Back for some Christmas adventuring--Check my itinerary, please?
Sep 2nd, 2019, 01:52 PM
#21
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Wondering if you could base in Dresden and day trip to Weimar? It is the origin of so many interesting historical movements and art and literature, and left in quite good condition after 2 wars and communism. It's a big drawcard for German tourists but doesn't get much of a look-in from tourists from elsewhere. Be sure to see the Duchess Anna Amalia Library, it's quite amazing. And if you want to see Quedlinburg then stay in Wernigerode and do a day trip, or even stay in Goslar. The Harz would be nice for Christmas.
Lavandula
Lavandula
Sep 2nd, 2019, 11:04 PM
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To my great regret I haven't been to Görlitz yet, but it is definitely on my list, just a matter of swinging a trip back to those regions. When we went to Dresden years ago it was on my radar but sadly we just ran out of time, there was too much good stuff in Dresden. But Goslar is a little gem amongst a sea of other little gems in the Harz and if it enabled you to get to Quedlinburg then I wouldn't hesitate. Everyone raves about Rothenburg, but to me Quedlinburg is every bit as good without the horrendous prices.
Lavandula
Lavandula
Sep 3rd, 2019, 07:00 AM
#26
marvelousmouse, with four days in Vienna you may be quite busy with the main Christmas markets and regular sightseeing. But if you're interested in getting outside of Vienna, check the schedules for Renaissanceschloss Rosenburg; Stift Gottweig (small, but the view and the sightseeing can make for a full day); and Schloss Eckartsau (small, and gorgeous at twilight). There might also be a shuttle between Schloss Hof and Schloss Niederweiden, if the latter has a market.
Sep 3rd, 2019, 09:49 AM
#27
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marvelousmouse, with four days in Vienna you may be quite busy with the main Christmas markets and regular sightseeing. But if you're interested in getting outside of Vienna, check the schedules for Renaissanceschloss Rosenburg; Stift Gottweig (small, but the view and the sightseeing can make for a full day); and Schloss Eckartsau (small, and gorgeous at twilight). There might also be a shuttle between Schloss Hof and Schloss Niederweiden, if the latter has a market.
Sep 3rd, 2019, 10:22 AM
#28
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No, unfortunately Dresden is not a good base for exploring the Erzgebirge. You always need to take the train through Freiberg, so this town would make a better base. Where did you search for accommodation in Annaberg-Buchholz? Did you see that the town's website has an online booking machine? Although in German only (I think) you should be able to navigate it. A good option is the small hotel Alt Annaberg e.g. Otherwise try rental apartments - often possible for only one night, too.
There are so many visitor mines in the Erzgebirge mountains, I cannot really say which is my favourite. The one in Ehrenfriedersdorf (between Chemnitz and Annaberg) and the "Zinnkammern" in Pöhla (near Schwarzenberg) are really impressive. The problem might be how to get there. A very easy access is offered for the mine in the backyard of the Erzgebirgsmuseum right in Annaberg proper. It is part of the museum, across the street from the famous Annen church (another must).
Görlitz is an absolut must see. Definitely go there! It is amazing anyway, but with Christmas market it is magical
There are so many visitor mines in the Erzgebirge mountains, I cannot really say which is my favourite. The one in Ehrenfriedersdorf (between Chemnitz and Annaberg) and the "Zinnkammern" in Pöhla (near Schwarzenberg) are really impressive. The problem might be how to get there. A very easy access is offered for the mine in the backyard of the Erzgebirgsmuseum right in Annaberg proper. It is part of the museum, across the street from the famous Annen church (another must).
Görlitz is an absolut must see. Definitely go there! It is amazing anyway, but with Christmas market it is magical
Sep 3rd, 2019, 10:48 AM
#29
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Thank you, Ingo! I didn’t know about the town website, actually—mostly using booking.com—but I’ve noticed a lot of the hotels have solely German reviews. I’ve tried to navigate a few of the hotels own websites, but it makes me nervous when I can’t quite make out hotel policies.
right now I have:
2 nights Schwarzenberg (primarily for A-B, but their own market starts then too. Any other place nearby worth popping into?)
1 night leipzig
2 nights dresden
1 night Görlitz
Thoughts? It is good to know about Freiberg, and I might look into that, but I definitely know that was VERY booked the night of the Miner’s parade.
right now I have:
2 nights Schwarzenberg (primarily for A-B, but their own market starts then too. Any other place nearby worth popping into?)
