Day and Weekend Trips Near Dresden

For a short excursion to experience more of Germany, there are many nearby cities that are easy to get to and can provide a full day or weekend of activities.

Your first stop should be to the tourist office to pick up free information, inquire about concert or event tickets and discount passes. If you'd like to spend the night in one of these cities, you can call the tourist office in advance to help you secure reservations or arrange them when you arrive. Always ask for English brochures or guides when visiting the tourist office and buying museum tickets as museums are unlikely to have descriptions posted in English.

If taking the train, be sure and review the train travel section of this site and learn your ticketing options. If you are unsure of which tickets to buy, call the train reservation number and ask for someone who speaks English. There are many discounts and special fares for families and groups. Traveling within your state is very inexpensive so make sure you're getting the best deal.

Bad Schandau

Great for a girl's day out - this spa town has adorable shops, nice restaurants and some wonderful places to pamper yourself. It is also the hub for tourism for the Saxon Switzerland National Park.

• Take the trolley to Lichtenhain waterfall, a great place to start your trek through the park.
  
  
• Take a ride to the top of the "Electrical Freestanding Person Hoist". Built in 1904 and is 50 m high, you'll see beautiful views and can exit into the forest.
  
  
• St. Johanniskirche - a picturesque Protestant church from the 14th century. There is a flood chart inside marking the water levels of all the Bad Schandau floods.
  
  
• Bike rentals are available through Rund Ums Fahrradverleih at Sebnitzer Str. 5 , 03 50 22 428 83. A nice cycle through town and along the Elbe would be a treat for anyone.
  
  
• For a special spa experience, take dip at the wellness park at Toskana Therme. The warm spa area features a light show and music that can be heard above and below the water.
  
  
• Pflanzengarten - Bad Schandau's botanical garden was begun in 1900 and features over 30 native and foreign plants.

Bad Schandau Tourist Information Center
Markt 12, 01814 Bad Schandau
Phone: 03 50 22 9 00 30
Email: info@bad-schandau.de
Driving: 1 hour > viaMichelin.com
> Train schedule: Approximately 40 - 50 minutes depending on the type of train.

Bautzen

Bautzen is over 1000 years old and is the hub of Sorbian culture. The city has an historical town center with a medieval skyline of 17 towers, an original city wall and cathedral. Bautzen is known for its Easter celebrations and beautifully decorated Easter eggs.

• Guided tours of the city are available in English if booked in advance. Email: kontakt@stadtverfuehrer-bautzen.de
  
  
• Sorbian Museum - learn about the history of the Slavic people that migrated to northern Germany over 1000 years ago.
  
  
• Sorbian National Ensemble - catch a performance of the Sorbian orchestra, choir & dancers that have toured in over 40 countries.
  
  
• Prison Memorial - Bautzen has two prisons that were infamous during the GDR. There is a permanent exhibition that can be seen at Weigangstraße 8a. English version website provides more information.
  
  
• St. Peter's Cathedral - used by Catholics & Protestants and has a tower that you can climb.
  
  
• Christmas Market - held yearly in the city center.
  

Bautzen Tourist Information Center
Hauptmarkt 1, 02625 Bautzen
Phone: 0 35 91 46 44 32
Email: touristinfo@bautzen.de
www.bautzen.de - parts in English
Driving: 45 minutes: > viaMichelin.com
> Train schedule: Approximately 40 - 50 minutes depending on the type of train.

Berlin

Modern and historic, Berlin is not to be missed. Western shopping and amenities at their finest while sharing their victory over a turbulent past through some of the finest collections of historic World War II artifacts.

• Take the double-decker public bus 100 from the zoo rail station and enjoy a scenic ride past Berlin's main points of interest.
  
  
• See the "wall" at the open air exhibit Topography of Terror which provides a gripping historical timeline of the SS and Gestapo and their activities.
  
  
• Visit the " Museum House at Checkpoint Charlie" and see original artifacts from daring East German escapes. Stroll a few blocks into the former "east" and have lunch at Schlotzsky's original Austin, TX deli and coffee at Starbucks!
  
