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Dresden to Bastei bridge

Posted by on

Hi wonderful people of Rick Steve's Forum!

I'm planning to visit Bastei Bridge on 9th or 10th May. I have a German Rail Pass, which can be used, but many people have suggested car/bus as the best alternative. A few queries:

  1. I and my wife don't trek much, so we want to avoid trekking as much as possible. A mild trek is fine. Would you recommend train or bus?

  2. If by bus, then how to plan it? Where to board and drop? Same for train.

  3. Private car tours are too costly, so trying to avoid. Can't drive rental cars as I'm from a Commonwealth country (right-hand drive)

  4. Also, anything else that can be clubbed with this day-trip? Like Moritzburg castle/Görlitz/Meissen etc.

Please help. Thanks in advance.

Posted by
868 posts

I and my wife don't trek much, so we want to avoid trekking as much as
possible. A mild trek is fine. Would you recommend train or bus?

You can take the commuter train S1 from Dresden Hbf or a paddle steamer, which bring you to Rathen at the foot of the Bastei, or you can take the S1 to Pirna, then bus 237 from Pirna to Rathewalde P&R, and from there the shuttle bus to the Bastei. The former involves a steep hike from Rathen via the Schwedenlöcher (Swedish holes) up to the Bastei (200m), the latter is just a very short walk. But frankly, without a bit of hiking you completely miss the charm of these mountains.

Also, anything else that can be clubbed with this day-trip? Like
Moritzburg castle/Görlitz/Meissen etc.

No. Only possible if you travel by car. See it as a day trip and a chance to slow down. Take your time, sit down and try coffee and cake, relax, admire the views, hike leisurely, maybe take the paddle steamer back to Dresden.

Posted by
28 posts

Thank you, Martin for the insightful response. It's very helpful.

Wondering if we can include Königstein Fortress in our trip to Bastei? Possible?

Posted by
868 posts

Wondering if we can include Königstein Fortress in our trip to Bastei?
Possible?

Not really. You need to climb down (200m) to Rathen, take the small ferry to the other side of the river, the S1 to Königstein (the town), the bus from the train station up to the parking garage of the fortress, and from there one of these small tourist trains up the castle.

If you are looking for a second stop Pirna is probably the best idea. It's a hidden gem with a nice centre and a impressive church. Or you could take bus line P from Pirna to Pillnitz castle, which has a beautiful park (open til nightfall).

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