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Things to do in Rathen

Our most recommended things to do in Rathen

From Dresden: Saxon Switzerland National Park Full-Day Trip

1. From Dresden: Saxon Switzerland National Park Full-Day Trip

Explore the bizarre rocky landscape of the Saxon Switzerland National Park on a panoramic double-decker bus tour from Dresden. Marvel at the Bastei lookout rock, the world-famous Bastei Bridge, and the breathtaking circular route of the Königstein Fortress. Gather at the meeting point in Dresden then set off toward the picturesque Saxon Switzerland National Park. Swiss painters discovered the sandstone cliffs as a landscape backdrop more than 200 years ago, and the park's well-known natural highlights such as Schrammsteine, Rathen, and the Kirnitzschtal have inspired numerous artists, including Caspar David Friedrich and Richard Wagner. On this tour, go directly into and through the national park with your German-speaking guide. Soak up stunning panoramic views throughout, especially from the Bastei lookout rock (entry included). Explore the Königstein Fortress, one of the largest fortifications in Europe (entry not included). To conclude your tour, you can either return to Dresden by simply staying on the bus, or you can take an optional boat ride back to the city on the oldest and largest side-wheel steamer fleet in the world. The boat ride is not included and can only be purchased onsite.

Dresden: Königstein Fortress Paddle Steamer Cruise

2. Dresden: Königstein Fortress Paddle Steamer Cruise

Witness the versatility of „Dresden Elbe” and the Saxon Switzerland with a cruise between Dresden and Königstein. From bizarrely shaped rock formations via opulent wine-growing districts and fascinating baroque palaces through to the unique skyline of Dresden. Only the city center of Dresden, with the Frauenkirche, Semperoper, and the Brühl´s Terrace, presents priceless views. Above that, you can discover the three beautiful Elbe castles and the Pillnitz Palace and Park along the riverbanks of the Elbe while driving.  In Saxon Switzerland await the cities Pirna, Stadt Wehlen and Kurort Rathen and also Königstein to be spotted. Here you can admire the world-famous “Festung Königstein”, which is 250 meters high and looks back at a history of more than 700 years. This tour offers different options for traveling, like a round trip or single trips with start in Dresden or Königstein. Please check the several journey times.

From Prague: Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland Day Trip

3. From Prague: Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland Day Trip

Choose from a hiking tour, a fantasy highlights tour and a winter tour, and discover Prague in a unique way. Visit National Parks, ancient castles, or snow-covered landscapes. Learn about your surroundings from your local expert guide. Your guide will pick you up from your Prague accommodation early in the morning. Enjoy the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle while learning about Czech culture, history, and the main highlights on your way to the national park. Taste snacks and enjoy beverages throughout the entire day.  Enjoy an abundance of time to admire the filming sites of the 'Chronicles of Narnia' movie in a group of a maximum of 10 persons. Spend an unforgettable day in the Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland National Park, one of the unique natural reserves in Europe, by choosing one of the following Tour options:  Hiking Tour Choose this tour if you want to see the main highlights of both National Parks. Visit two countries in one day. The first destination is the magnificent Bastei Bridge. Feast on the breathtaking views of the Elbe river canyon, surrounded by unique sandstone rock formations. Then enjoy the rolling landscape full of tiny German villages and famous table mountains. The following hike brings you near the main symbol of Bohemian Switzerland — the Pravcicka Gate — the largest sandstone arch in Europe. After tasting the rich local cuisine (lunch included), sail on gondola-style boats through the soothing Kamenice river gorge (a 12-hour, 10-kilometer active hike). Fantasy Highlights Tour This tour brings together the two main fantasy filming sites of the region. Visit Saxon Switzerland and walk across the magnificent Bastei bridge and visit Neurathen Castle ruins. Cross to Bohemian Switzerland and adore the amazing views from the Sneznik lookout tower. Enjoy a tasty lunch (included) in a local restaurant and continue to experience Narnia while hiking through the sandstone labyrinth of Tyssa Walls (a 10-hour, 9-kilometer moderate hike).  Winter Tour Go on this tour for an active winter visit to the region. Marvel at the beauty of snow-covered sandstone towers. Stroll across the Bastei Bridge to reach the medieval ruins of Neurathen Castle. Enjoy the Pravcicka Gate during the season pictured in Narnia. Hot beverages and lunch in a local restaurant (included) will help you regain all your energy (10-hour, 7-kilometer moderate hike).

