Ferdinands Homestay

Great Location, Friendly Staff
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 forty-five-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 three kilometers 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. 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 Swiss 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 second day, I hiked around the Saxon Switzerland mountains. I only had half a day but you can easily spend about two days hiking in the area. I only went up the Bastei. German countryside is amazingly beautiful.

Nice hostel with good facilities
i was here august 2006. this is a nice hostel run by some friendly dudes. it's a bit of a walk from the train station, first cross the river on a ferry. but i think they will come and get you if you ask, the dude gave me a lift back to the ferry when i left. the hostel has good breakfasts, a nice homey environment, with clean showers. there is a kitchen but bring some food as there are no local shops once you get to the hostel. there is a forest and national park close by for excellent hiking.