Saxon Switzerland and the Elbe
Meissen porcelain, Baroque Dresden, the Bastei bridge and Königstein Fortress.
- Distance
- 66 km (41 mi)
- Driving
- 0 h 55 min
- Suggested days
- 2
- Stops
- 4
- Countries
- Germany
- Updated
- June 27, 2026
At a glance: 2-day road trip of about 66 km (41 mi) with 4 stops, from Meissen to Königstein Fortress. About 0 h 55 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Germany
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.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Meissen
Germany - 228 km
Dresden
Germany - 332 km
Basteibrücke
ViewsLohmen, GermanyA sandstone bridge among rock towers in Saxon Switzerland, high above the Elbe.
- 46 km
Königstein Fortress
HistoryKönigstein, GermanyA fortress on a sandstone table mountain above the Elbe, with a deep well dug by hand.
Suggested stages and overnight stops
2 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Meissen → Dresden · 28 km · 0 h 23 minOvernight nearby, for example: Schaffer-Mobil (6 km); Camping am Bilzbad Radebeul (10 km).
- Day 2: Dresden → Königstein Fortress · 38 km · 0 h 31 minOn the way: Basteibrücke.Overnight nearby, for example: Camping Königstein (2 km); Caravanplatz zum Liliensteinblick (3 km).
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and October. Cold, short days in December–February. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Practical notes for the road
- Germany: No motorway tolls for cars. No general motorway speed limit (130 km/h advised) and no tolls for cars.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
FAQs
How long is Saxon Switzerland and the Elbe?
2-day road trip of about 66 km (41 mi) with 4 stops, from Meissen to Königstein Fortress. About 0 h 55 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Saxon Switzerland and the Elbe?
We suggest 2 days: about 0 h 55 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Saxon Switzerland and the Elbe start and end?
It starts in Meissen and ends in Königstein Fortress.
Which countries does Saxon Switzerland and the Elbe pass through?
Germany.
Where can you camp along Saxon Switzerland and the Elbe?
OpenStreetMap lists 97 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Rehbocktal, Am Badesee Coswig-Kötitz and Camping am Bilzbad Radebeul.
When is the best time for Saxon Switzerland and the Elbe?
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
