This is part 7 of the series here on the German Blog, the GermanNationalparks, a series on the 16 National Parks of Germany. Last week, I wanted to make a post as well, but I was in Rome for a week and just couldn’t find the time.
Similar to the NationalparkHarz,Sächsische Schweiz(Saxon Switzerland) was established on October 1, 1990 as part of theNationalparkprogram of the formerGerman Democratic Republic (GDR) orDDR (Deutsche Demokratische Republik).It is part of theElbsandsteingebirge(Elbe sandstone mountains), which crosses the border into the Czech Republic, which is also protected. There, it is called theBöhmische Schweiz(Bohemian Switzerland).
But what about its name? Before, it was called “Meißner Hochland”. Why is it calledSächsische Schweiztoday?Sure, it is inBundesland Sachsen(Federal State Saxony), but theSchweiz(Switzerland) is far, far away. Well, the story goes that at the end of the 18th century, two artists from Switzerland who studied in Dresden looked out over this landscape, and were reminded of their home country. The term was popularized from there.
What is special about theNationalpark Sächsische Schweiz?
The typical view you will find in the Sächsische Schweiz (Image by Prazak at Commons.wikimedia.org under license CC BY 2.5)
Very clearly, the special feature of this park are theFelsen(rocks) everywhere. TheSächsische Schweizis the only park in Germany that hosts suchElbsandsteingebirge.And they are stunning!
You can climb on these rocks, and enjoy the stunning views!
Out of these thousands of rocks, the symbol of the Park is theLilienstein, a massive rock.
The Lilienstein viewed from the Gamrig (Image by Andreas Trepte, uploaded by Merops at Commons.wikimedia.org under license CC BY SA 3.0)
All these rocks do not make for a highGebirge(mountain range), though. TheLiliensteinis merely 415 m (1360 ft) high, for example. The highest peak of theElbsteingebirgereaches 723 m (2370 ft).
Affensteine (Image by Prazak at Commons.wikimedia.org under license CC BY 2.5)
Famous as well in theGebirgeare theAffensteine(“Monkey Rocks”), a chain of rocks like the one above. The name probably comes from the old German wordAufforUhu(eagle owl), that nestled itself in these rocks. Thus they were calledAufensteine, which later became the more easily pronouncedAffensteine. So nothing to do with monkeys!
Hi! I am Sten, both Dutch and German. For many years, I've written for the German and the Dutch blogs with a passion for everything related to language and culture. It's fascinating to reflect on my own culture, and in the process allow our readers to learn more about it! Besides blogging, I am a German-Dutch-English translator, animator and filmmaker.
评论:
Guide Ales:
Lovely. Recommend to visit also the National park Bohemian Switzerland. Guide Ales
alcazar:
When writing about the Sächsische Schweiz, you forgot one of the most important parts: the Bastei (and Basteibrücke)
And being in that area also visit the Königstein with its old fortress of same name
评论:
Guide Ales:
Lovely. Recommend to visit also the National park Bohemian Switzerland. Guide Ales
alcazar:
When writing about the Sächsische Schweiz, you forgot one of the most important parts: the Bastei (and Basteibrücke)
And being in that area also visit the Königstein with its old fortress of same name
Sten:
@alcazarHey!
Yeah, I did not write about the Basteibrücke, but I added a video about it: “Herbst auf der Bastei”, that shows it beautifully!