Things to do in

Rathen

Discover a unique landscape from this historic paddle steamer and enjoy the journey along the Elbe River from Bad Schandau to Pillnitz and back. You can admire the prettiest scenes of the Elbe valley in the Nation Park Saxon Switzerland.  Discover the picturesque Old Town with the Canaletto-House and the church St. Marien. Also pay a visit to Sonnenstein Castle for a fantastic view of Pirna. Take a closer look at the 250-meter high Fortress in Koenigstein and the impressive bastion rocks, Basteifelsen, in Kurort Rathen. Settle back and enjoy a delicious cake and specialty coffees while passing small picturesque villages. The National Park Saxon Switzerland, with its diverse flora and fauna, is a paradise for hikers and climbers.

Your local guide will pick you up from your Prague accommodation early in the morning. Enjoy the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle while learning about Czech culture, history and the main highlights on your way towards the national park. Taste snacks and enjoy beverages throughout the entire day.  Enjoy an abundance of time to admire the filming sites of the 'Chronicles of Narnia' movie in a group of a maximum of 10 persons. Spend an unforgettable day in the Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland National Park, one of the unique natural reserves in Europe, by choosing one of the following Tour options:  Hiking Tour is the right choice if you want to see the main highlights of both National Parks. Visit two countries in one day. The first destination is the magnificent Bastei Bridge. Feast on the breathtaking views of the Elbe river canyon, surrounded by unique sandstone rock formations. Then enjoy the rolling landscape full of tiny German villages and famous table mountains. The following hike brings you near the main symbol of Bohemian Switzerland - the Pravcicka Gate - the largest sandstone arch in Europe. After tasting the rich local cuisine (lunch included), sail on gondola-style boats through the soothing Kamenice river gorge (12-hour 10-kilometer active hike). Fantasy Highlights Tour brings together the two main fantasy filming sites of the region. Visit the Saxon Switzerland and walk across the magnificent Bastei bridge and visit Neurathen Castle ruins. Cross to Bohemian Switzerland and adore the amazing views from Sneznik lookout tower. Enjoy a tasty lunch (included) in a local restaurant and continue to experience Narnia while hiking through the sandstone labyrinth of Tyssa Walls (10-hour 9-kilometer moderate hike).  Winter Tour is an ideal choice for an active winter visit to the region. Marvel at the beauty of snow-covered sandstone towers. Stroll across the Bastei Bridge to reach the medieval ruins of Neurathen Castle. Enjoy the Pravcicka Gate during the season pictured in Narnia. Hot beverages and a lunch in a local restaurant (included) will help you regain all your energy (10-hour 7-kilometer moderate hike).

Discover the beauty of the National Park Saxon Switzerland and cruise along the Elbe on a half-day boat trip. Travel in a traditional paddle steamer, as you savor the most beautiful scenes of the Elbe Valley.  During the tour from Pirna to Bad Schandau and back you can admire the impressive bastion rocks in the Kurort Rathen. On this day trip, you will also see the gorgeous Pillnitz Castle and the historic city of Dresden. Also, see the natural theater of Felsenbühne Rathen, often described as the most beautiful natural theater in Europe, and the 250-meter tall Fortress in Königstein. This unique monument has a history that goes back more than 750 years.

Discover the beauty of Saxon Switzerland and the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. This day tour can take place in your own tour bus/rental car or with public transit from Dresden. When traveling by rental car or tour bus, tour the national park with a stop at the world-famous Bastei; when using public transit, travel with your tour guide to Rathen Station and hike your way to the Bastei. Let the romance of Saxon Switzerland with its otherworldly rock formation enchant you. Enjoy the beautiful view from the Bastei deep into the valley below. At the end of the day, head to Pillnitz to admire the Chinese-inspired fairytale palace and gardens and tour this summer residence of the Saxon kings and queens.