Saxon Switzerland National Park – history, photo, description, excursions, map

Saxon Switzerland National Park is located near Dresden, almost on the border of the Czech Republic and Germany. The river Elbe flows here. You can come here for different purposes: to admire the beautiful views, walk along the forest roads, take photos. Or visit ancient fortresses, look at their walls, towers, deep wells, visit museums and colorful restaurants. But if you have time, it is better to combine both options.

Story

This beautiful place has been appreciated by people for a long time. But at the end of the 19th century, he was in real danger. Sand quarries appeared in this area, and railways were being built. The relief could be irreparably mutilated. Fortunately, this did not happen. In 1850, this area became a conservation area, in the following decades, actions to protect the region continued. It was forbidden to develop sandstone here, destroying the rocks.

At the beginning of the 20th century, a society was organized with the aim of protecting Saxon Switzerland. One by one, the local lands began to receive the status of reserves. The national park itself was created in 1956, for 30 years it expanded its borders, and in 1990 it was transferred under the control of the German government.

Why Switzerland

Today, the area of ​​the park reaches 93 km2. These lands can be called one of the most beautiful in Germany. Mountains and rivers, forests and parks, clean air, numerous sights, both historical and natural, make Saxon Switzerland attractive for tourists from all over the world. Why was this region given such a name? It was invented by Swiss artists who taught in Dresden, at the Academy of Arts. The landscape reminded them of their homeland, which is why they dubbed it that way. Since then, the area has not been called otherwise.

What to see

The park is simply huge, so it is better to set aside a few days to get acquainted with all its curiosities. Otherwise, you risk missing out on a lot. For example, the “Path of Artists” stretches for 112 km, and along the way you can see a lot of interesting things, in particular, world-famous historical monuments. Don't forget comfortable clothes and shoes.

Start

As a rule, everyone visits Bastei. This simply cannot be missed. This is a whole mountain range: picturesque cliffs, the height of which reaches almost 200 m. They rise above the Elbe, and from the observation deck a surprisingly beautiful view of the national park itself opens. The bridge is also called Bastai, the length of which is 75 m. It consists of 7 arched spans. Once the bridge was wooden, now it is made of stone.

Königstein Fortress

The fortress is located near the city of the same name. Here you can see about fifty ancient buildings, as well as a well, the depth of which exceeds 150 m. Admission is free, but there is a museum here, and you can book a tour that will introduce you to the history of the fortress. There is also an excellent restaurant that sells souvenirs. The history of the fortress is remarkable. It is first mentioned in documents from the 13th century. At one time it played an important military role.

Being in it, it was possible to control the banks of the Elbe. Then a monastery was located in the fortress, but it did not exist here for long. In the 18th century, the alchemist Böttger was imprisoned here, who discovered a way to make European porcelain – hence the famous Meissen porcelain. When the uprising took place in Dresden in 1849, the Saxon royal family took refuge in the fortress. Then the prisoners were kept here for a long time. And during the Second World War, it was in this fortress that paintings from the world-famous Dresden Gallery were hidden.

Lichtenhain Falls

The waterfall is mentioned in the sources already at the beginning of the 19th century. Nowadays, tourists can always be seen here. Once upon a time, the waterfall was quite small and did not enjoy such popularity. Then it was fenced off with a dam. In the mid-90s of the last century, the dam was repaired, and now the water is released to the music every half an hour. It is worth mentioning that it is from this waterfall that many hiking trails begin. For example, the road to Kushtal, if you start from here, will take you about half an hour.

Kushtal

Translated from German, the word is translated as “cowshed”. However, you will not find cows here. In fact, Kushtal is a rocky gate. They are quite narrow, their height exceeds 10 m, and their width is 16 m. They go out to the observation deck, from where – from a height of 337 m – you can admire Saxon Switzerland. And what about the cows? In ancient times, they were hidden behind the gates from the Swedish military. And, of course, there is a restaurant for travelers to sit and have a bite to eat.

Fortress Stolpen

Already in the 12th century, the first fortifications appeared where important trade routes converged. And the fortress acquired its final form in the middle of the 15th century. Today it is located on the territory of the national park. Its name comes from a real miracle of nature – giant stone pillars. They are of volcanic origin. In ancient times, lava solidified, taking such picturesque forms.

At first, Serbs lived in Stolpen, then, for several centuries, the residence of bishops was located in the fortress. In one of the towers there was a kitchen, and even a hospital, where they healed with medicinal herbs. But when the tower was destroyed by fire and the ensuing hurricane, it was no longer rebuilt. Another tower, round in shape, was of utmost importance – the bastions began from it.