Bad Schandau: Saxon Switzerland Steamer Tour

4. Bad Schandau: Saxon Switzerland Steamer Tour

From May to the end of October, this boat trip departs Bad Schandau every Friday and Saturday and takes you on a journey along the rock formations of the Saxon Switzerland National Park. Depending on the water level, you can admire the Schrammsteine (a long, strung-out, very jagged group of rocks in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains) and the legendary Sieben Brüder houses in Postelwitz. Alternatively, the paddle steamer travels to Königstein. From the boat, you can see the striking shape of the fortress and Lilienstein on the right-hand side.

Bad Schandau/Dresden: Saxon Switzerland Boat Trip

5. Bad Schandau/Dresden: Saxon Switzerland Boat Trip

Discover a unique landscape from this historic paddle steamer and enjoy the journey along the Elbe River. Admire the prettiest scenes of the Elbe valley in Saxon Switzerland National Park. Choose from a return trip starting in Bad Schaundau or a one-way trip from Dresden. Discover the picturesque Old Town with the Canaletto-House and the church St. Marien. Also pay a visit to Sonnenstein Castle for a fantastic view of Pirna. Take a closer look at the 250-meter high Fortress in Koenigstein and the impressive bastion rocks, Basteifelsen, in Kurort Rathen. Settle back and enjoy a delicious cake and specialty coffees while passing small picturesque villages. The National Park Saxon Switzerland, with its diverse flora and fauna, is a paradise for hikers and climbers.

From Dresden: Bohemian & Saxon Switzerland Day Trip

6. From Dresden: Bohemian & Saxon Switzerland Day Trip

Your local guide will pick you up at your Dresden accommodation early in the morning. From here you will set off to the National Park as you enjoy the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle whilst learning about local culture, history and the area's main highlights on the way. You will arrive at the Bohemian & Saxon Switzerland just in time to beat the crowds, giving you a more private experience of the place. All the admission and bathroom fees are included and throughout the day you will have the chance to taste delicious beverages and snacks.  On your tour you have will plenty of time to admire the film set of the Chronicles of Narnia movie with your group. Spend an unforgettable day in the Bohemian & Saxon Switzerland National Park - one of the most unique natural reserves of Europe – by choosing one of the following tour options: Best of - Hiking Tour: If you want to see the main highlights of both National Parks this is the right tour for you. Visit two countries in one day! The first destination is the magnificent Bastei Bridge. Feast on the breathtaking views of the Elbe river canyon, surrounded by unique sandstone rock formations. Then enjoy the rolling landscape full of tiny German villages and famous table mountains. The following hike brings you near the main symbol of Bohemian Switzerland - the Pravcicka Gate - the largest sandstone arch in Europe. After tasting the rich local cuisine (lunch included), sail on a gondola-style boat through the soothing Kamenice river gorge (12-hour 10 kilometer active hike). Best of - Winter Edition:  This tour is an ideal choice for someone wanting an active, Winter visit of the region. Marvel at the beauty of snow-covered sandstone towers and stroll across the Bastei Bridge to reach the medieval ruins of Neurathen Castle. Enjoy the Pravcicka Gate during the season pictured in Narnia. Warm up with some delicious hot beverages and enjoy lunch in a local restaurant (10-hour 9-kilometer moderate hike). Fantasy Highlights Tour:  Enjoy a tour that brings together the two main fantasy filming sites of the region. First stop will be the amazing Bastei bridge. The breathtaking views of the Elbe River Canyon and the surrounding sandstone formations will be engraved into your memory forever. Next stop, Sneznik lookout tower on the Czech side of the national park. The views will be spectacular. After a delicious lunch in mountain climbers favorite tavern, move into the Tyssa Walls and experience the magic of Narnia Labyrinth (11-hour 9 kilometers moderate hike).

