Saxon Switzerland II: Famous Bastei Bridge, Noble Castles & Stunning Nature

WHY GO?

Saxon Switzerland is the mystical German wonderland you read about in storybooks. Filled with stunning cliffs and jaw dropping valleys, this hike will keep you guessing what awaits around the next bend. Maybe you will squeeze past stunning rock formations, maybe you will mount a fairytale stone bridge with amazing views of the valley, or maybe you will find your way through beautiful forest foliage. Who knows! Join us on this surreal and majestic landscape and we guarantee a laughter and excitement filled day, traversing wild canyons framed by sandstone stacks, fairytale forests, and medieval castles.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS?

• Bastei: Bastei is the most famous rock formation in Saxon Switzerland national park, towering 194 meters over the Elbe river with the rocks almost going up vertically from the valley below.
• Bastei Bridge: This man made stone bridge “Bastei Bridge” is a sight to behold and spans the Mardertelle gorge built to reach the rock castle Neurathen on the other side.
• Schwedenlöcher: Schwedenlöcher or Sweden holes is a special gem where rocks tower meters above you making for an impressive jaw dropping sight.
• Wolfsschlucht: Wolfsschlucht or Wolf's gorge is a narrow & beautiful canyon with steel steps to make this walk adventurous & walkable and also a delight for photographers.
• Hohnstein Castle Town (time - permitting): The medieval castle is the symbol of the town with the castle built around 1200 and offering great views of the Polenz river below. The picturesque town is on the edge of the Saxon Switzerland National Park surrounded by incredible beauty and is also famous for its renowned puppet shows.

TRIP DETAILS:

Meeting Location & Time:

• Option A - Meet in Berlin Central Station @ 6:00 am on Saturday morning. Note: Exact platform to be advised the day before event in the WhatsApp group for this event.
• Option B - Meet outside Kurort Rathen Train Station @ 11am on Saturday.
• Note: Kurort Rathen is the starting & finishing point of our hike.

Finishing Location & Time:

• Option A - Berlin Central Station @ 11:30pm on Saturday
• Option B - Kurort Rathen Train Station @ 6:30pm on Saturday

Hiking Distance & Duration: 15 km, elevation gain/loss 500m, 7 hours from start to closing, multiple break times

Kid Friendly: No

Dog Friendly: No

Hiking Difficulty: Intermediate to Hard - Sometimes steep paths and stairs, moderate elevation, sure-footedness & good fitness required.

What is Included?

• Community Leader & Guide for the entire duration (Guide speaks English). Note: English is the main language spoken on this trip.
• Guided hike
• All public transportation for the entire trip starting from the meeting location to the finishing location (based on ticket selection).
• Short boat ride across Elbe river.
• Access to Google photos album dedicated for this event.
• Access to WhatsApp group dedicated for this event where you can chat with other participants.
• Note: Email us immediately if you do not have WhatsApp & we can make alternate arrangements from our end to ensure you do not miss out on any communication.

Other Things of Note & Items to pack:

Weather is temperament and can vary between raining & sunny weather. Would recommend the following at a minimum:

• Packed lunch for break during hike.
• Suitable footwear for hike (hiking shoes if possible, else any other good shoes).
• Rain jackets
• Rain trousers
• Hiking Shoes
• Suitable day pack
• Sun protection.

Beer garden for lunch

WHAT IS THE PLAN?

6:00 am - Meet in Berlin central train station.

6:23 am - Catch train for Kurort Rathen starting with RE 2 to Cottbus.

1 1:00 am - Arrive in Kurort Rathen and start hiking.

1 2:30 pm - Arrive in Bastei brucken and have a short break to explore the area.

1 2:45 pm - Continue hike.

2 :00 pm - Stop for lunch break at beautiful beer garden.

2 :30 pm - Start hiking after lunch.

6:00 pm - Finish hike and get back to Kurort Rathen. Time permitting, grab a quick bite.

6 :50 pm - Catch train back for Berlin starting with S1 to Dresden-Neustadt.

1 1:30 pm - Arrive back in Berlin.

WHAT IS NEXT ?

• WhatsApp Group: In the ticket confirmation page, you will find a link to a WhatsApp group dedicated to this event. This group is where you can connect with trip mates, coordinate arrival options & stay in touch.
• Google Photos Album: You will find a link in the WhatsApp group description to the shared Google photos album where you can upload & view all shared photos & videos from the trip.

Hohnstein Castle

WHAT ARE OUR REVIEWS LIKE FROM PREVIOUS TRIPS?

To go through our amazing reviews by participants, please click on the links below:

• Google Reviews

• Trustpilot Reviews

HOW DO I CONTACT YOU FOR ANY QUERIES / CONCERNS?

• WHATSAPP (fastest): Reach out to us directly by clicking here.
• EMAIL: Reach out to us by clicking on "Contact the event organizer" option below.
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