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If you’re planning a trip to Berlin, then I highly recommend taking a day trip to Rakotzbrücke, Germany’s fairytale Devil’s Bridge!
If you’re dreaming of stepping into a real-life fairytale, a visit to Rakotzbrücke should be at the top of your Germany itinerary! Known worldwide as the Devil’s Bridge, this perfectly arched stone masterpiece is tucked away in Kromlau Park in Saxony. When its reflection meets the still waters below, the bridge forms an enchanting circle that has made it one of the most photographed landmarks in Germany. A trip to Rakotzbrücke – Germany’s famous Devil’s Bridge – is a magical escape into history, myth, and natural beauty.
This guide will show you exactly how to visit Rakotzbrücke as an easy day trip from Berlin, complete with a hiking route that lets you explore the Azalea and Rhododendron Park in Kromlau, where the bridge is located. Along the route, I’ll include nearby gems such as the UNESCO-listed Schloss Muskau, another highlight of Saxony worth adding to your journey.
Whether you know it as the Kromlau Bridge, the circle bridge in Germany, or simply as the Rakotz Bridge, this hidden treasure promises an unforgettable experience. In this post, I’ll share the best ways to get there, tips for timing your visit, and nearby attractions to make the most of the surrounding landscapes.
If you are a photographer like me, then a visit to Rakotzbrücke is a must if you’re in the area. That being said, I honestly think this place deserves a spot on everyone’s itinerary.
This post is all about Rakotzbrücke: Germany’s famous Devil’s Bridge
FAQs about visiting Rakotzbrücke
Is Rakotzbrücke also known as the Devil’s Bridge?
Yes, Rakotzbrücke is famously known as the Devil’s Bridge in Germany. Located in Kromlau Park in Saxony, this fairytale stone arch was built in the 19th century and has become one of the most photographed bridges in Europe. Its nickname, “Devil’s Bridge,” comes from legends suggesting only the devil could have created such a perfect circle when reflected in the water.
What does Rakotz mean in German?
The name Rakotz comes from the nearby Rakotzsee, the small lake over which the bridge stretches. In German, “Rakotz” doesn’t have a direct translation, but it refers to this specific place in Kromlau. Combined with “Brücke,” meaning “bridge,” the name Rakotzbrücke literally means “Bridge of the Rakotz.
How much did it cost to build the Rakotz bridge?
The construction of Rakotzbrücke started around 1860 and was funded by a local knight named Friedrich Hermann Rötschke. While exact figures on how much it cost to build the Devil’s Bridge are hard to find, records have stated that it cost “50 thousand coins and one human life.” Today you can find a memorial plate set up by the bridge to commemorate the local worker.
How to get to Rakotzbrücke (Devil’s Bridge)
By car:
Rakotsbrücke is located roughly 162 km from Berlin. If you have a car, then you can easily visit the area as a day trip, as it takes 2 hours to drive here. There is a parking lot located close to Rakotzbrücke; you can find the exact location here. The machine here only takes coins, and while it shouldn’t be expensive, make sure to have at least 5 euros with you just in case. This is a fairly remote area, and prices are subject to change, so it’s best to be prepared 😅. As far as I know, it should cost 3 euros for 2 hours!
If you are visiting Berlin without a car and would like to rent one for day trips, then I highly recommend checking out SunnyCars, which I have been using for years! They offer competitive prices and all-inclusive insurance, as well as perks such as free cancellation and unlimited mileage.
By public transport:
Getting to Rakotzbrücke by public transport is a little more complicated, but still doable! I will say that if you decide to visit by public transport, it will likely take closer to 3-4 hours to get here. Therefore, I would recommend considering staying overnight to avoid stress about time. Below is the exact route I would recommend.
Start by taking the train from Berlin Ostbahnhof to Cottbus Hauptbahnhof (RE 2). It should take roughly 1 hour and 20 minutes. Then switch to the RB65 towards Zittau, Bahnhof, getting off at Weißwasser (Oberlausitz). The train runs roughly every hour, and this part of the journey takes 32 minutes. Once at Weißwasser Bahnhof, take bus 78 to Schleife Bahnhof and get off at Kromlau (11 minutes). From here, it takes 10 minutes to walk to the park where Rakotzbrücke is located.
Where to stay when visiting Devil’s Bridge
Since I recommend visiting as a day trip from Berlin, the best option is to stay in the city. I imagine most visitors will add this spot to their general Berlin itinerary, so where you stay in the city will likely depend on the attractions you want to see there. That being said, below are some of my recommendations for places to stay in Berlin!
