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Saxon Switzerland National Park

Saxon Switzerland National Park: Our most recommended tours and activities

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 Dresden: Bohemia and Saxon Switzerland Day Trip

3. From Dresden: Bohemia and Saxon Switzerland Day Trip

Explore Bohemia and the Saxon Switzerland National Park on a full day from Dresden. See the Bastei Bridge, Pravcicka Gate, Kamenice Gorge, and more with a guide. After being picked up from Dresden head to the heart of Bohemia and the Saxon Switzerland National Park, the youngest national park in the Czech Republic. Make a stop at the Bastei Bridge (the German side of the park), perched high above the River Elbe. Enjoy stunning views as you walk across the bridge. Then, continue to Pravcicka Gate on the Czech Republic side of the park. Admire Europe’s largest natural sandstone gate. Pause for lunch, before transferring to Kamenice Gorge. You will board a small dinghy for a scenic journey through a canyon carved deep in the sandstone cliffs.

From Prague: Bohemia and Saxon Switzerland Full-Day Tour

4. From Prague: Bohemia and Saxon Switzerland Full-Day Tour

Explore Bohemia and the Saxon Switzerland National Park on a full day from Prague. See the Bastei Bridge, Pravcicka Gate, Kamenice Gorge, and more with a guide. After being picked up from Prague head to the heart of Bohemia and the Saxon Switzerland National Park, the youngest national park in the Czech Republic. Make a stop at the Bastei Bridge (the German side of the park), perched high above the River Elbe. Enjoy stunning views as you walk across the bridge. Then, continue to Pravcicka Gate on the Czech Republic side of the park. Admire Europe’s largest natural sandstone gate. Pause for lunch (included), before transferring to Kamenice Gorge. You will board a small dinghy for a scenic journey through a canyon carved deep in the sandstone cliffs.

From Prague: Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland Day Trip

5. 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).

From Prague: Small-Group Bastei Tour and Thermal Bath Access

6. From Prague: Small-Group Bastei Tour and Thermal Bath Access

Combine nature and relaxation on this day tour from Prague which will take you to the best natural wonders and thermal spas in Saxon Switzerland. After getting picked up from your hotel, travel in a comfortable minivan with wifi, accompanied by an expert guide. Your first stop will be at the Bastei rock formation. Enjoy panoramic views of the Elbe Canyon and River and walk across the famous sandstone bridge that connects Bastei and the ruins of an old Neurathen rock castle. You can also admire an abundance of incredible sandstone pillars that are part of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains, a key part of Saxon Switzerland's unique beauty. After your hike, enjoy a delicious lunch at a traditional German restaurant. Later, relax in the thermal waters of Toskana Therme thermal baths. Marvel at the colorful lights, underwater music and moving projections of the Liquid Sound Temple or relax in the warmth of one of the multiple saunas. Enjoy access to 4 indoor pools with massage loungers, an open-air pool with amazing views, a whirlpool and children’s pool with a small slide. Destress in one of the saunas, steam baths or Turkish baths and refuel at the onsite restaurant or bar before heading back to Prague.

From Prague: Bastei and Dresden Small-Group Day Trip

7. From Prague: Bastei and Dresden Small-Group Day Trip

Combine history, culture, and nature on this day trip from Prague. Travel in a comfortable minivan with wifi, accompanied by an expert guide. Upgrade your experience by choosing a private tour. Explore the Bastei Bridge, the most popular part of Saxon Switzerland, located just a 2-hour drive from Prague. Enjoy panoramic views of the Elbe Canyon and River and walk across the famous sandstone bridge that connects Bastei and the ruins of an old Neurathen rock castle. Continue through Saxon land to the city of Dresden, notable for its stunningly rebuilt architecture and modern cultural history. After a delicious lunch in a local restaurant, discover this city's rich architecture and see for yourself what makes it a popular royal retreat. Visit some of its historical monuments such as the Royal Palace and the Zwinger Old Master Gallery. Here, see masterworks including the ‘Sistine Madonna’ by Raphael and admire the domed Frauenkirche (Church of the Virgin Mary).  In the afternoon, enjoy some free time to explore the rest of the city at your own pace.

