Does anyone have info on when the floating bridge at the Bastei will reopen?
I don't think anyone knows yet. It sounds like the fire was pretty extensive and there is a possibility of negligent arson, so I wouldn't count on it opening soon.
Thanks. I did a search but Google was not helpful in providing news. We are visiting the area in late October. If you can point me to a reliable source of info, I would appreciate it!
The region around Bastei (Frontier Saxon Switzerland) was not affected by the wildfires in Rear Saxon Switzerland at all. It is open.
What you probably referred to was the restriction that the county administration imposed a couple of days ago due to high risk of wildfires (we need lots of rain!) for all the forests in the county. But that's lifted already, you can freely walk and hike except for the small area with the wildfires.
According to this site, the Bastei bridge is closed until further notice. https://globeecho.com/news/europe/germany/saxon-switzerland-forest-fire-below-the-bastion-mdr-de/
According to the Saxon Switzerland Tourist authority the bridge was reopened yesterday.
Mardee, this article refers to a different, comparably small fire that was extinguished the day after. Have a look at the date of the article - 18 July.
Here is the link to the county administration's news in which they announce all the forests are accessible again except for the immediate area of the wildfires in rear Saxon Switzerland. Unfortunately in German only, but maybe you can translate online.