Best mid-range hotel: Hotel ZOE by AMANO
Best luxury hotel: JW Marriott Hotel Berlin
Guide to visiting Rakotzbrücke
Visiting Rakotzbrücke (Devil’s Bridge) is fairly easy, as the bridge is located on Rakotzsee, a small lake close to Kromlau. The Devil’s Bridge is famous for the perfect circle created by its reflection in the water. You should be able to see the reflection all day long since the water here is fairly calm. That being said, for the best chance of a perfect reflection, I recommend coming on a sunny day with low winds. In addition, the best viewpoint of the bridge is from here, but you can find lots of cool angles all around the small lake!
One thing to note about this picture-perfect spot in Germany is that you might be disappointed if you drive 2 hours from Berlin just to take a photo of the Kromlau bridge. This is not to say it’s not stunning, but at the end of the day, it’s a bridge in a forest. While I totally think it’s worth visiting, I do recommend doing a few things in the area to make the most out of your time here!
Rakotzbrücke is located right next to a Rhododendronpark, which typically blooms from mid-April to June. If you are visiting during this time, make sure to explore the park and all of the beautiful flowers! We visited in autumn, which I think is one of the most special times of year to visit Rakotzbrücke. Nothing is more cozy than walking on crisp yellow leaves and enjoying the special autumn colors. No matter when you visit, I highly recommend going for a stroll in the park here!
Schloss Muskau
Near Rakotzbrücke, there is a beautiful castle just a 10-minute drive away! Schloss Muskau is located right by the Polish border, and is a must-see when in the area. The pink castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the garden actually stretches across the border into Poland. Like most castles in Germany, it is completely free to wander the castle gardens, which are just beautiful. The castle is located on a lake and boasts some of the most impressive architecture that I have ever seen!
The park is around 1700 acres in size, which means that you could easily spend a whole day just exploring the area! I absolutely loved wandering around here and enjoying the beautiful autumn colors. The castle is located right by the village of Muskau, so you can easily find parking around the village. I would recommend setting your GPS for this parking lot, and if it’s full, then just drive around until you find a spot. If you’re interested in visiting the interior of the castle, then you can find information regarding opening hours and entrance fees here.
Nearby attractions when visiting Devil’s Bridge
While Rakotzbrücke is located in a bit of a remote area in northern Germany, there are lots of cool attractions 1-2 hours away! In case you would like to extend your trip in the area, I have compiled a list of some other spots in Saxony and the general area to consider stopping by as well. Some of these attractions are worthy of a longer stop in themselves. If you are doing a road trip or are open to a little weekend getaway, then you could stop by Rakotzbrücke and Schloss Muskau as a small detour on the way to popular attractions like Dresden and Saxon Switzerland National Park.
1. Spreewald Biosphere
One of my favorite hidden gems in Germany is the Spreewald Biosphere Reserve, which is located just under an hour from Rakotzbrücke. This area is like a natural version of Venice, with small canals running through the villages located here. The best thing to do here is either take a guided canal tour or rent a kayak to explore by yourself. In addition, the town of Lübbenau is a must-see when in the area! For a full guide on things to do in Spreewald and information on how to visit, check out the blog post below.
Read More: Things to do in Spreewald.
2. Dresden
Located slightly farther away, roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes from Rakotzbrücke, Dresden is another amazing attraction in the area. As the capital of the Saxony region, Dresden is one of the most beautiful cities in all of Europe. While it was almost completely destroyed in World War II, the old town has been rebuilt exactly as it used to look, filled with incredible baroque architecture. The city in itself is well worth a weekend trip, and there are nearby castles and wineries that you should check out when visiting. For a full list of my top recommended things to do in Dresden, check out my blog post below!
Read More: Ultimate guide for visiting Dresden.
3. Saxon Switzerland National Park
If you love exploring beautiful nature spots, then I highly recommend exploring Saxon Switzerland National Park, located 1 and a half hours away from Rakotzbrücke! This national park is filled with absolutely incredible hikes, filled with dramatic rock formations that almost don’t feel real. One of the most popular spots here is Basteibrücke, which should be on everyone’s Germany itinerary! I honestly can’t recommend a weekend trip here enough, and I have linked my weekend guide for you below to explore.
Read More: How to spend a weekend in Saxon Switzerland National Park.
That concludes my guide for visiting Rakotzbrücke (Devil’s Bridge). If you are coming to Berlin, then I really hope you decide to take the time to explore this spot. Personally, I think it’s much more than just a pretty photo. I also love that it can be combined with so many other beautiful attractions. I am a big believer in getting out of the capital city when exploring a new country. When it comes to Berlin, I think the Devil’s Bridge in Kromlau, as well as Muskau Palace, make for the perfect day trip city escape. I can assure you that you will be surrounded by locals rather than tourists.
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