Class D · Transit linkTransit · not a hikeGermany

Kurort Rathen

A bus or shuttle onto Malerweg — Saxon Switzerland: from the Kurort Rathen platform, reaction ferry across the elbe, then rock stairs leads to Bastei bridge.

Trailhead

Bastei bridge

Link

Transit only

Operator

DB S-Bahn S1

Transfer

8 min

Open transit to the trailhead See the transfer

Station-to-Trail transfer

Kurort Rathen → Bastei bridge

This last mile is a public bus or shuttle, not a hiking path — the hike begins at the trailhead.

Transit link · not a hike

Public transit transfer

Kurort RathenBastei bridge

Reaction ferry across the Elbe, then rock stairs — Historic Gierseilfähre ferry connects platform to trail — every 10 min.

8 minDB S-Bahn S1Open transit directions

Transfer summary

Mode: Public transit
Transfer: 8 min
Operator: DB S-Bahn S1
Onward: See below

Reaction ferry across the Elbe, then rock stairs

Historic Gierseilfähre ferry connects platform to trail — every 10 min.

Transit · not a hike

Transit

DB S-Bahn S1

From Dresden Hbf (35 min) · Prague (via Bad Schandau)

Onward · Elbe reaction ferry to the Bastei trail.

Safety

Safety on the connector

Check the last onward bus / shuttle before starting — services thin on Sundays and shoulder season.
Keep dogs leashed on the connector — livestock and cycling traffic possible.

Season

Seasonal considerations

Winter (Dec–Mar): possible snow and ice on the connector — check station-area conditions before starting.
Shoulder (Apr / Nov): mud on forest tread after rain; some cable-cars closed for maintenance.
High summer: start early on hot days; carry water even for short connectors.

Reachable from this station

Hikes that begin where the train ends.

Multi-day flagshipSachsen · Elbe sandstone mountains

Malerweg — Saxon Switzerland

The Painters' Way — 112 km through the sandstone dreamscape that inspired Caspar David Friedrich.

Open the flagship

Ready when you are

Begin the walk from Kurort Rathen.

Open transit directions Open Malerweg — Saxon Switzerland