Czech-Saxon Switzerland

Village description

Kurort Rathen

Just a few steps in front of the rock massif Bastei on the bank of the Elbe river there is a spa town Rathen. Thanks to its silent location and beauty it is one of the most visiting places of Labské sandstones -  it is easily accessible and at the same time it offers real stillness among the wild valley and rock massifs. The tourism began to increase with the first steamship "Queen Mary" that was placed on the Elbe river in 1837. Another type of transport, that allowed the visitors from near and far to travel to Rathen, was the railway. The Elbe river divides Rathen into to parts: Oberrathen (the upper part) and Niederrathen (the lower part), both parts are connected with the historical ferry that operates daily from 4.30 till 0.45 (from 1st May till 31st October on Fridays, Saturdays and national days from 4.30 till 02.00). In the square in Oberrathen you will be attracted by the luminous fountain at the public fountain where there is daily luminous jet at 21:00 that is accompanied by pleasant music - this show lasts only for an hour!

Even from here there are many signed touristic trails to the surrounding:

Felsenburg Neurathen - you can find  the ruins of the medieval fortified castle there.  In the area around the former castle that is mostly made by iron bridges and ladders you can discover many informations about the past. The entrance to the castle is right behind the well-known Bastei, behind the fence from piles.
From the half of May till the end of September you can also visit the rock stage, one of the most beautiful natural stages in Germany where you can attend varied programme for young visitors as well as for the older ones. Among the most favourite programmes belong the plays of K. May, the children performances, the pieces from operas and musical comedies...
Amselsee (Blackbird´s lake) - how about the romantic boatride on the lake? If you are going to arrive in winter, then you can go skating on the icebound lake! The lake was created by dividing the stream, it is used for fish breeding.
If you want to have an active holiday, we are sure you will be fascinated by many signed cycling trails, the rock climbing trails,...

Tourist attractions in a village

Bastei, Amselsee

More Tourist attractions