See Saxon Switzerland Near Dresden
Rock Climbing, Hiking, and Culture in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains
Nature, rock climbing, hiking, cycling, canoeing, and cultural sights are popular in Saxon Switzerland (Sächsische Schweiz) in the Elbe Valley near Dresden in Germany.
The Sächsische Schweiz (Saxon Switzerland) area near Dresden in Saxony has some of the oddest and most interesting landscapes in Germany. The alternative name – Elbsandsteingebirge (Elbe Sandstone Mountains) give a better indication of what the landscape is all about.
Millions of years ago, the area was covered by a lake and in the years since the lake was drenched by the Elbe River, erosion has left this forested area with some oddly shaped sandstone peaks, rocky outcrops, and needles.
- Mountain is a misleading term – the highest peak in Saxon Switzerland is only 561 m (1,840 ft), while the most famous – the Bastei – is barely over 300 m (1,000 ft).
Most of the area is protected in the Sächsische Schweiz National Park, which is a haven for outdoor activities but also has several cultural sights. It can very easily be reached from Dresden for daytrips while local hotels offer value for money when compared to accommodation available in Dresden itself.
- The name Saxon Switzerland (the incorrect term Swiss Saxony is often used) came into used during the late eighteenth century after some Swiss visitors claimed that the landscapes reminded them of that small Alpine country. The odd landscapes inspired popular German romantic painters including Ludwig Richter and Caspar David Friedrich.
Outdoor Adventures in Saxon Switzerland near Dresden, Germany
The Sächsische Schweiz area is ideal for outdoor activities with hiking, cycling, and rock climbing particularly popular – shear horizontal rock faces abound.
- Rock Climbing in Saxon Switzerland
Locals claim that freestyle rock climbing originated in Saxon Switzerland. Other regions dispute that claim but few can competes with the Elbe Sandstone Mountains’ huge offering and variety. Well over 16,000 known routes are available to scale the more than thousand rocks open to climbers. Various local companies offer climbing lessons and rental equipment.
- Hiking in Saxon Switzerland
Countryside hiking is extremely popular throughout Germany and especially so in areas as beautiful as Saxon Switzerland. Around 1,200 km (720 miles) of marked paths can be explored freely most of the year. The most popular walk is to the Bastei bridge and viewing point with marvelous panoramas of the Elbe valley.
Guided walks – usually half-day hikes – are conducted by Sächsische Schweiz National Park personal most days from April to October. Details are available from local tourist offices.
- Cycling in Saxon Switzerland
The easiest bike routes are along the Elbe River, which flows through the Saxon Switzerland area. However, more energetic mountain bikers can enjoy almost 400 km of marked trails in the National Park.
- Canoeing on the Elbe River
Canoeing and kayaking are allowed on most of the Elbe River but few areas are as beautiful as where the river flows through the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. Although the classic route is the three and a half hours’ row from Königstein to Pirna; shorter or longer routes are possible. Boats can be rented in most towns with numerous boat drop-off points available along the Elbe.
Cultural Sights in Saxon Switzerland near Dresden, Germany
The natural beauty of the Saxon Switzerland area is the main draw but as is usual in Germany, historic and cultural sights also abounds.
- Festung Königstein is the largest fortress in Germany. It towers over the Elbe Valley from a flat hill and is as an impressive sight now as it must have been in centuries past.
- The nineteenth-century Basteibrücke (Bridge) offers some the best and easiest accessible viewing platforms from where to enjoy views of the valley and numerous rocky peaks.
- The Rathen Felsenbühne (Rock Stage) is one of the loveliest outdoor theaters in the world. From May to September, it is used for performances ranging from plays to operas.
Transportation to Saxon Switzerland is easy from Dresden by S-Bahn train or between April and October by Elbe River steamers. The most visited sights are the Bastei viewing platforms and Festung Königstein, Germany’s largest fortress.
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