Saxon Switzerland (Germany) by PirateOfMangrove on DeviantArt (original) (raw)

Known for its amazing sandstone rock formations and cream cakes, Saxon Switzerland has been a national nature park since 1990. Its name is said to date back to the visit of Adrian Zingg and Anton Graff in the 18th century. These two Swiss artists were struck by the resemblance to the Jura. These same landscapes also inspired Romantic artists such as the painter Ludwig Richter and the composer Carl Maria von Weber.

Crossed by the Elbe, Saxon Switzerland is home to several strongholds built to protect the trade routes that used the Elbe Valley, such as Königstein Fortress and Hohnstein Castle. Some of these castles later became dens of bandits.

The region is also famous for rock climbing on the high cliffs and sandstone needles.