Bastei Bridge, Saxon Switzerland

A stone bridge built in 1851 linking towering sandstone pillars 194 m above the River Elbe, in Saxon Switzerland National Park. The viewpoints look out over strange rock towers and the winding river, scenery that inspired painters such as Caspar David Friedrich.

You can drive close to the Bastei, or walk up from the spa town of Kurort Rathen on the river (about 30 minutes). The Malerweg ('Painters' Way') is a famous multi-day walking route through the park. It's about 40 minutes from Dresden by S-Bahn.