Bastei, Rock formation in Saxon Switzerland, Germany.
Bastei is a rock formation in Saxon Switzerland, Germany, rising 194 meters above the Elbe River. The sandstone pillars formed through water erosion over millions of years, creating a connected group of peaks and pinnacles.
Workers replaced the original wooden bridge from 1824 with a permanent sandstone structure in 1851 to connect different rock formations. This bridge allowed visitors to walk between the stone pillars and reach the Neurathen Fort on a neighboring peak.
The rock formations drew artists such as Caspar David Friedrich, who captured them on canvas in 1823. Visitors today still seek out the same views that once inspired painters of the Romantic movement.
Access to the rocks remains open throughout the year without any entrance fee, while the nearby rock fort requires a separate ticket. The paths include stairs and narrow walkways that can become slippery when wet, so sturdy footwear helps.
The formations contain remnants of the largest medieval fortification in Saxon Switzerland, including wall segments and storage cellars carved into the rock. On quiet days you can spot the outlines of rooms once used to store supplies and weapons.
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