Bastei Bridge: A Complete Guide

The Bastei Bridge (Bastai Bridge or Bastie Bridge) is one of the most iconic landmarks in the Saxon Switzerland National Park, a stunning natural area near Dresden, Germany. The bridge is a 76.5-meter-long stone structure that connects several towering rock formations, offering breathtaking views of the Elbe River and the surrounding landscape. The bridge is also a historical monument, as it was built in 1851 on the site of a former wooden bridge from 1824, which was part of the medieval fortification of the Neurathen Castle. The castle was a defensive fortress that was used until the 15th century, and you can still see some of the ruins of the walls, the gate, and the chambers on the rocks next to the bridge. The remains of the castle, together with the bridge, make the Bastei area a highly attractive and sought-after tourist destination. The Bastei Bridge and the Neurathen Castle have inspired many painters, writers, and musicians over the centuries, such as Caspar David Friedrich, Ludwig Richter, and Richard Wagner.

• How to get to the Bastei Bridge
• Our tours to Bastei Bridge
• How long is the Bastei Bridge hike
• What to see and do on the Bastei Bridge
• Bastei Bridge opening hours
• Conclusion

How to get to the Bastei Bridge

The Bastei Bridge is located about 40 kilometers southeast of Dresden, the capital of Saxony, and about 150 kilometers north of Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. There are several options for reaching the Bastei Bridge, depending on your preference and budget.

By car:

If you have your own car or rent one, you can drive to the Bastei Bridge from Dresden in about an hour or Prague in two. There is a large parking lot near the bridge, but it can get crowded during peak season, so you may have to park further away and walk for about 15 minutes. The parking fee is 7 euros per 4 hours for cars, while buses are required to pay 12 euros.

The Bastei Bridge parking area is well-maintained and offers convenient access to the site. However, during weekends and holidays, it fills up quickly, so arriving early in the morning or later in the afternoon is advisable. Alternative parking is available in nearby villages with shuttle services to the Bastei area, providing an option to avoid congestion.

By public transportation:

If you prefer to use public transportation, you can take a train from Dresden or Prague to the town of Rathen, which is the closest station to the Bastei Bridge. The train ride takes about 40 minutes from Dresden and about 2 hours from Prague. From Rathen, you can take a ferry across the Elbe River and then walk for about 30 minutes to the bridge. The ferry runs every 15 minutes and costs 2 euros per person.

Hassle - free Day trip with Saxon Tours:

If you want to have a hassle-free and memorable journey to the Bastei Bridge, you can book a tour with us, the best way to experience this amazing destination. With our tours from Prague or Dresden day trips, you can enjoy the comfort and convenience of being picked up from your hotel, and taken to the Bastei Bridge in a comfortable and air-conditioned minibus. You don’t have to worry about parking, traffic, or public transportation. You will explore the bridge and the castle with an expert and knowledgeable guide, who will tell you interesting facts and stories about the Bastei Bridge and the Neurathen Castle. You will have enough time and flexibility to enjoy the view and take as many photos and videos as you want. You can savor a delicious lunch at a local restaurant and enjoy the view. To book your trip to the Bastei Bridge with us you can choose from those trips: