Revised April 2024
Escape to the peaceful retreat in the midst of stunning landscapes in the heart of Saxon Switzerland in Germany. Known for its breathtaking natural beauty, the Saxon Switzerland National Park and its surrounding area is a destination worth exploring. Located on the Eastern region of Germany bordering the Czech Bohemian Switzerland, Bad Schandau is the ideal town to stay while visiting this region. Read on below to gain inspiration for your travels.
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How to get to Bad Schandau
Dresden to Bad Schandau
Check out a day trip from Dresden to Saxon Switzerland National Park and Bad Schandau. Just a short 1 hour drive away, this day trip from Dresden makes it an ideal place for a quick getaway.
The cheapest and most convenient way to get from Dresden to Bad Schandau was taking the DB (Deutsche Bahn) train from the main train station in Dresden to the station in Bad Schandau. I bought the ticket off the DB app on my phone for $6.90 USD per person. On the train I was able to show the QR code in the app to the ticket checker.
The train station in Bad Schandau is across the Elbe River on the opposite side of the town so you will have to take a bus or a ferry to get to the main town area. There is a ferry that takes you across the river right near the train station. From there I was able to walk about 10 minutes to my accommodation. Alternatively, I can also take Bus 242 from the train station to town and get off at one of the stops along highway 172. You will have to pay for the ticket for both the ferry and the bus as you get on. However, the hotels and Airbnbs in the area will also give you a guest pass that will give you access to free transportation on all public transportation in the area, including the ferry and buses.
Prague to Bad Schandau
There is also a train from Prague to Bad Schandau. Czech Railways is the train you’ll need to take. I was able to buy the tickets on the Czech Railways website for about $17 USD per person. They sent me an email with the tickets and a QR code. I just showed the QR code to the ticket collector on the train and all was good.
Where to stay in Saxon Switzerland
The most popular towns to stay in near Saxon Switzerland are Rathen, Konigstein, and Bad Schadau. With Bad Schandau being closest to the Saxon Switzerland National Park, this is where I would recommend staying.
Staying in Bad Schandau
Pension Schwarz
Most accommodations in Bad Schandau are across the river from the train station and they are small bed and breakfast style hotels. I stayed at Pension Schwarz a little walk away from town. I stumbled across this hotel on Google Maps and booked the place through booking.com for about $109 USD a night. The B&B was run by a very friendly German woman who, despite not knowing English, still catered to all our needs and answered all the questions we had about getting around the area (of course, with the help of a translator!).
The room itself was more like a suite with a fully equipped kitchen, sofa bed and TV, and a bedroom with bathroom. It was very clean and comfortable, I could not have asked for more. The house itself is fairly large with several other rooms although we did not see any other guests during out stay here. When we arrived the woman told us to fill out a form for the Guest Card and then a few hours later gave us the Guest Card. The Guest Card is great for traveling around the area for free on the public transportation.
The hotel is located about a 10 minute walk from the center of town. There is a walking path along the river or a sidewalk along the main road to get to the center. The ferry stop is in this area. There is a Lidl grocery store in the city center which we stopped by several times since we had a kitchen we could cook in. There are also several small restaurants and bakeries in the town.
Hotel Elbresidenz an der Therme
Just a 10 minute walk from Pension Schwarz is the popular Hotel Elbresidenz an der Therme. This is a spa resort located right on the Elbe River. The hotel not only has a pool and sauna, but it also allows free access to the bathing and sauna areas at the Toskana Therme thermal baths located right next to the hotel. In addition, a superb breakfast is included in the price. This is a great luxury stay near Saxon Switerland National Park.
Things to do in and around Saxon Switzerland
Bastei Bridge
The Bastei Bridge is a popular tourist attraction located in the Saxon Switzerland National Park in Rathen, offering breathtaking views of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains and the surrounding area. The bridge is made up of natural stone formations carved from the Elbe River millions of years ago. Since then the bridge has gone through many structural and stability renovations to ensure its safety.
Getting to Rathen
If you are staying in Bad Schandau as I was, first you will need to get to the neighboring town of Rathen. To do this you will need to either take the bus or the ferry to the Bad Schandau train station. From there take a train, the S1 train, to Kurort Rathen which should be the second stop and only takes 10 minutes. From the Rathen train station, walk down to the ferry stop and take the ferry over to the town. All transportation will be included in the Guest Card, except for the Rathen ferry ride which was 2.50 euros roundtrip per person.
Hike to Bastei Bridge
The trailhead is a short walk from the ferry stop in town. Once you get off the ferry, walk down the main street till you get to the trailhead. There will be a ramp going up over the houses.
The hike will start off fairly easy over some stairs and takes you to a nice viewpoint of the Elbe River and the surrounding fields. Pass this viewpoint and you’ll reach Neurathen Castle. Entry fee is 2.50 euros per person to enter or 6 euros for the family. Continue past the castle and you’ll reach the free Bastei Bridge which you will walk over first before realizing that you’re already there. At least, that’s what happened to me! There is a nice viewpoint of the bridge off to the right over here.
If you continue hiking past the bridge, you will reach the Panoramarestaurant Bastei and a hotel situated at the top of the mountain. Continue hiking past this and you will be explore the forests and beyond.
Drive up to Bastei Bridge
Alternative to hiking, you are also able to drive up to the hotel and restaurant and walk a short distance to view the bridge. The parking area is here, but is a bit difficult to get to from Rathen. But it is great if you’re coming from Dresden or any town West of Rathen.
Bastei Bridge Hike in Summary
The hike itself was not too difficult. Hiking shoes are not required and it only takes about 45 minutes to get to the bridge. This can easily be done in half a day including the transportation there and back. Overall, a great hike and not too hard and strenuous.
Königstein Fortress Festung
The Königstein Fortress Festung is a historic fortress located atop a hill near the Elbe River.
How to get to Königstein
Similar to the directions to Rathen, Königstein is only one stop away on the train from Bad Schandau. Königstein town is also on the same side of the river as the train station. So you will not need to take a second ferry. It train ticket should be included in you Guest Card.
How to get to Königstein Fortress from Königstein
The hike from the town to the fortress is about 30-45 minutes. The hike starts around here and the trail continues straight to the fortress. The trail is marked with a blue line and a red spot.
In addition, there is also a shuttle from the town to the fortress from April till October and less frequent from November till March. It costs 6 euros round trip or 13 euros round trip for a family. It is run by the hop on-hop off buss that services the whole area. For more information: http://www.festungsexpress.de/saechsische-schweiz/linien-fahrservice.html.
Visiting Königstein Fortress
The tickets can be booked online and are 15 euros per adult or 38 euros for the family. The fortress opens at 9am and closes at 5pm (November-March) or 6pm (April-October). Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t too great when I was visiting so this was one of the spots I skipped doing.
Schrammsteine Hike in Saxon Switzerland National Park
Hiking in Saxon Switzerland is the main activity in the area. The Schrammsteine Hike in Saxon Switzerland National Park offers hikers a challenging and rewarding trek through stunning natural scenery, including towering rock formations and lush forests.
How to get to the trailhead
The trailhead is within walking distance of Pension Schwartz, where I stayed in Bad Schandau, at about a 17 minute walk. There will be signs for the various trails in the area. I followed the sign for Schrammsteinaussicht. In total, the hike took about 3.5 hours and was less than 6 kilometers in total.
The hike
It wasn’t too strenuous but it did take me through some narrow paths and over lots of stairs between the huge rock formations. Overall, its a great hike that isn’t too strenuous and goes through the most beautiful scenery. The end of the hike will bring you to a panorama platform with a beautiful view of the rock formations and the valley below.
Historic Elevator in Bad Schandau
The Historic Elevator in Bad Schandau is a 19th-century elevator that offers visitors a unique way to explore the town and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. This is a 50 meter high steel tower that is also a good starting point for some hikes. It costs 1.80 euros for a one way ticket or 2.80 euros for a roundtrip ticket.
Where to Next?
Saxon Switzerland National Park is located right on the border of Germany and Czech Republic. From here travel to Dresden, Berlin and Prague is possible via train or bus. Enjoy the hiking in Saxon Switzerland and take in as much of the nature as possible. It is a stunning area you will thoroughly enjoy on your next trip!
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Bad Schandau is so picturesque. The bridge hike looks like so much fun. I especially like the idea of the panorama platform with the views below!
The hikes look incredible! Especially the Schrammsteine Hike. I would absolutely love to visit someday. Thank you for putting this place on my radar!
I would love to visit Bad Schandau and locations close by. Sounds like a delightful area to explore and enjoy amongst the natural landscape, quaint villages and history.
What a GORGEOUS area – it looks quite similar to this spot in Czech Republic (but on the other side of the country, by Poland). Simply beautiful!
I was just in Switzerland recently, but near Zurich. It certainly is a very pretty country and this region looks amazing.
I¦ve learn a few just right stuff here. Definitely price bookmarking for revisiting. I wonder how a lot effort you set to make this type of wonderful informative website.
I LOVED this! This german town is so beautiful and the bridge reminded me of the nine arch bridge in Sri Lanka! great post!
This is actually not far from us! It is one of the most picturesque areas of Germany, and a reminder to look closer to home when travelling. Beautiful pictures, thank you!
Amazing post. Thanks for all the insights. Despite calling Dresden my second home, I’ve actually never hiked in the Swiss Alps. Excited to take your guide on the road this summer!
Oh my – how beautiful! I love the pic of you between the rock formations how cool! Would love to go hiking here.