More Saxon Switzerland

Saxon Switzerland Tips

Elbsandsteingebirge - Grand Canyon of Germany

Saxon Switzerland National Park - this impressing rock landscape (also called Elbsandsteingebirge) is only a few kilometers away from Dresden.
Steep fissured sandstone rocks, canyon-like ravines, caves and rock needles constitute the probably most spectacular National Park of Germany, see pictures Saxon Switzerland.

Did you ever climb through a needle eye or the stairway to heaven?
These names of ascents already tell what awaits you in the Saxon Switzerland National Park! Those, who want to defeat the rocks (stones) in the Elbsandsteingebirge come over ladders, stairs and well made ways upwards, where they will be rewarded with breath-taking views.

Famous landmark and one of the most taken pictures of Saxon Switzerland National Park is the 200 years old stone bridge Bastei, which spans a kloof.
Already the way to the Bastei is fun - you pass the rock theater Rathen, which was backdrop of the first Karl May festivals in 1936 and climb more than 700 stairs through the so called Schwedenlöcher (Sweden holes).

Especially for mountain climbers the Saxon Switzerland National Park offers innumerable possibilities to try out - whether at challenging rock needles or along the well signed vie ferrate (e.g. Häntzschelstiege).

The Elbsandsteingebirge lets you also dive into Saxon history.
Visit the Stolpen Castle, where August the Strong locked up his former love countess Cosel for her last 50 years of life.
You should not miss the enormous fortress Königstein, where F.Böttger was arrested to make lead from gold and accidentally invented the first European porcelain in 1707.

Boat trip Saxon Switzerland National Park: How about a boat trip to Bohemian Switzerland in the bordering Czech Republic?
There is the largest natural sandstone arch of Europe - the Prebischtor, which became famous in the fantasy film "The chronicles of Narnia".

Tip: If you want to see more pictures of Saxon Switzerland National Park just click on "PLAY" at pictures Saxon Switzerland on the right side.

Saxon Switzerland National Park - attractions and day trips

Saxon Switzerland National Park: "Lilienstein" rock - on top of such rocks in Saxon Switzerland, which can be climbed by everyone, you will often find Beer Gardens for relaxing and enjoying great look-outs.

• Kids activities Saxon Switzerland: families love the rock formation 'labyrinth' in the Elbsandsteingebirge - a real adventure playground, because its narrow courses are perfect for raving, climbing and hiding. But no concern: the stones are flat and numbered for orientation, so it's a harmless place for children to play at.
• Popular stones: The ascent through the 'needle eye' to the stone Pfaffenstein promises great fun. On top you'll meet the legendary rock needle Barbarine. If you climb the stone Papststein you have great views and additionally a good restaurant with beer garden. Stone Gohrischstein is a Must - see pictures Saxon Switzerland.


Pictures Saxon Switzerland: Pfaffenstein, that's the name of that rock, where you can find the Barbarine (the needle rock in the title picture above). A wonderful place for relaxation and for dreaming.

• Walks Saxon Switzerland National Park: A stunning route leads across Schrammsteine and offers everything from easy walking ways to ladder ascents, many stairs, narrow gorges and innumerable lookout points. After an excursion to the beer garden at the rock gate Kuhstall you take the historical tram Kirnitzschtalbahn to get back.
• Points of interest in Saxon Switzerland National Park: Fortress Königstein could never be conquered by enemies and is one of the largest castle plants of Europe. A good idea is visiting the museum as well as a 1,7km walk along the castle wall for a beautiful view over the Elbsandsteingebirge, see pictures Saxon Switzerland.


The "Bastei Bridge" is the most visited place in Saxon Switzerland National Park. If you prefer more silence and loneliness, you will find your place on top of some other rocks in Elbsandsteingebirge

• Day trips Saxon Switzerland: Take a romantic boat tour on the river Elbe on one of the world's oldest paddle-steamers. That tour takes you from the rocks of Elbsandsteingebirge through the Elbe Valley to the historic city of Dresden, which is about 40 km away from Saxon Switzerland National Park (ca.30 min by car).

More Saxon Switzerland

• Accommodation
• Activities
• Pictures