Saxon Switzerland and the Elbe

Route description

Start in Meissen, where the Albrechtsburg castle and the Gothic cathedral stand on a rock above the Elbe and the porcelain manufactory has run since the early 18th century. From here the B6 follows the river upstream through vineyards to Dresden, about 25 km away.

In Dresden the rebuilt Frauenkirche, the Zwinger and the Semperoper sit within walking distance of each other, and the Brühl Terrace gives a long view along the river. Leave the car in a car park outside the old town rather than looking for space in the centre.

Head south-east past Pirna and climb on minor roads through Lohmen towards the Bastei, where the landscape suddenly turns into sandstone towers and wooded gorges. The Basteibrücke crosses between the rocks high above the Elbe; the car park near the bridge fills early in summer and at weekends, so arrive in the morning.

Finish at Königstein Fortress, a walled plateau on a table mountain with a well cut deep into the rock and wide views over the Elbe valley. Spring and autumn are the best seasons, and the rock paths are uneven, so bring proper shoes.