Otto-Beyer-Schlucht

Useful Information

Location:	(50.9640621, 14.0528098)
Open:	15-AUG to DEC no restrictions. [2026]
Fee:	free. [2026]
Classification:	Gorge
Light:	n/a
Dimension:
Guided tours:	self guided
Photography:	allowed
Accessibility:	no
Bibliography:
Address:	Otto-Beyer-Schlucht, Tel: +49-.
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then. Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

1922	The mountaineering club names the gorge the “Otto-Beyer-Schlucht” and has a monument with the name inscribed on it erected in the rock face.

Description

The Otto-Beyer-Schlucht (Otto Beyer Gorge) is one of many very similar gorges in the sandstone cliffs of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. You can reach it via the Tümpelgrundweg from the North Ferry Landing in the spa town of Rathen, a circular hike of about 6.5 km with an elevation gain of approximately 325 m. You should plan for about 4 hours of walking time. However, there is no specific trail leading directly to this gorge; the Bastei is crisscrossed with hiking trails, and you can find various route suggestions on relevant websites. We recommend planning a full day and visiting the various other sights such as Tiedgestein, Neurathen Rock Castle, Hermannhöhle, Vehmhöhle, and of course the Bastion. Please note that the Tümpelgrund and the Otto Beyer Gorge are closed from January to mid-August for bird conservation. The endangered black stork nests here. However, this does not apply to the other parts of the rock massif.

In total, there are four large gorges west of the Bastei: first the Pferdegrund, then the Hirschgrund, the Griesgrund, and finally the Tümpelgrund. These are known as the Vier Stillen Gründen (Four Silent Gorges). The Otto-Beyer-Schlucht is the rear section of the Tümpelgrund. It was named after Franz Otto Beyer (*1856–✝1922), a teacher and geologist who served as director of teacher training colleges in Pirna and Dresden-Plauen. He conducted research in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains, including studies on honeycomb formation and the weathering of Elbe Sandstone involving alum salt and gypsum. After his death on New Year’s Day 1922, the mountain club named the gorge the “Otto-Beyer-Schlucht” and had a monument with his name inscribed on the rock face erected that same year.