2025 Bad Schandau Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

#naturalbeauty #100waysoftravel We had a weekend getaway trip to Dresden and decided to travel further south to a nice little town called Rathen, where there are very beautiful rock formations, and that area is designated as the Saxon Switzerland National Park, considering its proximity to Switzerland. You basically have to hike up from the train station and you will reach Bastei Bridge, a medieval bridge built to link several rocks for visitors. You can actually walk across Czech Republic side of the Saxon Switzerland National Park as this area is also the border between Germany and Czech Republic, which that area is called Bohemian Switzerland. The view is spectacular and you will also be able to see Elbe River from the top, such breathtaking scenery is really priceless.

Anyone who loves natural tourism with beautiful and magnificent mountains must listen to this because we will take you to see Saxon Switzerland National Park, located in Germany. The park is divided into two parts: the western part and the eastern part. This park is very rich in both endangered wildlife and beautiful and magnificent mountains. Nature lovers must not miss this. #MissingNature

🏞Feeling adventurous in a labyrinth of rocks! A trip to Saxon Switzerland National Park to play in nature🧗♀️ Saxon Switzerland National Park, which spreads out in eastern Germany near the border with the Czech Republic, is a treasure trove of spectacular views of strangely shaped rocks. The view from the Bastei Bridge is particularly impressive, making you feel as if you've wandered into a fantasy world. It's also popular as a mecca for hiking and rock climbing. When I actually visited, I enjoyed the trail that weaves between the rocks, and I was stopped in my tracks many times by the natural beauty. The view of the Elbe River from the observation deck was a memorable sight🌄🪨 The park is about 40 minutes by train from Dresden. From Kurort Rathen station, walk to the park. It's a distance that can be enjoyed even on a day trip. You can share the spectacular view with your partner, or face nature alone. Admission to the park is free, so it's perfect for an absolutely free trip! Domestic travel #Couple travel #Solo travel #Absolutely free travel #Saxon Switzerland National Park #Germany travel #Bastei Bridge #Spectacular views hiking #Nature travel #Europe travel

✨️Planning a trip to Eastern Europe but not sure where to go? Let me introduce you to three must-visit destinations that I’ve personally explored! 😆 1️⃣ Saxon Switzerland National Park ✨️Located in Saxony, Germany, this renowned national park is a haven for nature lovers. Here, you can marvel at unique rock formations, the iconic Bastei Bridge, the Elbe River, and lush forests. Best of all, the park is free to enter—just make sure to check the official opening hours before your visit 🤭 ✨For an even more immersive experience, consider taking a sightseeing boat ride along the Elbe River to enjoy the stunning landscapes and riverside views. We captured breathtaking shots from the mountain heights—truly a sight to behold! 💕💯 📍 Saxon Switzerland National Park (Nationalpark Sächsische Schweiz) 🕒 Recommended visit duration: Half a day 🕒 2️⃣ Bratislava Old Town Hall ✨️Situated in the Slovakian capital, Bratislava, this historic building is a masterpiece of architecture. The surrounding area is bustling with markets where visitors can shop for souvenirs, admire statues and fountains, or simply relax with an ice cream. The museum exhibitions here are well worth exploring, offering fascinating insights into local history. 📍 Bratislava Old Town Hall 📍 Primaciálne námestie 3, 811 01 Bratislava 🕒 Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours 🕒 3️⃣ Hundertwasser House ✨️A famous landmark in Vienna, Austria, this vibrant building is a feast for the eyes with its colorful design and artistic flair. The terraces are adorned with lush greenery, adding to its unique charm. Many travelers agree that this is a must-see spot when visiting Vienna! 😆 📍 Hundertwasser House 📍 Kegelgasse 36-38, 1030 Wien, Austria 🕒 Recommended visit duration: 1 hour 🕒

