A riverside beer garden and restaurant at the Elbe ferry crossing in Rathen, the starting point for hikes up to the Bastei, serving simple German dishes with views of the ferry and sandstone cliffs.
Fährgarten Rathen sits directly beside the small passenger ferry crossing on the Elbe in Rathen, the village most hikers use as a starting point for the roughly 40-minute uphill walk to the Bastei bridge. The beer garden's riverside tables give a direct view of the ferry shuttling passengers across the river and of the sandstone cliffs rising on the opposite bank, making it a pleasant spot for a pre- or post-hike meal.
The menu is simple and inexpensive by design, sausages, sandwiches, and basic German dishes, aimed at hikers looking to refuel rather than diners seeking a destination meal. Operating seasonally in line with the main hiking season, the beer garden's outdoor tables fill quickly on sunny weekends, when Rathen sees heavy foot traffic from both the Bastei hike and boat tours further up the Elbe.
| Price | € |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily 10:00-20:00 (seasonal, roughly Apr-Oct) |
| Reservations | Not required |
| Address | Fährstraße 1, 01824 Kurort Rathen |
Weather through the year in Germany
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Germany.
Location
Fährstraße 1, 01824 Kurort Rathen
Highlights
- Riverside seating directly beside the Elbe passenger ferry crossing
- Starting point for the hike up to the Bastei bridge
- Simple, inexpensive hiker-friendly menu
- Views of the sandstone cliffs across the Elbe
- Seasonal beer garden atmosphere
Tips for visiting
- Have a meal here before or after the Elbe ferry crossing and the hike up to the Bastei
- The riverside seating is a good spot to watch the small passenger ferry cross the Elbe
When to visit
Midday before or after the Bastei hike, spring through autumn
Accessibility
The riverside terrace is level and step-free from the ferry landing.
Frequently asked questions
Is this a good stop before hiking to the Bastei?
Yes, it sits right at the ferry crossing that begins the roughly 40-minute uphill hike to the Bastei bridge.
Is the beer garden open year-round?
No, it operates seasonally, roughly April through October, in line with the main hiking season.
Is the menu extensive?
No, it is intentionally simple — sausages, sandwiches, and basic German dishes suited to refueling before or after a hike.