Best kid-friendly trails in Rathen

Popular hiking trail in the Saxon Switzerland National Park, Saxony. From the ferry car park, a small ferry goeas to the starting point in teh climatic health resort of Rathen (note prices and timetable). From there, the trail leads up steeply in places into the bizarre rocky world of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. The historic stone Bastei Bridge spans the Mardertelle at lofty heights and connects striking sandstone towers. Between weathered reefs and gnarled pine trees, the view opens up...

Starting with a gentle ferry crossing of the Elbe River at Kurort Rathen, this iconic loop climbs toward the famous core of Saxon Switzerland National Park. Shaded forest stairs lead up to the historic Neurathen Castle ruins and the grand stone arches of the Bastei Bridge, where dramatic platforms overlook towering sandstone pinnacles and the river valley below. The route descends through the Schwedenlöcher, a cool, narrow gorge framed by mossy rock walls and wooden stairways, before...

Moderately difficult hike. Good basic fitness required. Predominantly easy paths. Sure-footedness required. The tour includes ferry crossings. The starting point of the hike is the train station in the spa town of Rathen or the parking lot (on the left bank of the Elbe). The historic yaw rope ferry takes you across the Elbe. In the village, turn left between the houses into the Amselgrund and you will soon reach the Amselsee lake. This idyllic, dammed lake lies between steep, overgrown...