Bastei is one of the most famous rock formations in Saxon Switzerland in East Germany. You can get there in less than one hour from Dresden and in about two hours from Leipzig.
The area offers great panoramic views over the mountain, the river Elbe and the Koenigstein fortress in the distance.
When it comes to photography you will find a lot of spots around. Here is a little guide.
I would recommend getting there for sunrise, the early light hitting the rocks (and if you are lucky there is some fog from the Elbe) is just stunning.
If you want to have a wider view simply go to the northern viewpoints, which are the „Pavillionaussicht“ and the „Kleine Gans„. The easy path from the parking spot takes about 15 minutes.



A closer view can be seen from the „Ferdinandstein“ viewpoint, but be aware that there is not much space there and you need to be the first person there – ideally one hour before sunrise, especially on weekends.



There are some more viewpoints around but none of them offer views to the Bastei Bridge itself.


Most of the area is also suitable for night sky photography as it offers undisturbed views with low light pollution around.
And one last piece of advice: leave your drone etc. in the car. Flying in the national park can cost you a fine up to 50.000 €.
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