Amselsee is a small artificial lake in the spa town of Rathen, tucked among the dramatic rock formations of Saxon Switzerland. It's the kind of spot where you can hop in a rowing boat and glide right beneath towering cliffs — an experience that stays with you long after the trip.

The lake stretches just about 540 metres, yet it's surrounded by striking rock towers, the most famous being the Lokomotive, a beloved climbing spot. In summer, rented boats drift across the water while a lakeside path winds through shaded woods beneath the cliffs. In autumn, the surrounding forest turns golden, and in winter the whole area takes on a quiet, dreamy stillness. It's a place that combines an intimate, relaxed atmosphere with the raw beauty of Saxon Switzerland's rock landscape.

How to get there

• From Rathen town centre — walk towards Amselgrund, approx. 15-20 minutes, easy trail
• From the Elbe ferry parking area — easy walk through the Amselgrund valley

Practical information

• Rowing boats can be rented directly at the lake
• The lakeside path is suitable for families with children
• Nature protection rules apply to climbing on the surrounding rock faces

Worth knowing: the lake was created in the 1930s by damming the Grünbach stream, and its construction sparked considerable controversy at the time between conservationists and tourism advocates — today, it's hard to imagine Rathen without this picturesque body of water.