2 Best Sights in Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia, Germany

The Bastei is one of the most famous landmarks in Germany's national park system, offering stunning panoramic views over the Elbe River and surrounding sandstone formations. Towering roughly 540 feet above the river, the rock formation has been a popular destination for centuries. Its main highlight is the Bastei Bridge, a stone structure that connects the jagged cliffs, providing an unforgettable viewpoint. Initially, in 1824, a wooden bridge was constructed to connect the steep sandstone formations, allowing visitors to more easily explore the breathtaking heights. As the area’s popularity grew, attracting more tourists drawn by the dramatic landscape and views over the Elbe River, the wooden structure was replaced.

In 1851, the current stone bridge was built, designed to be more durable and capable of withstanding the elements. The bridge stretches 250 feet and seamlessly blends into the surrounding rocks, providing a sturdy and iconic pathway for travelers while preserving the natural beauty of the area. A shuttle bus runs from the first (most distance) parking lot to the bridge.

Behind the predominantly neo-Gothic Rathaus, Erfurt's most outstanding attraction spans the Gera River. This medieval bridge, comparable to the Ponte Vecchio in Florence, is the longest of its kind in Europe and the only completely preserved and inhabited bridge of that era. Built in 1325 and restored in 1967–73, the bridge served for centuries as an important trading center. Today antiques shops, bistros, and more fill the majority of the timber-frame houses built into the bridge, some dating from the 16th century. The city is determined to keep the bridge as a site for traditional handicrafts, so look for the marionette maker and the pigment merchant. The bridge comes alive on the third weekend of June for the Krämerbrückenfest.