From Dresden: Pillnitz Palace and Saxon Switzerland Day Tour

8. From Dresden: Pillnitz Palace and Saxon Switzerland Day Tour

Excursion to Saxon Switzerland and Pillnitz Palace Park Get on the trail of one of the most beautiful national parks in the world. Before our excursion into Saxon Switzerland, our comfortable coach will take you to the fantastically beautiful Pillnitz Palace. Here you have arrived at the former summer residence of the Saxon kings. A breathtakingly beautiful ensemble of dreamlike architecture and lovingly designed gardens awaits you in the palace grounds. You will explore this attraction during a guided tour of the palace grounds. The tour takes you past the impressive landscapes of the Elbe Valley and Saxon Switzerland. On the way, our guide will be happy to tell you about the eventful history of the National Park and the special features of the local flora and fauna. The rock faces of Saxon Switzerland offer ideal living conditions for plants such as mosses, algae and lichens. Birch and pine trees thrive on the rocks, seeking a foothold in the cracks and crevices of the rocks. In addition, Saxon Switzerland serves as home to various plant species such as spruces, firs, ash trees, alders or willows. Many streams make their way through the natural landscape and serve as home to fish species such as brown trout, minnows or grayling. The fauna of Saxon Switzerland delights with its special wealth of species. For example, the region is even home to some animal species that have long been extinct in many parts of Germany - including the pygmy owl, peregrine falcon, black stork or otter. Afterwards, you will reach the core area of Saxon Switzerland, which attracts attention as one of the most picturesque landscapes from all over Europe. Together with our guide, you will embark on a one-hour guided tour, during which you will admire the Bastei Bridge and the natural beauty of the region at close quarters. Let your gaze wander at some of the most beautiful vantage points and be captivated by the extraordinary magic of the romantic-looking rocky landscape. After this exploration tour, you will have more time to discover the region on your own or to fortify yourself with culinary delights. The meeting point for the excursion is the departure point of the Red Double Decker at the City Museum in Dresden. For the return journey we will meet at the Bastei car park. In addition to the live moderated ride in a vintage convertible and a friendly and competent tour guide, the price includes a guided tour of Pillnitz Palace Park and the Bastei area in Saxon Switzerland National Park.

From Dresden: Bohemian & Saxon Switzerland Day Trip

9. 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 Prague: Dresden Xmas Market & Saxon Switzerland Tour

10. From Prague: Dresden Xmas Market & Saxon Switzerland Tour

There’s no better activity during the festive season than exploring a traditional German Christmas market in Dresden.  After being picked up from your accommodation in Prague in a group of no more than 8 people, drive for 2 hours to reach your festive destination. Explore the Dresden Christmas Market, the oldest yuletide market in Germany known locally as “Striezelmarkt”. Sip on warming German mulled wine as you go.  Allow your local English-speaking guide to lead you on a walking tour through the city, passing all the highlights before stopping to dine on a delicious lunch in a local restaurant.  Along your journey, stop off at the stunning Saxon Switzerland National Park and take in breathtaking views over the Elbe canyon from The Bastei. Take an easy walk across the famous sandstone bridge in the national park and admire the ruins of the old rock castle from the 12th century. Get dropped off back at your hotel at around 6 PM for some well-earned rest.

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Other Sightseeing Options in Saxon Switzerland National Park

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What people are saying about Saxon Switzerland National Park

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 1,120 reviews

This was such a beautiful experience and the tour guide couldn't of been any better all thanks to Joseph who was the kindest person ever! Joseph is fantastic and would definitely recommend this tour! He was so helpful, knowledgeable and kind! He helped us walk on the snow and made sure we could take the tour at our own pace! Which was appreciated due to my mother having disabilities which was no issue for Joseph who was prepared to help when needed! Thank you for the perfect day trip - love from Scotland from Jennifer and Mum x

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.

It was a beautiful winter excursion! It had just snowed and the views were stunning. Our guide for the day, William, was amazing! Very funny, helpful and friendly! Pick-up and drop off at the hotel was also a nice plus. Definitely recommend to book with him, especially in the winter!!

Excellent tour. Joseph was great. The hike was wonderful and so beautiful. Joseph was such a help with some of the stairs. Gave us all a hand. Literally. I would recommend to all!

Beautiful nature, comfortable minibus and amazing guide. Would definitely recommend to my friends. Our family had an amazing time! Thanks a lot to our guide Joseph!