What Is Bastei Rock and How Is It Formed?

Bastei is the most famous rock formation almost 200 metres high, situated above the Elbe River in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains, Saxon Switzerland, Germany.

The jagged rocks of the Bastei were formed by water erosion over one million years ago. They are situated near Rathen, not far from Pirna southeast of the city of Dresden, and are also part of a climbing and hiking area that extends over the borders into the Bohemian Switzerland (Czech Republic).

The Bastei and the Bastei Bridge has been a tourist attraction for over 200 years and are the highlights of the Saxon Switzerland National Park area, also called “the city of stone”. From the Bastei rocks and the Bastei Bridge you have a wonderful panoramic view over the mountains.

Bastei Bridge is a 76.5 metre-long man-made bridge which connects the rock formations. In the first half of 19th century a wooden bridge was built between the rocks so that the visitors could enjoy the spectacular view. However, almost 30 years after the construction of the first bridge, the locals decided to make the authentic sandstone bridge which remained intact since then. You will see the river Elbe, the Lilienstein mountain and Koenigstein fortress just to name a few.

Content for this question contributed by David Byrne, resident of Albany, Albany County, New York, USA