Saxon Switzerland Travel Guide
From Wikitravel
The Sächsische Schweiz (Saxon Switzerland) is an area in Saxony, Germany.
About 40 km upward the Elbe river from Dresden this is a mountain area made of sandstone. Bizarre stone formations and spectacular views are only some characteristics of this region that is ideal for hiking, but also for a relaxed day out. For those who like nature, it is surely the most beautiful landscape in Saxony. It can get crowded along the river at summer weekends, if you don't like this, try the colder days. In late autumn or even winter you will nearly be alone outside the villages. There are also many rock castles within the region, most worth a visit.
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Cities
Other destinations
- Rathen and the Bastei
- The castle of Stolpen
- Königstein Fortress
- The castle of Weesenstein
Understand
The mountain range was created after the sea retreated and left sandstone as the remains. It was once a wild area, known for robbers and hard to conquer strongholds. Many of those still remain and can be visited. The most impressive is certainly the fortress of Königstein that was used for centuries as jail for high-ranking prisoners.
Talk
Like in most other parts of Germany, English is generally well understood and French might be, too.
Get in
The Saxony Switzerland is best accessible from Dresden.
By train
Good and comfortable. Even faster than car due to a direct line along the river Elbe. Look for train line S1, direction "Bad Schandau".
By car
Maybe a little tricky to find the roads out of the city Dresden if you're not used to. Follow the the signs to Czech Republic (Decin) or Bad Schandau. Be aware of traffic jams at hot summer weekends. A good mark bench mark is the Elbe River. Simply follow it to the east.
By boat
If you have some time, try this. Old beautiful steam ships (there are modern diesel too, so take care when you buy tickets) bring you up the river through the beautiful Elbtal. Relaxing trip. You will have a good look to the engines! Before 1990 they where fired with coal, now oil is used, but it's still steam engine.
By bicycle
There is a good bicycle way along the river Elbe, take right river (northern) side if you go up.
Get around
Best option is a car, although there is public transport (question is not if you get there, but when).
See
To get a good overview over all destinations, visit the site of the regional managment [1] (available in German, English and Czech).
Itineraries
Do
- Hike
- Enjoy the beauty of nature
Eat
There are a number of inns along the hiking trails and small restaurants in every town.
Drink
Stay safe
It is a very safe region and there should not be any problems (you still have to lock your car).
Get out
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