Art and culture in Saxon Switzerland

Since the discovery of the Elbsandsteingebirge (Elbe Sandstone Mountains) by Adrian Zingg and his Swiss friends, whose naming -Saechsiche Schweiz- (Saxon Switzerland) is traceable since 1790, the region is closely connected with art and culture. A multiplicity of etchings, drawings and paintings inspired the people with this unique landscape over centuries. Also musicians let themselves inspire by the wild romantic nature. It was Carl Maria von Weber who composed his romantic opera -Der Freischuetz- here.

The Felsenbuehne Rathen (Rathens Mountain Theatre) - Europes most beautiful natural theatre offers annually from May to October performances of operas, spectacles, concerts and plays of Karl May in a unique natural scenery of sandstone rocks. www.felsenbuehne-rathen.de

The music festival -Sandstone & Music- enthuse music lovers in 2007 and for 15 years now. From March to December, well-known artists make music under the direction of Ludwig Guettler in churches, palaces and also Open Airs in the quarry in many places of the Saxon Switzerland, the Bohemian Switzerland and the Eastern Ore Mountains. www.sandstein-musik.de