This post is all about our recent hike in the “Bastei ” within the National Park of Lower Saxony-Switzerland (Sächsische Schweiz). I have always dreamed of seeing the Grand Canyon and Petra in Jordan but for now, this had satisfied our travel itch.Someday I would like to hike both of them but now, one of my Wanderlust is done and we are happy we´ve made this trip. I´ve managed to see our German version of it–the Bastei, or also known as Bastion– the hidden gem in the Lower Saxony Mountains in Sächsische Schweiz.The majestic views of splendid towering rock formations surrounded by trees , with the backdrop of the curvaceous Elbe,and just pure bliss really made our hiking adventure unforgettable.

I am always fascinated by how these rock formations formed through millions of years ago.It´s mother nature´s way of doing her own thing. Soil erosion, nature´s own way of creating an abstract natural piece which we all enjoy in the present times. This same wonder that I´ve seen when we walked through the mysterious Gorges in Partnachklamm in Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Leutashklamm, where these Gorges, or cut through the mountains ,with loud turqouise waters flows within is such a majestic sight.

I can totally relate to Carl Heinrich to his feeling when he saw this place ;

“What depth of feeling it pours into the soul! You can stand here for a long time without being finished with it , it is so difficult to tear yourself away from this spot.”

From the different vantage points, we had different perspectives of beauties.Since Bastei is the number 1 Tourist spot in Lower Saxony, this place is quite famous for its beauty.I was planning to see it in the daybreak but I did not make it.But still, a bit of fog in a clear perfect day allowed me to breathe in all its goodness.

This is definitely one of the best day trips anyone can do outside Dresden. I would love to come back once again and explore more of the other hiking trails.Bastei is almost an hour away from Dresden,perched near the towns of Rathen, near Pirna. The road trip was kind of intimidating at first, leading us to almost abandoned narrow quiet roads which leads to winding fields up to the river banks of Elbe in Rathen.We had to take the short steam boat to take us to the other side and then we began our trail.

We started early so the crowds are still manageable but then as we walked further, thick crowds came ahead of us.Now I understand why this place can be quite intimidating.People of different ages are all eager to see all the viewpoints and ogle at the different rock formations. They are all unique in many sense.

I found myself just immersing and trying to understand the rich history of this place.Its a hidden paradise and looked so unreal.The photos of it that I´ve seen in internet is not the same as in reality.With the help of modern technology and engineering, there´s a concrete bridge to connect through the labyrinth of these rocks.During 1826, it is still a wooden bridge and has limited access to other points.

Nowadays, just like almost higher altitude attractions in Europe, the hiking paths are very good and allows everybody to see this place even in Winter.There is even a hotel (Berghotel) directly at the foot of the Bastei.Here you can have the view of the Bastei as soon as you wake up!

What I also personally enjoyed is the vantage points where I can see the Elbe river with its curve. It was really beautiful and so peaceful. The photo above shows the train tracks and the pretty Poppy Fields.It was a challenging hike because of the crowds but being alone for a few minutes in this point is really worth it.

There´s numeruos rest areas on top including bathrooms, restaurant and Beer gardens so everything is really covered.Even buses can directly parked in front of the hotel to bring large tourist crowds.No wonder this place attracts more than 1,5 million annually.

On our way bac down, we chose to take the Schweden Loch, it is a hike trail where most of the rock formations are steep, tight and narrow.It´s the Gorge under the Bastei and is famous for its adventurous paths. I am so glad we took this path and not the other way around because there are so many uphills and almost 700 steps with different levels and steep iron ladders. It was closed for a maintenance work but during our visit, fortunately it was open. Hiking downwards within 2,5 hours is better than going uphill considering the warm weather.

We´ve made many pit stops for photos and snack time and just lose ourselves to these beauties.I have seen many families doing this trail so I really recommend this as a family activity either in Summer or Fall.My goal is to see this place in Winter as well. I already imagined waking up early in the morning to admire the meditative calmness these rocks offers minus the tourists crowds. Yes, the rocks,me and my yoga mat perhaps and of course, the breathtaking sunrise!

We continue our adventure by wandering through the small quaint fish huts along the river. The flowers and vegetation in this little Spa town of Rathen and Lohmen is quite fascinating. My kid decided to have a paddle boat and chase the fishes down.

We rewarded ourselves with delicious slice of cake and iced coffee at the end of the hike before we board the boat again.We took nothing but sweet memories from the Bastei.

Where was your favourite hike so far?

What about hiking with the thunderous Waterfall beside you? Let me take you to our hike in Krimml Wasserfälle. and these astounding views from Königsee and Eibsee,that for me perhaps are two of the most beautiful mountain lakes I have seen in my life.

Until then, Tschüß!