|
Bad Schandau
Bautzen
Berlin
Königstein
Leipzig
|
Meißen
Moritzburg
Rathen / Stadt Wehlen
Saxon Switzerland National Park
Saxony's Wine Route
Wittenberg - Lutherstadt |
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. |
| Theme excursions: |
| Easter |
|
|
Bad Schandau |
Places of Interest |
|
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.
Bad Schandau Tourist Information Center
Markt 12, 01814 Bad Schandau
Phone: 03 50 22 9 00 30
Email: info@bad-schandau.de
Getting There:
Driving: 1 hour >
viaMichelin.com
> Train schedule: Approximately
40 - 50 minutes depending on the type of train.
return to top
|
- 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.
|
|
Bautzen |
Places of Interest |
|
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.
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
Getting There:
Driving: 45 minutes: >
viaMichelin.com
> Train schedule: Approximately
40 - 50 minutes depending on the type of train.
return to top
|
- 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.
|
| 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.
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
Getting There:
Driving: 2.5 hours >
viaMichelin.com
> Train schedule: Approximately
2-3 hours depending on the type of train.
return to top
|
- 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.
|
|
Königstein |
Places of Interest |
|
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.
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
Getting There:
Driving: 1 hour >
viaMichelin.com
> Train schedule: Approximately
1 - 1.5 hours depending on the type of train.
return to top
|
- 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.
|
|
Leipzig |
Places of Interest |
|
Besides a fascinating medieval and cultural history, Leipzig
has the honor of starting the peaceful protests that began the
end of the GDR.
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.
return to top
|
- 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. The museam is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and the entrance is free. English Audioguides are available for 3 Euros. 0341 961 24 43.
- 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.
|
|
Meißen |
Places of Interest |
|
Famous as the birthplace of Meißen porcelain, it is also
known for its excellent vineyards and romantic setting.
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.
|
- 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.
|
|
return to top
|
| Moritzburg |
Places of Interest |
|
Visit a stunning Baroque castle in an idyllic setting then explore
what nature has to offer with walking & bike trails, camping
and more.
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.
return to top
|
- 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.
|
|
Rathen / Stadt Wehlen |
Places of Interest |
|
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.
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
Getting There:
Driving: 1 hour >
viaMichelin.com
> Train schedule: Approximately
40 - 50 minutes depending on the type of train.
return to top
|
- Die Bastei has the stunning sandstone formations and 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
|
|
Saxon Switzerland National Park |
Places of Interest |
|
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.
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
Website features info about facts, activities, handicap access,
accommodations and more.
Getting There:
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.
return to top
|
- 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.
|
| Saxony's
Wine Route |
Places of Interest |
|
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!
Getting There:
www.elbland.de or English
website
Note: Some wineries are only open seasonally
return to top
|
- 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 |
Places of Interest |
|
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.
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
Getting There:
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!
return to top
|
- 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.
|