  
• See Brandenburg Gate at night. It is the only remaining city gate and was the symbolic division of the city between east and west. It was also the site of the famous speech by American President, Ronald Reagan, whose call "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!", became one of the things for which he is best remembered.
  
  
• Opened in 2005, the "Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe" is Berlin's Holocaust memorial. The underground information center contains exhibits, including a list of all known names of the approximately 6 million Jews who were killed during the Holocaust.

Berlin Tourist Information Center
Am Karlsbad 11, D-10785 Berlin
Phone: 30-25 00 25
Email: information@btm.de
www.berlin-tourist-information.de - English website
Driving: 2.5 hours > viaMichelin.com
> Train schedule: Approximately 2-3 hours depending on the type of train.

Königstein

Nestled between the shore of the Elbe and Saxon Switzerland, Königstein is a fairytale world complete with an 11th century castle and breathtaking sandstone formations.

• Festung (Fortress) Königstein towers about the town and has an amazing history beginning in 1200. English website features history, information on current exhibits, demonstrations and musical events.
  
  
• Truly a unique park in a beautiful setting, the Fable & Myth Park features sandstone sculptures of mythical creatures and a petting zoo.
  
  
• Hiking trails abound in this entry point for Saxon Switzerland. Check the tourism website for information and trail maps.
  
  
• Rent a rubber dinghy for up to twelve and take a boat trip down the Elbe. Call 0350 22 507 04 or email for reservations with Kanu Activ Tours.
  
  
• Climb Lilienstein mountain if you feel like a challenging three hour hike, or you can take the cable car to a mountain restaurant called the "Flying Tavern", built in 1893.
  
  
• A lovely place to bike, rentals can be arranged by calling 350 21 68 261 or by emailing the tourist office.

Königstein Tourist Information Center
Schreiberberg 2, 01824 Königstein
Phone: 350 21 68 261
Email: info_koenigstein@t-online.de
www.koenigstein-sachsen.de - English website
Driving: 1 hour > viaMichelin.com
> Train schedule: Approximately 1 - 1.5 hours depending on the type of train

Leipzig

Besides a fascinating medieval and cultural history, Leipzig has the honor of starting the peaceful protests that began the end of the GDR.

• Bach & Mendelssohn fans will enjoy touring the homes, museums and church where the highlights of their careers have been preserved. Bach website in English - www.bach-leipzig.de.
  
  
• Thomaskirche - St. Thomas's Church is the home of the 800 year old, internationally known St Thomas's Boys Choir, which Bach served as Choirmaster. You can hear the choir sing on Fridays & Saturdays. www.thomaskirche.org - English website. Mendelssohn, Mozart & Wagner have connections with this church as well. Martin Luther preached here in 1539.
  
  
• Opernhaus - Leipzig's Opera & Ballet was the first theater to be built in Communist East Germany. Website is in English and you can order tickets online or by email.
  
  
• Museum in der Runden Ecke ( Museum in the Round Corner) was once the Stasi headquarters. It is now a sobering exhibition of what life was like behind the Iron Curtain. Parts of the website is in English and English language tours can be scheduled in advance by calling 0341 961 2443.
  
  
• Nikolaikirche (St. Nicholas Church) - The site of the Monday demonstrations which helped end the Communist regime.
  
  
• Schillerhaus - The home of the famous German Poet that Dresden's Schillerplatz is named for. He lived in this home in 1785 where he penned Don Carlos and Ode to Joy.
  

Leipzig Tourist Information Center
Richard-Wagner-Str. 1, 04109 Leipzig
Phone: 341 19433
www.leipzig.de - English website
Website features several English language themed brochures for download including one for activities with children. You can also book a hotel or room online through their website.

Getting There:
Driving: 1.5 hours: > viaMichelin.com
> Train schedule: Approximately 1 - 1 1/2 hours depending on the type of train.

Meißen

Famous as the birthplace of Meißen porcelain, it is also known for its excellent vineyards and romantic setting.

