Getting to know Saxony: What to visit in Dresden and surroundings

Dresden

It's worth allocating 1-2 days to get acquainted with Dresden, depending on how many museums you decide to visit. Here is what you should include in your must-see program:

Zwinger

An architectural complex built between 1710 and 1728 by order of the Elector of Saxony Augustus the Strong. The inner courtyard, which can be entered for free, is adorned with fountains and sculptures, and the buildings of the complex house:

• The Old Masters Gallery, featuring works by European artists from the 16th-18th centuries. The most famous exhibit is Raphael's "Sistine Madonna";
• The Porcelain Collection;

• The Royal Cabinet of Mathematical and Physical Instruments — a collection of antique clocks and scientific instruments.

Cost: The Zwinger Ticket, which allows you to visit all exhibitions, costs €12.

Albertinum

The former Arsenal building, which after reconstruction houses the Sculpture Collection and the New Masters Gallery. The latter features artworks created in the 19th and 20th centuries: works by Monet, Chagall, Degas, Richter, and other renowned artists.

Cost: €12, the ticket grants access to both museums.

Royal Palace

A Renaissance palace that served as the residence of the rulers of Saxony from 1485 to 1918. It was completely destroyed during World War II and subsequently underwent a lengthy restoration period. The Grünes Gewölbe (“Green Vault”), divided into old and new sections, is housed here — the largest collection of treasures in Europe. The numerous halls contain items made from ivory, rock crystal, amber, precious metals, and stones.

Other interesting rooms in the museum:

• Kupferstich-Kabinett — a collection of engravings, drawings, and photographs, including about half a million works by Dürer, Rembrandt, Picasso, Michelangelo, Toulouse-Lautrec, and other famous artists;
• Münzkabinett — a collection of antique coins and medals;

• Türckische Cammer — one of the largest collections of Ottoman art outside Turkey, including weapons, clothing, carpets, and even a huge tent;
• Giant's Hall — a collection of ceremonial weapons, armor, and historical costumes.

Frauenkirche Dresden

The church, built by order of the Elector of Saxony Augustus the Strong between 1726 and 1743, was destroyed during the bombing of Dresden in 1945 and rebuilt almost from scratch. The stones used in the reconstruction from the original church stand out as dark spots against the lighter background.

At a height of 67 meters, there is an observation deck offering a panoramic view of Dresden and its surroundings. The first 24 meters can be accessed by elevator, and the rest must be climbed via a narrow staircase.

Opening hours: the church is open on weekdays from 10:00 to 12:00 and from 13:00 to 18:00; weekend schedules may vary depending on planned events. The dome is accessible from 10:00 (12:30) to 16:00 (18:00), depending on the season and day of the week.

Cost: entry to the church is free, climbing to the dome costs €10.

Hofkirche (Dresden Cathedral)

The largest church in the region. It houses the burial site of the Wettin dynasty, the rulers of Saxony, where 49 people are buried. Also in the church, in a copper capsule, is the heart of Augustus the Strong, who was buried in Krakow.

Opening hours: from 9:00 to 17:00 Monday to Thursday, from 13:00 to 17:00 on Friday, from 10:00 to 17:00 on Saturday, from 12:00 to 16:00 on Sunday.

Cost: free.

Semperoper

One of the oldest and most renowned opera houses in Germany. It is among the best in Europe in terms of technical equipment and acoustics.

It was opened in 1841, and many works by Weber, Strauss, and Wagner were first performed here. Guided tours of the theater building are held daily, including in English.

Saxon Switzerland

A national park located on the border between the Czech Republic and Germany, 30 kilometers from Dresden. You can reach it by car or public transport.

The park covers an area of over 368 km². The most famous attractions are:

• The Bastei rock formation and bridge. Initially, the bridge, built in 1824, was made of wood. In 1851, it was replaced with a sandstone structure that has survived to this day. The bridge offers a view of the Elbe valley.
• The ruins of the Felsenburg Neurathen fortress. There are fewer tourists here than on the bridge, giving you the opportunity to take beautiful photos from the viewing platform.
• The Königstein fortress. First mentioned in 1241, it was originally used to protect the borders, later served as a prison, and then became a refuge for the rulers of Saxony.

