How to Visit Rakotz Bridge from Dresden by Public Transport

About Rakotz Bridge

The Rakotz Bridge is famous for its unusual arch shape. When the reflection of the bridge appears in the water of the lake, it forms a nearly perfect circle.The bridge is located in the beautiful Kromlau Park near the town of Weißwasser in northeastern Saxony, close to the borders of Brandenburg and Poland. The name “Rakotz” comes from the Sorbian language and means “devil”. The Sorbs are a Slavic minority living in eastern Germany.

Rakotzbrücke stone bridge in Germany photographed in winter with ice instead of reflection, Credits: kanpoan.net

Travel from Dresden to Weißwasser

The fastest train connection from Dresden to Weißwasser is a combination of regional trains.
The typical route is:

• Regional train from Dresden to Görlitz
• Change trains in Görlitz
• Regional train RB65 from Görlitz to Weißwasser

The journey takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes. Trains usually run every two hours. There are also alternative connections that take about 30 minutes longer.Tickets can be purchased on the website of Deutsche Bahn. After purchase, the ticket is sent as a PDF by email. Payment is possible with credit card or PayPal.

Buying Tickets at the Station

At the train station there are ticket machines where tickets can also be purchased. The machines offer an English user interface.

Payment options include:

• Cash
• Debit card
• Credit card
• Mobile payment

In Dresden Hauptbahnhof and Dresden-Neustadt there is also a travel center (Reisezentrum) where tickets can be purchased in person.

On the Train

Board a train heading towards Görlitz at one of the stations in Dresden such as:

• Dresden Hauptbahnhof
• Dresden Mitte
• Dresden-Neustadt

The regional trains usually offer:

• USB ports for charging electronic devices
• Free WiFi
• Displays showing the next stations

Changing Trains in Görlitz

In Görlitz you need to change to the regional train RB65 towards Weißwasser. Changing trains is straightforward. There are electronic displays at the platforms showing the departure tracks and train destinations.
Tip: The departure platforms are usually shown in advance on the Deutsche Bahn website or app.

The journey from Görlitz to Weißwasser takes about 40 minutes. Inside the train there are displays showing the next station. Power outlets are available at some seats and free WiFi is usually provided.

From Weißwasser to Kromlau

After arriving at Weißwasser station, follow the signs towards the city center ("Stadtzentrum"). At the bus stop “Weißwasser Stadtzentrum” take bus line 78 towards “Schleife”. Tickets can be purchased directly inside the bus at a payment terminal. Payment is possible with: Cash, Card, Mobile payment. The bus ride takes about 20 minutes. There are displays inside the bus showing the next stops.

Get off at the stop Gablenz Waldrand

Short Walk to Rakotz Bridge

From the bus stop follow the road along the bicycle path. Please be careful because many cyclists use this path. After about 5 minutes you will reach a small bridge. Cross the road carefully and continue walking towards the lake.

path to Rakotz Bridge, Credits: kanpoan.net

Soon you will see the famous Rakotz Bridge. Please respect the rules of the park and follow the instructions of the park operators!

Can you still walk on Rakotz Bridge?

For good reason, entering the bridge is prohibited. The bridge is fenced off, so it is not possible to enter it. This is a good thing, as the bridge is meant to bring joy to as many people as possible for as long as possible.
Please also observe the park operator’s rules, which are posted on-site.

Facilities at the Park

Near the parking area there is a public toilet. The toilet can be used between 9:00 and 19:00 and costs about 1 € in coins.

Return Journey

When planning your return trip, keep in mind that the bus back to Weißwasser only runs every two hours. You can take bus line 78 from Kromlau back to Weißwasser station. The bus stops directly at the train station. From there you can take a train back to Dresden.

It is also possible to walk to return.