• Albrechtsburg - the 15th century castle were Meißen porcelain was invented in 1708. Also has summer concerts in the castle and courtyard. English website. Guided tours are available in English if scheduled in advance. Several tours are offered from walks around the castle to wine-tasting and dinner in the cellar. To schedule an English tour email info@albrechtsburg-meissen.de or call 035 21 4 70 70.
  
  
• Meißener Dom / Cathedral - Tours and beautiful views of the city, museum and summer organ recitals.
  
  
• Frauenkirche - See the porcelain bells that were installed in 1929 and hear them play at designated times. Climb the church tower for a beautiful view.
  
  
• Franzikanerkirche - St. Francis Church has the city's medieval history museum and is a former monastery.
  
  
• Staatliche Porzwllan - Manufktur Meissen - the porcelain factory with a demonstration area and museum.
  
  
• Nikolaikirche - St. Nicholas Church houses the largest porcelain figures ever created - 8 1/4 feet tall.
  
  
• Tour the ruins of the Holy Cross monastery.
  
  
• Wellenspiel public swimming bath has a large, twisting water slide, shallow areas for small children and indoor / outdoor swimming pools.

Meißen Tourist Information Center
Markt 3, 01662 Meißen
Phone: 035 21 4 19 40
Email: service@touristinfo-meissen.de
English brochure > PDF

Getting There:
Driving: 35 minutes > viaMichelin.com
> Train schedule: Approximately 35 minutes.

Moritzburg

Visit a stunning Baroque castle in an idyllic setting then explore what nature has to offer with walking & bike trails, camping and more.

• Moritzburg Castle - The hunting lodge of August the Strong, it's a unique and beautiful chateau with a lighthouse and lake.
  
  
• Moritzburg Festival is held yearly in August featuring world class musicians, soloists and chamber music.
  
  
• Käthe Kollwitz Haus - an important German artist who protested against war and suffering. The house where she lived the last year of her life has a permanent exhibit of her work. Website with English page.
  
  
• Moritzburg Wildlife Preserve has beautiful walking trails and over 30 different animal species.
  
  
• Bad Sonnenland Campingplatz - All the modern camping comforts and a beautiful lake for swimming and canoeing. Cabins are available for rent from 27€ - 82€ per night. Explore the German website and you will be able to understand some of the pricing, especially if you use a translator website.

Moritzburg Tourist Information Center
Schloßallee 3b, 01468 Moritzburg
Phone: 352 078 5410
E-Mail: Moritzburg-Touristinfo@t-online.de

Getting There:
Driving: 35 minutes > viaMichelin.com
> Train schedule: Approximately 35 minutes.

Rathen / Stadt Wehlen

Rathen and Stadt Wehlen are the towns surrounding the famous Die Bastei sandstone formations. This area is steeped in the history of the 30 year war and the royal family of Saxony.

• Die Bastei has stunning sandstone formations and the most important landscape in Saxon Switzerland. You can climb it in 30 - 45 minutes or take a train for a slightly longer trip.
  
  
• Take a boat tour down the Amselsee to Die Basteri and enjoy the romantic views along the way. You can go by row boat, water paddler and even night rowing trips in the summer months. The Amselee is a popular place to ice skate in the winter as well.
  
  
• Take in a summer performance in "The Felsenbühne Rathen", an outdoor natural theater built amongst sandstone formations. Purchase tickets at www.dresden-theater.de or at the tourist office.
  
  
• Sleep in a castle with a view of the Die Bastei. The website is in German, but after one look at the pictures you'll be calling for a reservation! Call 350 24 7600 or email at info@burg-altrathen.de

Rathen Tourist Information Center
Haus des Gastes
Füllhölzelweg 1 D, 01824 Kurort Rathen
E-Mail: gaesteamt.rathen@t-online.de
www.kurort-rathen.de - website in English
Driving: 1 hour > viaMichelin.com
> Train schedule: Approximately 40 - 50 minutes depending on the type of train.

