Bastei & Königstein

This morning was another early start. We were looking forward to fresh treats from the bakery, but discovered to our dismay that they were closed on Mondays (huh?). So we made do with leftovers and got out the house a little earlier so we could pop in at the bakery next to our bus stop. They were open so we got some sandwiches and some pastries for the road.

We met up with the gang at the train station and traveled to Bastei. Bastei was an absolute treat, towering rock formations surrounded by tall trees and almost 360 degree views. We had a nice easy walk through the formations and trees down to the Elbe river where we crossed by cable ferry to Rathen. From Rathen we caught a train to Königstein where we stopped for lunch before heading up the hill to the Königstein fortress. Unfortunately when we got there it started raining, which put a bit of a damper on scenic photography, but we made do with walking around between the inner building exhibitions and when there was a small gap in the rain we headed to the wall to grab some pictures. It’s really hard to describe the sheer size of the place and the views from up top. I can only recommend you take the opportunity to see both Bastei and Königstein if it presents itself (you need a day for both).

Tonight we pack for the trip back to Prague. We’ve got some options for city tours lined up and will see what falls into place when we get there.

To my horror I discovered tonight that the return train ticket from Germany to Prague is for the 5th and not the 3rd of September. Because the first leg has been used the ticket is non-refundable or exchangeable, so we will have to purchase new tickets. Scheiße!