Coming from Berlin, we took the 2 hour drive to a town near Pirna called Stadt Wehlen. Here you can explore the start of Saxon national Park, Bastei and the surrounding villages. This region has some gorgeous hiking trails which lead to Bastei and showcases spectacular untouched landscape. The nearby towns are also a highlight and offer a local German experience. I would recommend hiring a car and renting a house or cabin in any of the areas near Pirna and from there you will find a number hiking trails which reach Bastei.