Saxon Switzerland National Park

The local name is Sächsische Schweiz National Park but it translates perfectly to describe a fairy tale land just outside of Dresden. Beautiful sandstone cliffs, deep forests and gorges along the Elbe make this a wonderful family destination.

• Entry points in Bad Schandau, Königstein, Rathen & Stadt Wehlen. Each of these cities are listed in this directory and the information provided may help you decide which entry point you prefer.
  
  
• Hiking trails for easy, medium and strenuous treks. Pick up a trail map at the Nationalparkhaus or download one from their website. Bring your passport if you want to hike into the Czech Republic.
  
  
• Biking tours or rentals are well designed and plentiful. Review the bike rental section of the Family Favorites page to find links to tour companies and bike rental companies near the park or Dresden.
  
  
• Take the Saxon Switzerland paddleboat cruise from Dresden. Take a leisurely ride down the Elbe and view the sandstone cliffs from the comfort of a boat cabin. Dinner cruises are available.
  
  
• There are several recommended areas on the website for mountain climbing and a list of schools for newcomers & skilled climbers.
  
  
• Rent canoes, boats or rubber dinghies to tour by the Elbe. Entry point cities have rental companies listed on this page.

Park Information
Nationalparkhaus
Dresdener Str. 2b, 01814 Bad Schandau
Phone: 035022 502 30
email: info@sax-ch.de
www.saechsische-schweiz.de - Website in English and features facts, activities, handicap access, accommodations and more.
Driving: Approximately 1 hour depending on entry point. > viaMichelin.com
> Train schedule: Choose your preferred city for an entry point to the park and then choose your departure time at the website.

Saxony's Wine Route

Stretching out over 55 kilometers and 425 hectares along the Elbe River from Pirna to Diesbar-Seusslitz you will find Germany's smallest wine growing district. Quaint wineries and old castles. Gorgeous landscapes. An absolute must for wine-lovers! Visit www.elbland.de or this English language website.
Note: Some wineries are only open seasonally

• Although the riverboat season doesn't start until late April, you can tour the wine route by foot or bicycle along clearly marked and well-maintained paths.
  
  
• Stay overnight with the winemakers. Some winegrowers have vacation homes/rooms open to guests and offer a variety of different services: from wine tasting to grape harvesting, guided tours to bicycle rentals.
  
  
• Keep in mind, a particularly good time to visit is from August to November. There are a number of wine-related festivals during this time and many wineries participate in an open house day, in which their doors are open to the public.
  
  

Wittenberg - Lutherstadt

If you want to experience a Martin Luther pilgrimage, then Wittenberg is the place to start. The birth of the Reformation is proudly celebrated through worship services, museums and festivals.

• Visit Martin Luther's house - a former monastery where Luther lived and studied, then later was his home after he married.
  
  
• The Castle Church - where Martin Luther nailed his theses to the door and the location of his grave.
  
  
• St. Mary´s City Church - the oldest building in Wittenberg and where Luther preached.
  
  
• Worship in Luther's Churches - English services are held in the Castle Church or St. Mary´s City Church every Saturday from 6:30-7:30.
  
  
• Alaris Butterfly Park - Open April - October, explore the indoor jungle with beautiful and exotic butterflies fluttering around you. The butterflies are most active on sunny days.
  
  
• Come in June and celebrate Luther's wedding! Check the cities website for exact dates.
  
  
• Summer concerts are held in the evening in the town's courtyard. Check with the tourist office for dates.
  
  
• The annual Wittenberg Reformation Festival is held every year on October 31st. The festival features English worship services, church music concerts, medieval markets and more.

Wittenberg Tourist Information Center
Schlossplatz 2, 06886 Lutherstadt Wittenberg
Phone: 03491 49 86 10
Email: lwb_info@wittenberg.de
www.wittenberg.de - Website in English
Driving: 2 hours > viaMichelin.com
> Train schedule: Travel to Lutherstadt Wittenberg takes 2h15m or 2h50m on the train. If traveling by train, make sure you are going to Lutherstadt Wittenberg. There are several Wittenbergs or cities with close spellings and they are very far away!