The hiking rest stop at Amselsee probably won't open until 2028

The hiking rest stop at Amselsee in Saxon Switzerland National Park, which was severely damaged during a summer storm, will likely not reopen until 2028. According to an expert report, a fallen tree cracked the foundation, says operator Verena Leister in a video on Instagram. As a result, the hut must be demolished and completely rebuilt. The cost is estimated at 195,000 euros.

In late July, a violent thunderstorm and gale struck the Amselgrund area near the famous Bastei rock formation, toppling many trees. A man was killed by a falling tree at the time, and others were injured. Not only were numerous hiking trails in the nature park subsequently closed, but the popular hiking rest stop—which includes a boat rental—and the Rathen rock theater also sustained significant damage. 

The national park has now reopened additional hiking trails. According to a press release, the areas have been cleared and the trails—including the railings—have been repaired, so that the Amselsee Trail and the Füllhölzel Trail can be used again. Hikers can now walk continuously past the Felsenbühne ticket office through the Schwedenlöcher to the Bastei.

However, according to the information provided, other trails and paths remain closed due to pending repairs. This includes, for example, the Pionierweg and Knotenweg, including the connection to the Füllhölzelweg. “Many climbing routes are also not yet accessible again,” according to the national park administration. Work is still ongoing at Amselsee itself. The lake is being drained so it can be cleared.