Ferdinand's Homestay

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Ferdinand's Homestay in Konigstein is a great place to stay. It is nestled in a far corner away from most human and car traffic right by the Elbe River. Konigstein is about a 45 minute ride from Dresden main station on the S-Bahn going towards Schona. The cost is only 5.60euros one way. Konigstein is right by the River Elbe and Ferdinand's Homestay is on the other side of the river. There is a ferry crossing which cost about 70 cents and 1.50 cents return. Once across the river by the ferry , you than have to walk 3km until the end of the road to reach Ferdinand's Homestay. The road actually ends there , which means there are no cars passing by and very few people too. It is really a perfect sanctuary.

The Lonely Planet Guide to Germany does not do justice to Konigstein , calling it 'unremarkable'. Konigstein is a great base for exploring the region around the Elbe River. The Elbe River Cycle path takes you all the way past the Czech border and it is only an hour away from Konigstein. Right beside Ferdinand's Homestay is the start of numerous hikes around the Saxon Switzerland region.

Ferdinand's Homestay is one of a rare dying breed of hostels. I have stayed in quite a few hostels in Europe and most are backpacker oriented chains which provide a sterile impersonal service. Ferdinand's Homestay is a lot more relaxed. The best thing about the hostel is the location. I can stress how good it is. On the first day , I borrowed a bicycle from the hostel. The rental was free because according to Silvio (the owner) the bicycles were old. The bike may look a bit dodgy but I cycled all the way to the Czech border and back and also halfway to Konigstein and back. This saved me about 16euros on bicycle rental. Cycling is really great by river Elbe as there are established routes and the scenery is amazing.

On the 2nd day , I hiked around the Saxon Switzerland mountains. I only had half a day but you can easily spend about 2 days hiking in the area. I only went up the Bastei.

German country side is amazingly beautiful.

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Photos

Ferdinand's Homestay
At the end of the road.......

Beer along the Elbe
This was the most refreshing beer ever at one of the numerous beer garden s along the Elbe

View from Ferdinand's Homestay
The front garden at Ferdinand's Homestay.

Free Bicycles at Ferdinand's Homestay
I used the first bike on the left to get all the way to Czech border and halfway to Dresden and back , for FREE rental.

S-Bahn To Schona
S-Bahn to Schona , there are 2 trains every hour in either direction , to Schona and Dresden,

Halfway to Hrensko
A small village along the Elbe , halfway to Hrensko in Czech.

Rapeseed Fields
One of the numerous rapeseed fields along the Elbe River. They have a funny smell.