurathen, the largest rock castle in Saxon Switzerland. Dating back to the 13th century, the castle was constructed almost entirely of timber supported by the natural rock pillars. Today, visitors navigate its remains via a network of secured iron bridges, observing the carved bedrock rooms and the massive defensive cistern.
The Bastei formations are the centerpiece of the Saxon Switzerland National Park, located near the town of Rathen, southeast of Dresden.
Climate Parameters: The region operates under a temperate continental climate. Summer temperatures range from 18°C to 25°C, making early morning ascents optimal. Winter temperatures frequently drop between -2°C and 4°C, resulting in icy pathways that require appropriate footwear and caution.
* The bridge itself is an open public pathway and does not close.
* Felsenburg Neurathen utilizes an automated turnstile outside operational hours requiring exact change.
While standard access requires no booking, official national park rangers offer geological and historical guided tours for groups.
+49 35022 50240National Park Information Center - Kurort Rathen