⛰️Day 3: Dresden💕

Day 3: Sandstone Wonders and Napoleon’s Shadow

Our morning began on a sweet note with pastries from a beloved local bakery near Nico and Sabine’s home in Dresden—flaky, buttery, and just the right amount of lemony cream cheese filling. Fueled and ready, we set off on a scenic drive through the rolling hills of Saxony, heading toward one of Germany’s most iconic natural landmarks: the Bastei Bridge in Saxon Switzerland National Park.

The drive itself was a treat—winding roads, sleepy villages, and lush countryside unfolding around every bend. Once we arrived, we embarked on a 9-mile hike through dense forest and towering sandstone formations. The Bastei, whose name means “bastion,” rises nearly 200 meters above the Elbe River and has captivated visitors for centuries. The original wooden bridge connecting the jagged rock spires was built in 1824, but the current sandstone structure—completed in 1851—still stands as a marvel of 19th-century engineering. The views from the bridge and surrounding cliffs were nothing short of breathtaking. As we lingered above the Elbe, we watched groups tubing down the river and small ferries gliding below, adding a vibrant, summery atmosphere to the dramatic landscape.

By the time we returned to Dresden around 4:00 p.m., we were ready for a bit of rest. Later, we ventured out for dinner—Asian takeout was the choice of the evening—but not before Nico gave us a mini historical tour of his neighborhood. One of the highlights was a lookout point high above the city, once used by Napoleon himself during the Battle of Dresden in 1813. Though modern trees and structures now soften the vista, knowing that Napoleon once stood there, orchestrating the last of his victories on German soil, gave the spot a stirring sense of presence.

Back at Nico and Sabine’s, we enjoyed our picnic-style dinner in their garden, surrounded by laughter, conversation, and the warm glow of twilight. One of the joys of the evening was watching Nico and Sebastian get deep into NBA talk (Nico dressed in his beloved Timberwolves jersey)—debating trades, playoff dreams, and especially bonding over the Timberwolves.

Their children, Lucas and Sophie, were delighted with the gifts we brought—seeing their eyes light up was a moment we’ll all remember. We lingered around the table in the garden, swapping stories and catching up late into the evening.

It was another memorable day in Dresden, made even more special by reconnecting with old friends. Tomorrow, we cross into the Czech Republic to visit Karlovy Vary—a place Lisa and I pedaled into back in 2022. The adventure continues.Read more