much to experience in the surroundings
Dresden is not only a beautiful city, also its immediate surroundings invites to many day trips. A must is the unique landscape of "Saxon Switzerland", a National park just an hour away from Dresden with stunning sandstone rocks. The medieval town Meißen with the Albrechtsburg castle and the famous porcelain manufacture, the hunting castle Moritzburg with its lots of lakes around it, the fortress Stolpen or the castle Weesenstein are all well worth a visit. It's also definitely worthwhile to cycle along the river Elbe on the popular Elbe Cycle Route.
Highlights
Pillnitz Castle
Former Pleasure Palace of the saxon royals, used to be venue for weddings and festivities, nowadays botanical garden and recreational park, many exhibitions and museums
Saxon Switzerland
National Park, bizarre landscape, rocks of cretacious sandstone, deep and narrow valleys, table mountains and gorges, countless hiking trails
Saxon Switzerland
Schmilka
Off the beaten track, quiet and beautiful village, organic bakery and organic brewery (very tasty beer!!!), starting point for hikes in a less crowded part of Saxon Switzerland
www.schmilka.de (only in german)
Narrow Gauge Railway
Saxony's oldest narrow gauge railway, running since 120 years, beautiful views over the delightful countryside north of Dresden, 90 minute journey
Meissen
Thousand years old picturesque town, medieval centre, "Albrechtsburg" Castle and Gothic Meissen Cathedral, famous for noble porcellain
Saxon Switzerland
Kurort Rathen
Perfect starting point for hikes up to the famous Bastei Bridge, a pretty lake called "Amselsee" and "Felsenbühne" a natural stage situated between the rocks in the forest
Saxon Switzerland
Fortress Königstein
Important monument of european fortress architecture, enthroned on a sandstone mesa, great 2,2km walk on the fortress wall with great views of a large part of Saxon Switzerland
Weesenstein
One of the most striking castles in Saxony, standing on a craggy rock, unique architechtural ensemble, museum, beautiful baroque garden
Moritzburg
Former hunting residence of the Saxon Royals, built on a tiny island, houses museums and exhibitions, consists of 4 towers, surrounded by a pretty lake, beautiful park and little castles
Saxon Switzerland
Bad Schandau
Biggest "town" in Saxon Switzerland, National Park Centre, access to Kirnitzschtalbahn a tramline through the picturesque Kirnitzsch Valley, starting point for hikes up to the magnificient "Schrammsteine", thermal bath "Toskana Therme" with great Sauna area
www.nationalpark-saechsische-schweiz.de
Stolpen
Old town built on a former volcano, topped by a castle, many townhouses from the 15th to 19th century, fantastic 360° view from the castle
Diessbar Seusslitz
Vineyards, forests and a beautiful baroque manor, access to castle "Heinrichsburg", extensive park, hiking trails, delightful wine taverns
www.elbweindoerfer.de (only in german)
Click here for directions.
Click here to find out more about the Neustadt area, about Dresden generally or about trips to the surroundings.