The spectacular landscapes of Saxon Switzerland, the mountainous region of Dresden, are due to the rock formations made up of sandstone which present a great variety of fauna and flora. They make up the Elbsandsteingebirge mountain range, the Elbe Sand Mountains.
It was precisely the artists, particularly attracted by these mountains, who made excursions to these places their favorite destination. The region gained fame in the 19th century for tourism.
Romantic artists they were attracted by the wild nature of the places. For many painters, composers and poets romantics this region was a source of artistic inspiration. You can retrace their footsteps through the “malerweg”, the painters' path. Those who follow this route will be able to observe the fascinating landscape along the 112 kilometers of path near the Elbe river.
An itinerary not to be missed is the one that leads to the symbolic mountain of Saxon Switzerland, the Bastei rock, a destination that attracts tourists from all over the world. The long stone bridge (built in 1851) runs through nature and surrounding rocks. Previously the bridge was made of wood due to the constant increase in visitors, in 1851 it was replaced by a stone bridge with seven arches, 76,5 metres long, which spans a 40 meter deep ravine.
The Königstein Fortress it is one of the best-known castles in the area, one of the largest mountain fortifications in Europe. Over time, the walls were transformed into a castle, prison and even a monastery. This area, which is a national park, is cut in two by the Elbe, in some places you can cross the river thanks to a barge that takes passengers from one bank to the other for a few coins.
From here you can enjoy the spectacular view of the river, which flows at its feet with its historic steamboats, and walk the two and a half kilometers of path along the fortress walls.