In the 16th century it was bought from the bishops, now it belonged to the Elector of Saxony Augustus. There were at different times: a military garrison, a fire department, a prison. The most interesting thing here is a well made in basalt, an unusually hard stone. Its depth exceeds 80m, and it was pierced for several years – either by heating the basalt with the help of fires, or by pouring water into it to cool it. The rock cracked. The cost of such work was very high, so that the well cost a fortune.

Rathen rock theater

This is a summer theater in a park near the town of Rathen. It was made at the request of the residents. For a long time, performances staged based on the works of Karl May, who became famous for his stories about the Winnetou Indian, were especially popular. Now, during the warm season, the theater can watch up to 90 performances. Up to 2,000 spectators can enjoy the action at the same time. In addition to westerns, there are also operas and children's performances.

Excursions

To see the most interesting places, you should book one of the organized excursions. For example, “From Prague to Saxon Switzerland. Path of artists”. You will visit the Bastei Gorge, admire the sheer cliffs, walk along the famous stone bridge. You will see the sculptures that nature itself created – the wind and precipitation affected the rocks. You will make a journey along the “Path of Artists”. Note that in some places it winds along the edge of the cliff. But the views from here are amazing. No wonder painters and photographers stay here for a long time.

Do you want to unravel the secrets of castles and fortresses? Then this tour is for you. You will be able to get acquainted in detail with the Königstein fortress, which was once considered impregnable. Hear a story about how Meissen porcelain began to be made, admire the places that the Russian emperor Peter I once appreciated. And, approaching the Stolpen fortress, get acquainted with the stories of famous state criminals. For example, several bishops were imprisoned here, the favorite of King Augustus the Strong, Countess von Kosel. In the fortress of Neuraten, there was once a haven for robbers.

Please note that you can go on this tour if you are in Prague. The program also includes free time so that you can get to know Saxon Switzerland better on your own. Another very interesting tour is called “Magic Power of the Elements”. It must be said that in these places nature showed itself to the fullest: in ancient times, water splashed here, which subsequently receded, exposing sand slabs.

Since then, everything has happened – volcanic eruptions, terrible downpours, powerful hurricanes. As a result, mountains and rocks have acquired an unusual poetic appearance – many of them resemble real sculptures. The local nature inspired the composer Richard Wagner and the great storyteller Hans Christian Andersen to create new works. And, of course, as part of this tour, you will visit the Stolpen fortress and take wonderful photos on the Bastei Bridge.

Opening hours and ticket prices

Arriving in order to take a walk in Saxon Switzerland to your heart's content, you need to be prepared for the fact that you will have to pay for visiting individual objects. To see the Neurathen rock castle, from which, however, only the foundation has now remained, an adult needs to pay 2 euros, and a child 1. If you come here when the ticket office is no longer working, you can put money in a special box. You need to pay for visiting Königstein: in summer 10 euros, and in winter – 8. If you are a schoolboy, student or pensioner, you will need to pay less: 7 euros in summer and 6 in winter. Additionally, you can purchase a service such as an audio guide – 3 euros.

From April to October, the fortress is open from 9 am to 6 pm, from November to March: from 9 am to 5 pm. The fee for visiting Stolpen is 6 euros, for beneficiaries – 3 euros. Children under 5 years old are admitted free of charge. During the warm season, from April to October, Stolpen is open from 10 am to 6 pm, the rest of the year: from 10 am to 4 pm.

Best time to travel

It is best to come to Saxon Switzerland, according to experienced tourists – in summer or autumn. Winter can be a pleasant time to travel, but there are no guarantees – it is possible that the weather will let you down. And, for example, due to heavy snowfall, it will not be possible to see everything planned. And the daylight hours are short. Most of the people come in spring. And this means queues at museums, crowding on viewing platforms, and there may not be empty seats in restaurants. There are no words, nature is good in spring, everything is blooming, but if you want to fully enjoy this marvelous land, it is better to come in August or September.

Where is it located and how to get there

The most convenient way to travel to Saxon Switzerland is from Prague or Dresden. The national park is closest to these two cities. If you are coming from Prague, take the Ec train at the city‘s main station. He goes to these parts 3 times a day. The road to Bad Schandau station will take a little less than 2 hours. Then you have to take a taxi to get directly to the park itself. From Dresden, the same Bad Schandau station can also be reached by train. And then take a taxi. The most convenient route is to drive your own car from Prague along the E55 highway. Two hours and you are there.

Believe me, Saxon Switzerland will charm you.

Saxon Switzerland on the map