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.
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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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![Elbe Panorama from Bastei](/content/photography/mountains-and-nature/019-germany-saxon-switzerland-2010/thumbs/Germany-Saxon-Switzerland_050_07 Saxonian Switzerland Panorama 17mm.jpg)
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
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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