The Goethe Institute offered a weekend day excursion to one of the beautiful nature areas outside Dresden, near Bad Schandau, a resort, and near the Czech border. We hiked to the top of the fortress from the train station located at the river’s edge.

Water was pumped up to the fortress and it was a fully functioning camp during the early 18th century. Until recently, it was used as a prison.

Photos are taken from the top of the Konigstein Fortress:

1. Breathtaking views of the Elbe River below.
2. Butte on the other side of the river
3. View of the town below where the train station and start of climb is located.

For additional Reading, refer to:

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Festung_Königstein