What to do in Rathen

Activities, attractions and tours

Saxon Switzerland National Park Germany - Bastei rocks
Saxon Switzerland National Park Germany - Bastei rocks
view at the famous bastei hills
aerial view of rural village rathen in the elbe sandstone mountains in east germany with the river elbe from the bastei area
That's the view from the famous Bastei bridge into the landscape of so called Saxony Switzerland

Rathen Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Rathen has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Rathen, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to Rathen with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in Rathen

Rathen is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Rathen, and make it a breeze to explore Rathen and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Rathen to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to Rathen, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in Rathen.

Rathen attractions

Rathen has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in Rathen to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Rathen.

Looking for things to do in Rathen can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of Rathen or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Rathen attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

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Top places to visit

1. Saxon Switzerland National Park

Immense forests sweep across the scenic rocky terrain of the Saxon Switzerland National Park (Nationalpark Sächsische Schweiz). With its highest peak reaching around 1,824 feet (556 meters) above sea level, the picturesque reserve contains a breathtaking landscape of mountains and canyons. Trek through undulating meadows to encounter quaint villages, fields, sandstone mountains and the Elbe River.
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Saxon Switzerland National Park featuring a river or creek and views as well as a large group of people

2. Semper Opera House

Nearly two centuries of tumultuous history awaits at Dresden’s stunning opera house. The Semper Opera House is a palatial building perched on the banks of the Elbe River and is home to the Saxon State Orchestra and the Semperoper ballet. Admire its diverse architecture, which comprises elements of a number of periods. Book tickets to take in a musical event inside.
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Semper Opera House showing a statue or sculpture and heritage elements

3. Church of Our Lady

Despite dating back to the 18th century, Dresden’s iconic church remained a pile of rubble for half a century following the 1945 bombing of Dresden. Today, following a long reconstructive period, the Church of Our Lady has been returned to its original state, and is considered one of the most important examples of Protestant sacred architecture in the region. Climb its arched dome or take in a concert within its cavernous nave.
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Church of Our Lady featuring interior views, a church or cathedral and religious aspects

4. Zwinger Palace

Among Dresden’s most recognizable buildings is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture. The Zwinger Palace dominates the northwestern boundary of Dresden’s Old Town, close to the Royal Palace and the opera house. Visit the Zwinger Palace to stroll through its decadent gardens and courtyards, to see a large collection of art and artifacts and to admire the opulent interior of the palace.
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Zwinger Palace which includes a statue or sculpture and château or palace

5. Old Market Square

Dresden is famous across the world for its Christmas Market, or Striezelmarkt, but the Old Market Square bustles year round. Mentioned for the first time in 1370, it was the heart of the city until its destruction in 1945. Today, after a brief time as a parking lot under the GDR, it has been reborn, hosting markets, sporting events, performances and more throughout the year. Come for a specific event or just wander by and see what’s on, a perfect way to experience the real Dresden.
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Old Market Square featuring a square or plaza and street scenes as well as a couple

What to do in Rathen

Popular places to visit

Felsenbühne

You can enjoy a show at Felsenbühne during your stay in Rathen. Experience the area's theatre scene and entertainment choices.

Felsenbühne

Felsenbuhne

You can make plans for a show at Felsenbuhne during your trip to Niederrathen. Take in the theatre scene and mountain views in the area.

Felsenbuhne

Eisenbahnwelten

Bring your family to Eisenbahnwelten and enjoy some excitement at this theme park in Rathen. Experience the area's theatre scene and entertainment choices.

Eisenbahnwelten

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Rathen

Bad Schandau featuring a river or creek, farmland and a small town or village

Bad Schandau

Panoramablick Nationalpark Sächsische Schweiz, Deutschland

Hohnstein

Beautiful landscape, panorama, banner - view of the Elbe river and Sandstone mountains in Saxon Switzerland National Park, Germany

Stadt Wehlen

Nice place ❤️

Lohmen

Frequently asked questions

Is Rathen worth visiting?
Rathen offers a unique mix of local charm, culture and attractions. Whether you're into nature, history or regional cuisine, there's plenty to enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Rathen?
Sonnenstein Castle and Prehistoric Park are two great places to kick-start your holiday adventures. Remember to check out the dining and shopping options in Rathen while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Rathen?
Don't go home without exploring Rathen Open Air Stage, rated the top tourist attraction in Rathen.
Is three days enough to stay in Rathen?
Three days in Rathen is enough to visit the city's main attractions. Many guests book for two days on average. Rathen Open Air Stage, Felsenbühne and Sonnenstein Castle are among the most popular sights. Like to see more? Stick around a bit longer to visit nearby hotspots such as Dresden.
Is Rathen a walkable city?
With popular neighbourhoods and leading attractions within walking distance of the city centre, Rathen is a great place to experience on foot. Enjoy wandering between Rathen Open Air Stage and Felsenbühne. Then take a stroll through Niederrathen, located 0.16 kms (0.10 miles) from the centre, and Porschdorf, which is roughly 3 kms (2 miles) away.
What are some activities to do in Rathen with kids?
Deciding what to do in Rathen with kids has never been simpler. Whether you're holidaying with teenagers or little ones, there are many family-friendly activities to keep them happy here.

What to do in Rathen for adults?
Pirna-Sonnenstein Memorial and Bad Gottleuba-Berggiesshuebel Town Hall are just a couple of the things to do in Rathen. With lots of activities available, there's something here for everyone to experience.
Are there free things to do in Rathen?
One of the simplest ways to discover free things to do in Rathen is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider advice on exciting neighbourhoods, parks and other attractions you can experience without reaching into your pocket. Lilienstein is one spot that doesn't charge an entrance fee.