Baszty/Bastei, Niederrathen, Szwajcaria Saksońska, Saxon Switzerland, Germany

01824 Rathen , Amselgrund 9 , Lohmen , 01824 Gohrisch , Sächsische Schweiz-Osterzgebirge , Dresden , Saxony , Germany ,

Bastei - spectacular rock formations, towering up to about 194 m above sea level in the valley of the River Elbe, in the Saxon Switzerland, Germany. Reaching a height of 305 meters above sea level, jagged Bastei formed by water erosion over a million years ago. They are situated in the vicinity of Rathen and Niederrathen, not far from Pirna, southeast of the city of Dresden and the main landmarks in the Saxon Switzerland National Park. They are also part of the target area climbing and hiking, which extends across the border into the Czech Republic and the Czech Switzerland. Bastion has become a tourist attraction for over 200 years ago. In 1824 for visitors was built wooden bridge, connecting a few rocks. This bridge was replaced in 1851 by the present bridge of sandstone. Rocks and views from the Bastei have inspired many famous artists, including Caspar David Friedrich ("Felsenschlucht"). Rathen spa town is the main base for exploring the Bastei. You can also take a steamboat traveling on the river Elbe to the city of Dresden. Another famous landmark in the area is the fortress Königstein.