Sandstone cliffs with sea-of-fog mornings; Bastei vicinity.
The scouted ones
Kleine Bastei Viewpoint
50.96° N · 14.07° E
Kuhstall Rock Window
50.91° N · 14.23° E
Pravčická Brána Stone Arch
50.88° N · 14.28° E
Saxon Sandstone Glow
This iconic view is found in the Bastei area of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains (Sächsische Schweiz) in Germany. While sunrise offers cleaner light on the rocks, sunset (as shown here) provides dramatic atmospheric haze and backlighting. The area is easily accessible via a parking lot nearby or a hike up from the town of Rathen, but it is heavily trafficked; arrive very early or stay late to avoid the tour bus crowds. A focal length between 24mm and 50mm works best to balance the rock towers with the forest expanse. Be prepared to use a graduated ND filter or bracket your shots to handle the high dynamic range between the bright sky and the darker valley floor.
Schrammsteinaussicht Lookout
50.92° N · 14.19° E
Ready to shoot Saxon Switzerland?
Get a full photographer's itinerary with golden-hour times and spot-by-spot plans — built by PhotoScout in under a minute.