Deep gorges, table mountains, and towering rock formations shape the character of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains in Saxon Switzerland. The inaccessibility of some areas provides a refuge for rare plants and animals. The Saxon Switzerland National Park is Germany’s only national park dedicated to rocky landscapes. Millions of years ago, this region was submerged under the sea, whose surf carved massive rock walls, hollows, and bizarre shapes into the sandstone. As the sea level dropped, erosion—together with volcanic activity—created the distinctive landscape of sandstone and basalt we see today.

A well-developed network of hiking trails leads to spectacular viewpoints that once inspired world-famous painters such as Caspar David Friedrich and Adrian Ludwig Richter to create their masterpieces. We invite you to follow in the footsteps of these artists along the Painter’s Trail (Malerweg), explore romantic valleys, rugged cliffs, and pristine forests, enjoy a steamboat or inflatable boat trip on the Elbe River, and experience a performance at what is likely Germany’s most beautiful open-air natural theater. The Felsenbühne Rathen provides the perfect setting for performances such as The Marksman (Der Freischütz), Karl May adaptations, Ronja the Robber’s Daughter, and other nature-inspired plays and operas.

Tip: From Easter to October, every Monday, you have the opportunity to visit the Bastei and Königstein Fortress on a day trip through Saxon Switzerland - departing directly from the campsite.