From Dresden: Saxon Switzerland & Pillnitz Castle

7. From Dresden: Saxon Switzerland & Pillnitz Castle

Discover the beauty of Saxon Switzerland and the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. This day tour can take place in your own tour bus/rental car or with public transit from Dresden. When traveling by rental car or tour bus, tour the national park with a stop at the world-famous Bastei; when using public transit, travel with your tour guide to Rathen Station and hike your way to the Bastei. Let the romance of Saxon Switzerland with its otherworldly rock formation enchant you. Enjoy the beautiful view from the Bastei deep into the valley below. At the end of the day, head to Pillnitz to admire the Chinese-inspired fairytale palace and gardens and tour this summer residence of the Saxon kings and queens.

Wrocław: Königstein Fortress and Bastei Bridge Day Trip

8. Wrocław: Königstein Fortress and Bastei Bridge Day Trip

Travel to the hills of Germany's Saxon Switzerland on a day trip from Wrocław. Tour the Königstein Fortress complex, one of the largest hilltop fortifications in Europe, with an audio guide. Hike to a picturesque set of towering sandstone rocks to the historic Bastei Bridge. After pickup from Wrocław, head towards the hilltop Königstein Fortress through the scenic landscapes of the Saxon Switzerland region. Tour the fortification with an audio guide and enjoy spectacular views over the Elbe River and the rest of the valley. Once at the top, admire walls made of sandstone. Learn about the history of this place, nicknamed the “Saxon Bastille”, due to its use as a prison over the centuries. After the audio-guided visit of the whole complex, enjoy free time to try local dishes or some Saxon beer. Next, explore the beauty of the Saxon Switzerland National Park. Upon arrival, take a 1 km (0.6 mile) walk to Bastei Bridge and be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the Elbe and jagged sandstone rocks. Erected in the mid-19th century with its 7 emblematic arches, it rises to a height of 305 meters. From here, you can decide if you want to visit the ruins of the medieval Neurathen Castle (not included) or have a break for food and drinks before returning back to Wroclaw.

Other Sightseeing Options in Rathen

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What people are saying about Rathen

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 742 reviews

Joseph (guide) and Pavel (driver) were excellent throughout. Both were incredibly friendly and enthusiastic smiling and having fun with us all through the day. They have great knowledge of the country giving commentary on history and noteable sights on the trip. We went on the winter trip and the sights were beautiful, we took hundreds of photos. Lunch in a small town restaurant was one of the best meals I had during my week in Prauge. Highly recommended.

It was a really great day! The sights were absolutely breathtaking and our Guide Joseph was really friendly and welcoming. We also learned so much thanks to him! Pavel, the driver was also very kind! They picked us up right in front of our hostel and drove us back safely there as well! The traditional czech food was delicious as well as the beer and is included in the price. Overall very good experience, would 100% recommand!!!

I was lucky since my guide Joseph has a background in geography. He is very knowledgeable and introduced the formation of the park in a way of easy understanding. I was the only customer in this trip but didn’t feel awkward at all as Joseph treated me like a friend while in the same time he took care everything very well. I strongly recommend this tour if you are a nature lover and want to see different scenery.

If you would like to go for an adventure then this tour is for you. The view is super nice. Our tour guide joseph is very skillful with his job, he is briefing us history on the way to our tour. While on the tour he helped us to manage all the challenges on the way. Our driver,pavel, is super friendly too. I enjoyed the free snacks especially the bonus gummies!

Truly enjoyed this experience! Our guide Joseph was absolutely awesome! Highly recommended if you enjoy the outdoors and nature.