#cityplaybook #stunningview Welcome to Saxon Switzerland National Park, a surreal landscape of towering rock formations, deep gorges, and dense forests along the Elbe River in eastern Germany. Located near Dresden, this national park is part of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains, and offers one of Europe’s most unique natural playgrounds. The park is famous for the dramatic Bastei Bridge, perched among weathered sandstone pillars, offering jaw-dropping views of the Elbe Valley. Whether you're an avid hiker or casual explorer, trails like the Malerweg (“Painter’s Way”) guide you through fairy-tale scenery that inspired Romantic-era artists. Climbers are drawn to more than 1,000 freestanding rock towers, while nature lovers revel in the park’s rich flora and fauna—home to lynx, eagle owls, black storks, and rare mosses. Despite its name, it’s located in Germany’s Saxony region, not Switzerland—though the views are just as spectacular! Saxon Switzerland National Park is car-free at its core, making it a peaceful retreat into nature with well-organized public transport and eco-conscious tourism. 📍 Saxony, Germany (near Dresden) 🕘 Open year-round 🎟️ Free entry #SaxonSwitzerland #ElbeSandstoneMountains #BasteiBridge #GermanysNatureGems #CityPlaybook #HikingParadise #NationalParksGermany

#outdooradventure The Bastei Bridge in Saxon Switzerland National Park is a masterpiece of nature and engineering. Perched among sandstone rock formations, the bridge offers stunning views of the Elbe River and surrounding forest. I hiked one of the park’s scenic trails, which led to this iconic landmark and included glimpses of deep ravines and towering cliffs. The area is also a hotspot for rock climbing. The combination of adventure and picture-perfect landscapes makes Bastei Bridge a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts. It’s a perfect blend of natural beauty and historical charm.

#hiddengems Saxon Switzerland National Park is a breathtaking destination for #outdooradventure enthusiasts. Famous for its unique sandstone formations, the park is a haven for climbers and hikers. Trails like the Malerweg (Painter’s Way) wind through forests, cliffs, and scenic viewpoints such as the iconic Bastei Bridge. Kayaking along the Elbe River offers a serene way to explore the area’s beauty. The park’s mix of dramatic landscapes and well-preserved nature makes it a dream destination for photographers and adventurers alike. Whether scaling the sandstone towers or strolling through wooded trails, Saxon Switzerland delivers unforgettable experiences.

#europetrip If you’re a fan of stunning landscapes and epic adventures, then Saxon Switzerland National Park should be at the top of your list. Nestled on the border between Germany and the Czech Republic, this natural wonderland is full of dramatic sandstone cliffs, winding rivers, and jaw-dropping views. Here are the top 3 things you absolutely can’t miss: 1. Bastei Bridge – This iconic stone bridge, perched high above the Elbe River, offers one of the most breathtaking views in the park. Surrounded by towering rock formations, it’s the perfect spot for a panoramic photo op or just to take in the beauty of the valley below. 2. Hike to Schrammsteine – For those who like a challenge, a hike up to the Schrammsteine will reward you with unforgettable vistas. The rocky trails and narrow passageways will make you feel like you’re on an epic adventure, and once at the top, the view is worth every step. 3. Königstein Fortress – Sitting atop a massive hill, this fortress offers a peek into the region’s history. It’s one of the largest hilltop castles in Europe and provides sweeping views of the entire national park and the Elbe Valley below. Whether you’re a hiker, photographer, or history buff, Saxon Switzerland National Park has something for everyone. Its mix of natural beauty and adventure will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a fairy tale!

#europetrip Step into a landscape straight out of a fairy tale with a hike in Sächsische Schweiz, Germany’s stunning Saxon Switzerland National Park. Imagine towering sandstone cliffs, deep ravines, and lush forests—all wrapped in an air of mystery and adventure. Start your hike at the famous Bastei Bridge, where you’ll find jaw-dropping views of the Elbe River and the surrounding sandstone towers. It’s the perfect spot to snap a few photos (and maybe even feel like a wizard on a mountaintop, if you’re into that sort of thing). As you wander through the park, the trail leads you deeper into the wild heart of Sächsische Schweiz, where you’ll encounter quirky rock formations, hidden caves, and valleys so peaceful, you might forget you’re only a short drive from the city. The real highlight of your hike? The feeling that you’re walking through a place untouched by time. Schwedenlöcher, a narrow gorge with a series of wooden ladders and bridges, is an absolute must-see—part obstacle course, part nature wonderland. It’s the perfect balance of thrill and beauty. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a fun escape, Sächsische Schweiz offers trails that will satisfy your inner adventurer. Don’t forget to look up—because no matter where you are, the towering cliffs will always be watching over you. So lace up those boots, and let the magic of the Saxon Switzerland sweep you off your feet!

Saxon Switzerland National Park is a beautiful park in the east of Germany, also near Czech Republic. Best to visit there during May and October. Parking is not easy, prepare a lot of coins for parking machine, a pair of good shoes for mountain walking.