Dresden & the Elbe Valley - October 2011

Germany is the 26th nation that I have visited! This is according to my twin brother's rules (i.e. that the UK is one nation - under United Nations rules - and not 4 countries in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland). 26 does not sound like a bad number, although compared to my brother's 61 it seems rather paltry!

In any case, my visit to Germany in October 2011 added a new nation to my list of countries visited. Many might seem surprised that in going to Germany I chose Dresden as my destination, rather than Berlin or Munich. There was one reason for my choice and that thing is the Bastei!

Translated as "bastion" in English, the Bastei is a natural phenomenon; an area of pinnacles of rock rising above the River Elbe, just east/south-east of Dresden and close to the border with the Czech Republic. A beautiful book I own lists it as one of the must-see natural wonders of the world. Of course, it is not officially classified as a Natural Wonder of the World and my book includes 501 such places, but its still worth a visit.

The day I visited the Bastei the weather was not kind. However, waterproof clothing spared me the worst of the elements and I made the best of it. Indeed, some of the swirling mist added a mysterious atmospheric deminsion to my visit, even if it did not add to my photos.

The ares is dominated by the Basteibrucke or Bastion Bridge. In years gone by this was made of wood an suspended high above the valley floor between the pinnacles of rock as the photo below atests. Now the bridge is made or brick and rock and is a secure and permanent thoroughfare for the many tourists that visit.

There are also other raised metal walkways between other pinnacles of rock. These give excellent views of the area, provided you can stomach the heights, which I am grateful to say have never been a problem for me.

I'm glad I visited this natural wonder. It is worth the trip. Of course, it would have been better if the weather was improved and if there had been fewer tour groups, but if you get there early you can have the place almost to yourself.

My trip also encompassed time spent in the city of Dresden too. This is a city that was largely destroyed during the Second World War, but in re-building it they have turned its heart into a small yet welcoming city. Some of the architecture is splendid and at night looks particularly impressive when lit up (see below). There are also the typical pubs and cafes on cobbled streets, which make the centre a pleasant way to while away an afternoon or evening. Walks along the River Elbe are also pleasant.

All in all, Dresden is a rather under-rated city. It is not massive, so does not require a long stay, but it is worth a visit, not least for the natural beauty nearby.