During the warm season, it is worth spending at least 2 days in Saxon Switzerland. There are many opportunities for those who prefer active recreation: hiking and cycling routes, climbing walls, Elbe river walks, horseback riding. The area has numerous campsites, hostels, hotels, and guesthouses to suit all tastes and budgets.

Cost: entrance to the park is free, but some attractions require a ticket.

Moritzburg Castle

A hunting castle of the Saxon electors from the House of Wettin, built between 1542 and 1546. It stands on an artificial mound and is surrounded by water on all sides.

The building is well preserved both outside and inside. Today, it houses a museum showcasing Meissen, Chinese, and Japanese porcelain, hunting trophies, leather tapestries, and Baroque furniture by German and French craftsmen. One of the most interesting rooms in the castle is decorated with elements from a canopy, created from several million bird feathers.

Some scenes from the film "Three Wishes for Cinderella" were filmed at the castle.

Cost: from €8. Admission to temporary exhibitions is charged separately.

Görlitz

The easternmost city in Germany, located on the border with Poland. You can reach it from Dresden by car in an hour or by train in an hour to an hour and a half.

After World War II, the city was divided, with its eastern part going to Poland and now known as Zgorzelec. The border runs along the Neisse River, spanned by a pedestrian bridge connecting the two countries.

The most interesting attractions are:

• The Old Town — more than 4,000 buildings are protected as historical monuments;
• The department store, built in 1913, which still houses shops today;
• The Kaisertrutz tower, built in 1490 for the city's defense. It now houses a gallery displaying works by German artists from the 18th to 20th centuries, and an exhibition on the history of Görlitz;

• The Church of the Holy Trinity, built by the Franciscans in 1234;
• The Town Hall — a complex of buildings from different eras and styles. The oldest part dates back to 1378, with additions continuing until the 20th century.

Families with children will enjoy visiting the zoo and the toy museum.

Görlitz is loved not only by travelers but also by filmmakers: scenes from popular films such as "Around the World in 80 Days", "The Grand Budapest Hotel" and "Inglourious Basterds" were shot here.

Meissen

You can reach Meissen from Dresden by car or train in 35-45 minutes. The town is primarily known for its Meissen porcelain, produced here since 1710 — the first porcelain in Europe. While strolling through the town, you can visit the Meissen Cathedral, the Town Hall, and the churches of St. Afra and Our Lady. Below is information on two main attractions that draw most tourists here.

Dresden Porcelain Collection

The exhibition occupies 2 floors and introduces visitors to the history of Meissen porcelain. It features antique figurines, cups and plates, and vases, all decorated by hand.

The most interesting part of the tour is the demonstration of the porcelain-making process: from molding to painting. The museum has a store where you can buy rather expensive products from the manufactory, and a cozy café where tea and coffee are served in beautiful Meissen porcelain cups.

Opening hours: from 9:00 (10:00) to 16:00 (18:00), depending on the season.

Albrechtsburg Castle

The castle, perched on a hill above the Elbe, is considered the oldest in Germany. Despite its impressive size and numerous rooms, it was long uninhabited, and in 1710 Augustus the Strong ordered the opening of the first porcelain manufactory in Europe in the castle, which caused significant damage to its interiors. In 1863, the production was moved, the castle was restored, and later it became a museum.

The castle walls are adorned with 19th-century frescoes depicting the history of the House of Wettin. Its halls house a collection of sculptures from Saxon churches, the jewel of which is the Ottendorf Madonna, created 850 years ago.

The castle hosts an exhibition dedicated to the 300th anniversary of Meissen porcelain. Among the exhibits are items made for royalty: King Augustus III of Poland and Elector of Saxony, and Russian emperors.

Opening hours: from 10:00 (11:00) to 16:00 (18:00), depending on the season.

Ways to save

• Dresden City Card — a pass for all types of city transport (buses, trams, urban trains, and ferries). The cardholder also receives discounts on museum tickets and special offers from program partners. Cost: from €15 depending on duration and details.
• Dresden Museums Card — free entry to major museums and great deals from program partners.