We are standing on a steep wall that is more than 200 meters high and 1,200 meters long, oriented towards the southwest. It was formed 270 million years ago through volcanism. Its red coloration, which becomes particularly visible in the evening sun, has given it its name. The Bastei is a nearly vertical rock formation that is 170 meters high. The Rotenfels massif is considered the highest steep wall between the Alps and Scandinavia. The challenging climbing area is managed by the German Alpine Club. Since 1939 a nature reserve, it provides a habitat for birds of prey (peregrine falcons). Due to its southern location, there is a dry-warm climate. Therefore, one can also find representatives of the southern European animal and plant world, such as the rock maple, the rock cherry, mountain rock cress, or the kitchen bellflower, as well as emerald and wall lizards and smooth snakes.
