time travel through 1000 years of history

Meissen

Before Dresden became the preferred residence of the Wettin dynasty of Saxon electors in 1547, Meissen was the center and capital of the later federal state of Saxony. Meissen still proudly wears its nickname 'cradle of Saxony'.

The famously beautiful old town has remained intact in its medieval layout with crooked, cobbled alleyways, crowned by the castle hill with its impressive trinity of bishop’s palace, cathedral towers and Germany’s oldest palace, the Albrechtsburg.

The ancient town gained world wide renown once again thanks to Europe's oldest porcelain factory, established in 1710 and still operating today. A visit to the MEISSEN® premises includes the astounding museum and workshops where you can watch highly skilled craftsmen making the precious 'white gold' following traditional methods unchanged for centuries.

MEISSEN porcelain

From Hotel am Blauen Wunder, Meissen is a 40 minute drive or just under an hour on public transport - there is a commuter train conveniently linking Meissen to Dresden Neustadt station. This small town really has more to offer than you can possibly cover in just a day trip, so why not stay at our partner hotel for a night or two and dive deeper into Saxony's history?

Hotel Ross in Meissen

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Dresden Altstadt "old town"

The splendid residence of the Saxon electors and kings will enchant you with art, architecture, culture and night life.

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Dresden Neustadt "new town"

Explore alternative culture, night life and international flair in Dresden's most colorful neighborhood.

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Elbe river banks

Our local recreation area - lush nature in the middle of town!

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change of perspective

Dresden's two funicular railways offer exceptional views across the Blaues Wunder and Dresden.

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art & museums

Raphael’s Sistine Madonna is one of the most famous paintings on display in Dresden, and its angels are the mascots for the Staatliche Kunstsammlungen (State Art Collections). But there are countless more museums and exhibitions waiting for your visit:

  • Gemäldegalerie Alte & Neue Meister
  • Grünes Gewölbe
  • Mathematisch-Physikalischer Salon
  • Deutsches Hygiene-Museum
  • Militärhistorisches Museum
    ...
all museums

Moritzburg

The baroque castle is surrounded by an extensive woodland reserve complete with animals - a favorite destination for families.

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Elbe bike path

If you are travelling by bike, Dresden is a stop you cannot miss. Sections N and O meet here and run through town along either side of the river.

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Elbe Sandstone Mountains

Called Saxon Switzerland for good reason, the breathtakingly bizarre rock formations in this special part of the Elbe valley are a delight for hikers and climbers.

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Pillnitz palace & park

Best known for its spectacular gardens and water displays, as well as a huge Camellia tree - over 250 years old!

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White Fleet

Cruise along the Elbe river on an historic steamboat and watch the landscape unroll on both sides.

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Christmas in Saxony

If you are looking for romantic and traditional, come to Saxony in December.

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