Dresden

The residential city

Situated close to Saxon Switzerland, the state capital Dresden, with its baroque backdrop, invites you to enjoy a stroll through the old walls, magnificent museums and lush, green gardens and parks. The residential city, which was initially built by Augustus the Strong in the design of Italian cities, continues to impress today with its baroque glamour and art nouveau grace.

The city's museums still house treasures from the time of Augustus the Strong to this day. For example, the art gallery houses one of the most beautiful women in the world: Raphael's Sistine Madonna has become as much of a myth as Dresden itself. The past glamour of what was once Dresden's court comes back to life when you visit the Green Vault. Meanwhile, Pillnitz and Moritzburg castles bear witness to the power and pomposity of the former electoral prince.

Modernism has also found its way into Dresden. Luxury-class cars have been produced for over ten years in a central location by the Great Garden with the VW Phaeton. A tour of this transparent factory gives visitors the chance to look over the shoulders of the factory workers. In contrast, the trendy Neustadt district features a more funky and creative atmosphere. Guests can enjoy a hint of the city's old art nouveau glory in this student district, whilst enjoying a scenic tour of the local pubs.

Explore Dresden

Saxon Elbland

Wine and porcelain

The Elbe Cycle Route does not just lead to Bohemian Switzerland; it also runs via Dresden directly into Saxon Elbland to Radebeul, Coswig and Meißen. Rather than sandstone formations dominating here, the landscape is shaped by the idyllic vineyards of the Saxon wine-growing region. Be it by bike, by train or on water – a tour of the Elbe Valley, which is considerably shallower here and beautifully green in the summer, comes highly recommended.

Numerous attractions can be found along the River Elbe in a downstream direction. The Karl May town of Radebeul, for example, invites visitors to follow the footsteps of the famous author and his American Indian worlds in the Villa Shatterhand; whilst the small, cosy guesthouses in the neighbouring Altkötzschenbroda serve Saxon wines.

Meißen impresses guests with its magical old town, the castle and its 300-year tradition of porcelain production. Visitors to the porcelain factory can find out how the "white gold" is lovingly created by hand, and how the traditional Meißen motifs are painted by hand.

The idyllic village of Diesbar-Seußlitz attracts visitors with the charm of the vineyards on the Elbbogen. Guests can sample Saxon grape varieties in one of the numerous local drinking houses here whilst enjoying welcoming hospitality – be it during the asparagus or the Federweißer (new wine) season.

Explore Dresden Elbland