Germany

Rock formation Bastei and Bastai Bridge

The Bastei rock massif is one of the most famous sites in Saxony Switzerland. The citadel, formed by nature itself, in the XIII century became part of the defensive ring of the rock castle Neuraten. It was a castle, impregnable for enemies. Now only fragments of the foundation are preserved from it.

Bastei rock massif

Rock massif Bastei - one of the most famous sites in Saxony Switzerland (Sächsische Schweiz). It is located near the resort of Rathen. The citadel, formed by nature itself, in the 13th century became part of the defensive ring of the rock castle Neurathen. It was a castle, impregnable for enemies, but occupying an excellent position for the use of catapults. Now only fragments of the foundation are preserved from it.

The first documented mention of the Bastei rock fortress dates back to 1592. Tourists began to come in large numbers to Bastei, starting in 1800. The observation deck here is located in a favorable position; rock height - almost 200 meters above Elboy. From here you can clearly see the winding river valley, the ancient Königstein fortress and the village of Reiten. In clear weather, from this site you can see almost the entire territory of the national park. For the safety of tourists, protective fences were installed around the perimeter of the rock fortress in 1814.

The observation deck on Bastei and the view from it to the Elbe Valley

As early as 1812, the first trading shops and huts for tourists appeared on Bastai. In 1826, one of the huts that previously served as a shelter from inclement weather was rebuilt into a restaurant. In the XX century, a rock fortress was restored.

The cliffs of Bastei entered the famous hiking trail of Saxon Switzerland - The Artists' Route (Malerweg). Romantic painter Caspar Friedrich painted them on his canvas. Landscape Photographer Hermann Krone in 1853, left a commemorative plaque on one of the rocks near the Bastai Bridge.

Bastei Bridge (Basteibrücke)

Bastei Bridge (Basteibrücke) over the gorge Mardertelle It was built in 1851. The bridge existed here before. Ever since the Middle Ages, the Bastai fortress was connected by a drawbridge with neighboring rocks. When tourists began to come to these parts, a wooden structure was built. A lot of people gathered. The wooden bridge was soon recognized as unsafe and replaced by a capital stone structure of seven arcuate spans, which stood on powerful supports. The length of the Basteibrück bridge is 75 meters, the height above the Elbe channel is 165 m. This bridge is considered a symbol of Saxony Switzerland. It is included in the register of national monuments and is protected by the state.

Bastei Bridge (Basteibrücke)

Bastei Deutschland

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Watch the video: Bastei Bridge Germany - A natural wonder (May 2024).

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