Rhododendronpark Kleine Bastei, Botanical garden in Rathen, Germany
Rhododendronpark Kleine Bastei is a botanical garden on steep hillsides of the Elbe Valley in Rathen. The two hectare site displays around 30 rhododendron species alongside various trees from distant regions.
A physician named Karl Friedrich Keydel created the garden in 1920. A landscape architect named Baila Helmenreich enlarged the site between 1926 and 1929 with rare alpine plants.
The park is known for its collection of plants from distant regions, including Japanese maples and Canadian evergreens. These foreign specimens shape the place's character today.
The best entry is by ferry and train from the left bank of the Elbe, then following the path along Grünbach stream to the entrance. The steep slopes require good footwear and a relaxed pace.
The garden was redesigned in 2009 with a renovated pond that collects water from the surroundings. From many spots, visitors can see the Bastei rocks and Neurathen Castle on the opposite hillside.
Location: Rathen
GPS coordinates: 50.95690,14.08530
Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:22
Bastei
1.7 km
Neurathen Castle
943 m
Felsenbühne Rathen
1.1 km
Amselsee
879 m
Gamrig
840 m
Altrathen Castle
392 m
Mönch
810 m
Wartturm
1.4 km
Lokomotive
1 km
Nonne
1.4 km
Rahmhanke
1.2 km
Talwächter
707 m
Schwedenturm
1.6 km
Rathen Ferry
376 m
Kurort Rathen railway station
683 m
Tiedgestein
811 m
Bastei Bridge
1.1 km
Villa, Villengarten mit Gartenterrasse und Steingarten (bzw. Felsengarten) sowie Einfriedung mit Torpfeilern Pötzschaer Weg 7
878 m
Staumauer des Amselsees
893 m
Basteiweg 1 Rathen
329 m
Gansfelsen
1.1 km
Ehemalige Burganlage mit Wohnturm, Vorhof, Innenhof und Umfassungsmauer Am Grünbach 11
411 m
Zwei Gedenktafeln an einem Felsen der Bastei
1 km
Am Grünbach 9 Rathen
354 m
Wegweiser Basteistraße-Fremdenweg
1.5 km
Wegestein
421 m
Einzeldenkmale der Sachgesamtheit Rhododendronpark Kleine Bastei: Pension mit Gaststätte (Nr. 10) und Nebengebäude (Nr. 11) (siehe auch Sachgesamtheitsliste - Obj. 09304506) Zur kleinen Bastei 10; 11
32 m
Große Gans
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