Bastei — Local services in Lohmen/Stadt Wehlen

At Pentecost in 1812, the Lohmen butcher, Pietzsch, started the first catering services for visitors to the Bastei. From two simple huts he sold bread, butter, beer, brandy, coffee and milk. Two years later a kitchen and a cellar were built below one of the rock overhangs and the lookout point was fitted with a railing. In February 1816, Pietzsch was given a licence to sell spirits; unfortunately the modest huts he had built were destroyed in a fire in September that same year. In June 1819, August von Goethe reported: "Friendly huts and good service with coffee, double beer, spirits and fresh bread and butter really revived the tired wanderer ...". In 1820, the spirit licence went to the Rathen judge (Erblehnrichter), Schedlich. The development of the Bastei was given significant impetus in 1826. That year, the first solid inn building was erected with overnight accommodation, based on plans by Gottlob Friedrich Thormeyer. From then on the old huts acted as night quarters for the walking guides. The first bridge, called Bastei Bridge (Basteibrücke), was built of wood over the deep clefts of the Mardertelle, linking the outer rock shelf of the Bastei with the Steinschleuder and Neurathener Felsentor rocks. In 1851, the wooden bridge was replaced by a sandstone bridge, due to the steady increase in visitors, that is still standing today. It is 76.5 m long and its seven arches span a...

Spectacular Views and Unreal Scenery — A Must-See

Bastei is absolutely breathtaking—one of the most stunning natural landscapes we’ve seen in Germany. The dramatic rock formations, sweeping views over the Elbe River, and the iconic Bastei Bridge make this spot feel straight out of a fantasy film. Everything is well-maintained, with scenic walking paths and multiple viewpoints that are easy to reach on foot.

We visited in May, and the conditions were perfect—fresh greenery, pleasant temperatures, and lighter crowds. The area is suitable for all ages, though some light uphill walking and stairs are involved.

Tips for your visit:

📍 Entry to the Bastei Bridge and viewpoints is free. The Felsenburg Neurathen ruins cost a few euros extra. 🕰️ Go early in the day or late afternoon to enjoy the views with fewer crowds. 🚗 Parking is €7 flat for the whole day, and you can easily pay using the EasyPark app, which works great and saves time. 👟 Wear comfortable walking shoes—parking is about a 15-minute scenic uphill walk from the main site. 📸 Don’t forget your camera—sunrise or sunset light makes the views even more magical. 🥪 There’s a restaurant near the main viewpoint, but if you plan to hike farther, bring snacks and water. Whether you're into hiking, nature photography, or simply soaking up jaw-dropping views, Bastei is a must-visit gem in Saxon...

This is a beautiful place which you can include in your itinerary if traveling by car to Prague or Dresden. Its around 40 min drive from Dresden and 1.50 hrs from Prague. Its important to know the exact location of parking which you need to enter into Google map , for me google map showed a dead end when I entered "Bastei Brücke". So my post is to make the parking places near Bastei Brücke. Parking place 1, near to Bastei (walkable)- 50.96601962134593, 14.065649814578686. You will be allowed to drive until this point only if its not a crowded day :-). P+R parking - 50.98676702061468, 14.055503029897029 Usually you can park the car (4 Euros and no card payment possible, only 10, 5 Euros or coins) here and take the shuttle bus. A ticket which included return, cost only 3 euro for two people. A public toilet available near the entry point of the bridge (costs 70 cents). There is pathway which gives more views of the bridge from a distance, costs extra ( a counter you will find after walking some distance along the bridge) which costs small amount, sorry don't remember now. Apart from that, there is no tickets to...