Amselgrundschlösschen

Visitors to the Bastei bridge have options to approach by walking. The Amselgrundschloesschen is located at the bottom of the stairway up to the viewpoint. But it is also the starting point for a number of other Great Walks within the western part of the Nationalpark Sächsische Schweiz (Saxon Switzerland National Park). The Bastei Hotel is at the top of the bridge, and may be a better option for people who want to see the overlook, but would not be able to handle all the stair climbing. The Amselgrundschloesschen breakfast buffet was exceptional, and one of the nicer ones on the trip. I have come to expect fresh bread, meats, cheeses, fruits, and cereals on my trips in continental Europe. This one did not disappoint. It is a good way to fortify before handling the uphill climbs from the valley. Getting to the Niederrathen from west side of the Elbe is made easy by the ferry from Oberrathen. If you want to park a car at the hotel, then you must use the street that turns off the road between Rathmannsdorf and Hohnstein. The other roads shown on maps are only walking trails. Google and Apple maps do not do a good job of deciding on a driving trail, they will only show you must walk a certain number of kilometers after other driving points. If you are approaching from the West (Dresden) the crossings of the Elbe are at Pirna and Bad Schandau, making the drive into Niederrathen about 40 minutes longer than coming from Oberrathen. The hotel parking is actually the closest in parking in Niederrathen. Other parking is further outside the town for visitors bringing bikes or walking in on the Niederrathen side. You will get a separate entry ticket / parking pass to display in your car window while visiting. We had a nice outside deck on our room. The town becomes very quiet at night. I would gladly stay here again!

There is a large carpark which guests can park for free. The property has an elevator but from the carpark there’s a flight of stairs. We arrived early but the room was ready. That room was spacious and I believe was designed for older folks and the handicapped. The bathroom had no barrier and even had a fold down seat. The room was clean and even the sofa bed was comfortable. However there was no kettle, coffee nor tea and no fridge. The restaurant served good food although there was just a limited choice. The service was slow though with just a couple of staff. I waited so long for dessert that I decided to cancel the order as I was sleepy. Wifi was patchy. The property was just facing the start of the trail to Bastei Bridge. Breakfast has variety and good. Overall we enjoyed the stay.