Attractive Surroundings

Near Dresden you may find romantically situated palaces and castles with historical reference to the Wettin dynasty. In the parks and gardens, such as Pillnitz and Gross-Sedlitz, or in the vineyards around Radebeul you can enjoy the landscape and developed nature on walking tours. Or take a trip in a relaxed atmosphere on a steamer from Dresden to Saxon Switzerland and let the unique Elbe landscape with its palaces and castles pass by.

Meissen:

Meissen is the historical cradle of Saxony.
The Albrechtsburg Castle is considered to be the earliest example of a residential castle in Germany, while the adjoining cathedral is an impressive jewel of pure Gothic. A sea of houses with pointed roofs and gables spreads out below the castle hill.

The "crossed blue swords", the trademark for Meissen porcelain, are known the world over. The famous Meissen porcelain manufactory presents masterpieces in "white gold" past and present

Moritzburg:

The impressive Baroque Hunting lodge, surrounded by stretches of water, enjoys the reputation of being one of the finest palaces of its kind in Europe.
In the Rüdenhof, the final and only surviving home of Käthe Kollwitz, a number of works and personal documents recall this great German graphic artist and sculptress.

Saxon Switzerland:

The finest panorama of the deeply cut Elbe valley and the surrounding table mountains is offered by the Bastei Rocks. Below the viewpoint, in Rathen, one of the most beautiful natural open-air theatres in Europe awaits visitors in summer. Its repertoire covers opera and theatre, including Karl May's American Indian stories. Further upstream on the opposite side of the river, Königstein Fortress, the largest fortress complex in Germany, thrones over the little town of the same name.

The nearby Baroque Garden Gross-Sedlitz, which was laid out in the French style, is well worth a short detour. The little town of Pirna is known as the gateway to the Saxon Switzerland.

Wesenstein:

Southeast from Dresden lies Weesenstein Castle with its buildings full of nooks and crannies and recesses. The facility, grown over centuries, is a popular destination for excursions in Dresden's nearer surroundings due to its romantic location high up on a rock spur above the river Müglitz and its baroque park. The baroque-classicist facilities of the castle kitchen are particularly worth seeing. As private property of King Johann of Saxony (Philaletes) , a ruler with great artistic sense, Weesenstein attained fame in 1830.

In historical ambience a variety of events or culinary enjoyment from the castle's kitchen and café await you. Weesenstein Castle Beer is also available again.