Bastei

Reaching a height of 305 metres (1,001 ft) above sea level, the jagged rocks of the Bastei were formed by water erosion over one million years ago.

They are situated near Rathen, not far from Pirna southeast of the city of Dresden, and are the major landmark of the Saxon Switzerland National Park.

The rock formations and vistas have inspired numerous artists, among them Caspar David Friedrich (German: Felsenschlucht, lit.

The name Bastei ("bastion") refers to the inclusion of steep, towering rocks in the old defensive ring around Neurathen Castle.

One of the first walking guides who took visitors to the Bastei was Carl Heinrich Nicolai, who wrote in 1801: "What depth of feeling it pours into the soul!

Caspar David Friedrich painted his famous picture Felsenpartie im Elbsandsteingebirge ("Rocks in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains") based on the Bastei.

From Rathen, access was more difficult; but in 1814 a staircase with 487 steps was built that climbed out of the Wehlgrund valley past the Vogeltelle to the rocks.

In February 1816, Pietzsch was given a license to sell spirits; the modest huts he had built were destroyed in a fire in September of the same year.

In June 1819, August von Goethe reported: "Friendly huts and good service with coffee, double beer, spirits and fresh bread and butter really revived the tired wanderer ...".

That year the first inn building with overnight accommodations was built based on plans by Gottlob Friedrich Thormeyer.

The ruins of the castle, some timber rebates, rooms carved out of the rock, a cistern and stone shot from a medieval catapult or slingshot may be viewed on a self-conducted circular walk.

Today it is part of the core zone of the Saxon Switzerland National Park, in which especially strict conservation rules apply.