Memorialized by Kurt Vonnegut in his novel Slaughter House Five, Dresden is well known as a World War II landmark. Although Dresden’s fine dining and nature may have attracted you to this Saxon town, with its history and museums, Dresden in a history buff’s dream. Dresden is perfectly situated to explore the rest that Saxony and the Sudetenland have to offer. Whether you’re a historian, adventure traveler, or just looking to relax, there’s a day trip from Dresden for you.
1. Explore the art scene at the Kulturni Centrum Rehlovice
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Cross over into the Czech Republic to visit the provincial town of Rehlovice, less than an hour outside of Dresden. The Kulturni Centrum is an old farmhouse that was converted into a living art exhibit. It hosts an ever changing ensemble of artists that live together as a community. Visit the Kulturni Centrum to learn about the history of the Sudetenland and to appreciate the rolling hills and farmland.
Kulturni Centrum Rehlovice
Address: Řehlovice 20, 403 13 Řehlovice, Czech Republic
Website: Kulturni Centrum Rehlovice
2. Experience the mystical at Adršpach-Teplice Rock Park
Just three hours from Dresden is the Adršpach-Teplice Rock Park, which hosts some of the worlds most unreal rock formations, making it a favorite among hikers and rock climbers, although the park also offers trails for those who prefer a casual stroll. Walking through the rocks you’ll be treated to whispering brooks and waterfalls. The park is situated around a large, crystal blue lake, perfect for a photo-op or dangling your feet in cool water.
Adršpach-Teplice Rock Park
Address: 549 57 Adršpach, Czech Republic
3. Feel like a noble at Moritzburg Castle
Less than 30 minutes outside of Dresden, Mortizburg Castle, situated on an artificial island, is the former hunting lodge of Saxon nobility. Today you can take a tour of the castle or explore its extensive gardens. For the animal lover, Mortizburg also hosts an acclaimed wildlife park, Wildgehege Moritzburg.
Moritzburg Castle
Address: Schloßallee, 01468 Moritzburg, Germany
Website: Moritzburg Castle
Wildgehege Moritzburg
Address: Radeburger Strasse, 01468 Moritzburg, Saxony, Germany
Website: Wildgehege Moritzburg
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4. Bask in the natural beauty of Saxony at the Bastei Bridge
About an hour outside of Dresden by car or public transport, visit the Bastei Bridge in the Saxon Switzerland National Park. Crossing the Bastei Bridge offers the best views of the Elbe River Valley. Because of its incredible views, Bastei Bridge is a favorite among landscape painters. While Saxon Switzerland National Park offers advanced trails for hikers, the Bastei Bridge is the perfect way to experience the beauty of the park at a relaxed pace.
Bastei Bridge
Address: Bastei, 01824 Lohmen, Germany
Website: Bastei Bridge
Dresden Tour Guide
Asaf Leshem
My name is Asaf and I am a professional tour guide. I hold a Ph.D. in Dark Tourism and interpretation of history. In Berlin I guide tours on such topics as the Cold War, the Third Reich, Berlin's Jewish Heritage, Berlin and Brandenburg's Prussian History, and more. I also guide in Potsdam, and I am certified to guide in the Memorial and Museum Sachsenhausen. I am also an enthusiastic runner a... Read more
Tours by Asaf
5. Learn about German history in Pirna
If you’re interested in history, Pirna hosts the DDR museum, dedicated to studying communist history in Germany. If that’s not your thing you can visit the Landschloss Zuschendorf Gardens or bike along one of Pirna’s amazing trails, while the musician might like a visit to the Richard Wagner Museum. Like Dresden, Pirna sits of the Elbe River, granting the town majestic views of the water. Pirna can be easily reached from Dresden by public transport. Getting to Pirna via public transport will take about 20 minutes, while driving will take 30-40 minutes. If you’re thinking of visiting Saxon Switzerland National Park, it is located about 35 minutes away from Pirna.
