- Bastei
The Bastei is a rocky prominence overlooking the
Elbe River within theElbe Sandstone Mountains inGermany . As a mountain of 305 meters height the Bastei surpasses the river by 194 meters. It was formed by water a million years ago. Located nearRathen inSaxon Switzerland the Bastei is alandmark in anational park nearPirna southeast ofDresden . It is part of a climbing and hiking area that extends to theCzech Republic asBohemian Switzerland .The Bastei has been a
tourist attraction for over 200 years. Already in 1824 a wooden bridge was constructed to link several rocks for the visitors. This bridge was replaced in1851 by the present "Bastei Bridge" made from sandstone.The rock formations and vistas have inspired artists, among themCaspar David Friedrich (i.e "Felsenschlucht" [http://www.reproarte.com/picture/Caspar+David_Friedrich/Felsenschlucht/4609.html] )The low part of the
Rathen spa can be reached fromDresden withpaddle steamer s on the riverElbe . Another famouslandmark in thattourism andclimbing area is the fortress Königstein.Many photos exist on Flickr and Photobucket. It's a lovely place with stunning views.
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