Sächsische Schweiz (Saxon Switzerland, Germany) 2010.

This is an area of the Saxony state, famous for its sandstone mountains along river Elbe. These stone formations appear in Czech Republic, and continue along Elbe valley almost until Dresden in Germany. Sandstone base rock formed under the sea during Cretaceous epoch (roughly 90 million years ago) by fluvial deposition. This sea later retreated and these sediments were affected by tectonic forces and erosion. What we see toady is the result of millions of years of work that rivers and streams have done.

If you have read Tolkien's "Hobbit", you may remember some dark, damp forests that his characters had to go through. Odd shapes of stone formations in Saxon Switzerland often resemble giants or other ancient creatures, many times I have recalled Bilbo's trolls while walking through this place. Stone formation Bastei and its stone bridge that rise above river Elbe also look like they're out of a fantasy book.

Photographs are from May 2010.

Forest of the Saxon Switzerland (VR)

Forest of the Saxon Switzerland (VR)

The air is very humid here, everything is covered in moss.


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Climbing through Saxon Switzerland (VR)

Climbing through Saxon Switzerland (VR)

This couloir is an attractive access route to upper levels. Trail then follows the cliff edges and you can observe the formations from above.


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Trails of the Saxon Switzerland

Trails of the Saxon Switzerland

Trails of the Saxon Switzerland (VR)

Trails of the Saxon Switzerland (VR)


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Forest of the Saxon Switzerland (VR)

Forest of the Saxon Switzerland (VR)


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Elbe Panorama from Bastei

Elbe Panorama from Bastei

Bastei is a prominent stone formation above the river Elbe. It was inhabited from centuries ago, as it offered excellent natural protection against invaders.


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Bastei Stone Bridge

Bastei Stone Bridge

The first wooden bridge was built at around 1826. In 1851. it was replaced by this stone bridge, which is still in use today. Many smaller iron and wooden bridges have been built later, so now you can access almost all of the natural sandstone pillars.


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Bastei Stone Bridge (VR)

Bastei Stone Bridge (VR)

Bastei Stone Bridge View

Bastei Stone Bridge View