DDR Museum Pirna
Address: Rottwerndorfer Str. 45M, 01796 Pirna, Germany
Website: DDR Museum Pirna
Landschloss Zuschendorf Gardens
Address: Landschloss 6 01796 Pirna, Germany
Website: Landschloss Zuschendorf Gardens
Richard Wagner Museum
Address: DumTchaikovskipl. 7, 01796 Pirna, Germany
Website: Richard Wagner Museum
6. Explore the hidden gem of Rabenauer Grund
Rabenauer Grund is a nature preserve 30-45 minutes outside of Dresden by car or public transportation, revered for its waterfalls, hiking trails, and lush forests. Rabenauer Grund offers trails ranging from easy to advanced. The town also hosts quaint restaurants, cafes, and shopping. For a luxurious dining experience, check out the Michelin star restaurant Zum Rabenauer Grund.
Rabenauer Grund Nature Preserve
Address: Am Westhang 15, 01734 Rabenau, Germany
Zum Rabenauer Grund
Address: Somsdorfer Str. 6, 01705 Freital, Germany
Website: Zum Rabenauer Grund
7. Appreciate the finer things in Radebeul
About 20 minutes outside of Dresden, Radebeul can be accessed by train, tram, or car. Radebeul is beloved for its restored 19th-century architecture. For the food lover, Radebeul is where Nudossi, the German version of Nutella, is made, while the wine aficionado will love Radebeul’s wineries. A train from Radebeul connects directly to Moritzburg Castle, if that is also in your itinerary. If you prefer to drive, Radebeul is just 15 minutes away from Moritzburg, making a visit to both towns an easy day trip.
Sächsisches Staatsweingut Schloss Wackerbarth Winery
Address: Wackerbarthstraße 1, 01445 Radebeul, Germany
Website: Sächsisches Staatsweingut Schloss Wackerbarth Winery
Nudossi Factory
Address: Kötitzer Str. 27, 01445 Radebeul, Germany
Website: Nudossi Factory
8. Indulge yourself at Bad Schandau Spa Town
Bad Schandau is beautifully situated on the Elbe, surrounded by rolling hills and lush forests. It can be reached by train, in 30 minutes, or by car, in 1 hour, from Dresden. While nature lovers can enjoy watching the leaves change in autumn or visit the Kuhstall Natural Arch, for a more relaxing experience, Bad Schandau is known for its modern and extremely luxurious spas as well as the Toskana Thermal Baths.
Toskana Therme Bad Schandau
Address: Rudolf-Sendig-Straße 8A, 01814 Bad Schandau, Germany
Website: Toskana Therme Bad Schandau
Kuhstall Natural Arch
Address: Kuhstallstraße, 01814 Bad Schandau, Germany
Website: Kuhstall Natural Arch
9. Visit historical landmarks in Leipzig
Leipzig, known as the burial place of Johann Sebastian Bach, is perfect for the lover of history and architecture. The Renaissance town hall holds a museum of the city’s history. For those interested in communist history, St. Nicholas Church was the meeting place for the revolutionaries who ultimately brought down the communist regime. The Gothic constructions, St. Thomas Church, is the burial place of J.S. Bach and hosts a world renowned choir. The Leipzig Zoo and Wildlife Preserve make Leipzig a great place for families to visit.
St. Thomas Church
Address: Thomaskirchhof 18, 04109 Leipzig, Germany
Website: St. Thomas Church
Leipzig Zoo
Address: Pfaffendorfer-Strasse 29, 04105, Leipzig, Saxony, Germany
Website: Leipzig Zoo
10. Relax and drink wine on a river cruise (from USD 32.51)
Meissen is a German town just a two-hour leisurely boat ride from Dresden. Meissen is famous for its Gothic architecture, a historical porcelain factory, and Christmas markets. For wine lovers, the area between Dresden and Meissen is known as the Saxon Wine Route. Once you get to Meissen, take a tour of the Gothic 15th-century castle, Albrechtsburg. On the same hill is the Meissen Cathedral, also an impressive example of Gothic architecture.
Albrechtsburg
Address: Domplatz 1, 01662 Meißen, Germany
Website: Albrechtsburg
The Meissen Cathedral
Address: Domplatz 7, 01662 Meißen, Germany
Website: The Meissen Cathedral
Dresden: Elbe River Cruise to Meissen
Duration: 3.0 to 8.5 hour
You'll never want to leave
It might be hard to motivate yourself to leave such a beautiful and culturally enriching city, but if you can manage it, you won’t be disappointed. Dresden is the perfect hub to explore the surrounding natural beauty and art, both in and outside of Germany. Whether you’re a rock climber or want to take a meandering cruise down the Elbe River, be sure to take full advantage of everything Saxony has to offer.
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