1 night leipzig
2 nights dresden
1 night Görlitz
Thoughts? It is good to know about Freiberg, and I might look into that, but I definitely know that was VERY booked the night of the Miner’s parade.
Sep 3rd, 2019, 12:19 PM
#30
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Schwarzenberg is a beautiful town (old town up on the hill with castle and church etc.) and the Christmas market is one of my favourites anywhere. Very close is Schneeberg - another very nice Christmas market, the town has an excellent museum on Christmas items and regional folk art in general. Have a look into St. Wolfgang church - the Lucas Cranach altar is a masterpiece.
You won't have time for more places in the vicinity of Schwarzenberg
Just let me add that Zwickau, down the river, is the hub for the western Erzgebirge region (train to/from Schwarzenberg and via Chemnitz and Freiberg to Dresden). A bigger city and with nice Christmas market(s) plus very interesting museums.
You won't have time for more places in the vicinity of Schwarzenberg
Just let me add that Zwickau, down the river, is the hub for the western Erzgebirge region (train to/from Schwarzenberg and via Chemnitz and Freiberg to Dresden). A bigger city and with nice Christmas market(s) plus very interesting museums.
Sep 3rd, 2019, 12:40 PM
#31
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Ah, glad to know Schwarzenberg lives up to what I gathered online! I was second guessing when you said that Freiberg was a hub because I’d like to visit Seiffen. But there’s so much to see elsewhere.
Can I ask what to enter in on DB for Schneeberg? I keep getting places 5-7 hours away.
Can I ask what to enter in on DB for Schneeberg? I keep getting places 5-7 hours away.
Oct 24th, 2019, 10:16 PM
#33
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So...
I’ve been busy with work, and today I sat down to have a look at my itinerary. Turns out I managed to mess up. Somehow booked Schwarzenberg for two days before Market starts. No availability in town that weekend of the market. Oh, dear.
I’m not sure what I was thinking! Possibly that I could see the market the day I left? But in any case...should I keep the reservation or try somewhere else in the Ore mountains? Ideas? I really didn’t want to do all cities this trip.
Help, please!
I’ve been busy with work, and today I sat down to have a look at my itinerary. Turns out I managed to mess up. Somehow booked Schwarzenberg for two days before Market starts. No availability in town that weekend of the market. Oh, dear.
I’m not sure what I was thinking! Possibly that I could see the market the day I left? But in any case...should I keep the reservation or try somewhere else in the Ore mountains? Ideas? I really didn’t want to do all cities this trip.
Help, please!
Oct 25th, 2019, 12:16 AM
#34
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Fixed it...I think. 3 nights Dresden, then 2 nights in Zwickau.
is it doable to day trip to schwarzenberg, Schneeberg, and Freiberg all in one day? Of those three, Freiberg is my priority because the miner’s parade is that evening.
Oct 25th, 2019, 08:28 AM
#35
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Too bad! Of course Schwarzenberg is totally booked the weekends of the Christmas market. Zwickau is a good choice, too, though. Lots to see and do there (as you probably already found out ...)
No, you cannot see all three towns in one day. Even two of them would leave you with only two hours in the other town than Freiberg. You must calculate 45 minutes by train to Schwarzenberg, walk to the old town, stroll along the alleys to the castle and back, have a look into the church at least, grab a bite to eat and walk back to the train station / bus station. If you catch the 12.23 bus to Aue, change there to a bus to Chemnitz and hop on a train to Freiberg, you'll reach this town at 2.30 pm. Barely enough time to walk to the old town, have a coffee and cake at Hartmann's (a must if you find a seat ;-) ), stroll over the Christmas market and see the parade. You will not really see any of the sights, from the stunning cathedral over excellent historic museum to Terra Mineralia exhibit. Never enough time ...
No, you cannot see all three towns in one day. Even two of them would leave you with only two hours in the other town than Freiberg. You must calculate 45 minutes by train to Schwarzenberg, walk to the old town, stroll along the alleys to the castle and back, have a look into the church at least, grab a bite to eat and walk back to the train station / bus station. If you catch the 12.23 bus to Aue, change there to a bus to Chemnitz and hop on a train to Freiberg, you'll reach this town at 2.30 pm. Barely enough time to walk to the old town, have a coffee and cake at Hartmann's (a must if you find a seat ;-) ), stroll over the Christmas market and see the parade. You will not really see any of the sights, from the stunning cathedral over excellent historic museum to Terra Mineralia exhibit. Never enough time ...
