Kurort Rathen

The health resort Rathen is a tourist magnet due to its unique location on the Elbe, the rock stage and the scenic attractions around it. From here you can reach the Bastei, the Amselsee, the Schwedenlöcher, Gamrig, the Uttewalder Grund, the Schleifgrund and much more.

Beautiful place, which has served us as a perfect starting point for hikes to and around the Bastei, to Lilienstein and the fortress Hohenstein. Car was parked on the first day in front of the apartment and only on the last day on departure again needed. In addition, there are many great restaurants in Rathen.

Felsenbühne, Bastei, Burg, Amselfall and -see, Elbe, Schwedenlöcher ... more than once does not work.

There is not much to notice from the spa here. Especially as an "air" spa drive somehow still too many misguided cars.
But Rathen is the optimal entry point into the surrounding highlights of Saxon Switzerland - Bastei, Amselsee, Felsenbühne, etc.

Cute little split by the Elbe town with everything the tourist heart desires.

Kurort Rathen is located in front of the massive rock massif of the Bastei - directly on the banks of the Elbe. Rathen, old Raden (from the Slavic Hrad, i.e. castle), was first mentioned in history in 1261. Today the spa town of Rathen has almost 500 inhabitants. Because of its beauty, tranquility and its recreational character, the spa town of Rathen is one of the most visited places in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. The spa town of Rathen is divided into two parts by the Elbe river - Oberrathen and Niederrathen. The connection between the districts is maintained daily with a historic yaw cable ferry, which is a listed building. Driving for day car tourists is only permitted on the left-hand side (Oberrathen). Guests who are planning a stay of several days can also travel to the Niederrathener district with a special permit.
There is an S-Bahn station from where trains run every half hour towards Schöna and Meißen. This will get you to Dresden in 40 minutes. A steamboat landing stage of the Saxon Steamship Company, from which paddle steamers lift their anchor every day from May to October, makes it possible to reach the place with a romantic steamboat trip.
Source:
saechsische-schweiz-touristik.de/elbsandstein/entdeck-erleben/regionen/kurort-rathen.html

From Rathen you have a beautiful view of the bastion.

Starting point for many beautiful hikes. (ideally of course the parking on the other side of the Elbe, quite cheap for several days in case you stay on the way, with the ferry you are quickly translated)

Unfortunately this time there was a construction site all around.

Very nice place in a brook valley.
This place is a good starting point for the hike to the bastion.
Very beautiful!

From the parking lot briefly with the ferry over the Elbe and then it goes over many steps and stairs up to the bastion to then have a great view of the place from above ;-)

Best travel time is in spring and autumn, in summer you have to expect long waiting times at the ferry.

Always a journey, be it by train, bike or car, worth it. Here is a good starting point for various hiking routes.

A good start for hikes in Saxon Switzerland

Rathen is a small, somewhat sleepy place at the foot of the bastion. Great starting point for hikes.

A really beautiful and quiet place. A visit is really worthwhile - possibly in connection with a visit to the Felsenbühne.

Nice little place. Unfortunately, no parking but nearby are two trail parking.

Good starting point for hikes to the Bastei, stone table to Lilienstein and Königstein. A visit to the Rathen rock stage is always worth the experience.

Nice little village, ideal for starting a hike. Apartment and catering - everything available

From here you can easily get to the main sights. If you don't have your own provisions, you can stop here in many localities.

Access to the spa for residents only. Parking lot just before the place

Split place - connected by ferry. Many beautiful hiking trails on the Bastei side. The "valley guardian" is an eye-catcher. It's worth a visit. We have been up several times (with equipment, of course).
From the other side of the Elbe you have a wonderful view of Bastei and the surrounding area.

Nice restaurant with delicious ice cream from Saxon Eismanufaktur

View of the old town