We want to visit Dresden and the surrounding area (Meissen and Saxon Switzerland) next month. We plan to do some museum going in dresden and Meissen, but are probably more interested in just walking around and picking up the ambience of the cities. We are also interested in one of the boat trips towards the Czech border and in doing some hiking in the Saxon Switzerland. I've been looking at websites for various pensions because we do not want to spend a lot of money on lodging. Also, I don't really know if we want to locate in the heart of Dresden. I think we will have a car because in the big picture it is cheaper for us to start our car rental at the airport in Frankfurt than to take the train to Dresden and then rent when we leave. Where would be a good location for us to base ourselves for 3 or maybe four nights to see the area? Is 3 or 4 nights about the amount of time we will need to do justice to the area? We've seen a lot of museums and churches in our time and so do not just want to focus on that. That said, are there some things in the area that we absolutely should do and not miss? Thanks.

It is difficult to advise you whether to stay in Dresden or surrounding. It really depends on your preferences. In fact, you can find reasonably priced pensions in Dresden, which are not too far from the city centre and in a quiet location (Pension am Grossen Garten e.g. www.pension-am-grossen-garten.de)

The advantage of staying in Dresden is that you can do more in the evening. Even in August there are concerts, open-air cinema by the river etc. - and what about attending the famous opera? Maybe you have luck and can get tickets.

Also, Dresden is the best base to explore both Meissen and Saxon Switzerland - situated half way between both.

By the way, driving is IMO a bad option. Public transportation is very sufficient (S-Bahn every 30 minutes to Meissen and Saxon Switzerland, trams and buses in the city). And driving is a hassle; construction works all around the city. Believe me, right yesterday I stuck in a traffic jam and lost more than an hour.

On the other hand, staying in a small town or village in Saxon Switzerland probably gives you more "vacation feeling". And it is maybe a little cheaper; and the views are most likely better

Your idea of a steam boat trip is great. An advice, though: Most interesting is the part from Dresden Old Town to Dresden-Pillnitz. The part from there to Pirna is somewhat boring. Then again, from Pirna to Bad Schandau it is getting more interesting with beautiful scenery (gorgeous sandstone rock formations) and picturesque villages. So, I recommend to split the boat trip. E.g. you can take the S-Bahn from Dresden to Stadt Wehlen and hop on the paddle steamer there.

I am not sure you will be happy to stay only 3 or 4 nights. I think 5 nights is minimum (4 full days).

Meissen is a full day trip (maybe a short side trip to a vinegrower's village or castle Moritzburg).

The old town of Dresden is worth at least one full day - w/ visiting one or two museums only!

Another day for the steam boat trip to Pillnitz, visiting the castle there and maybe another museum in the city, strolling through the Neustadt (Baroque quarter) and some shopping.

That leaves only one day for hiking in Saxon Switzerland. Must sees there are Königstein fortress, the Bastei view (a short hike from Rathen, but opportunities to extend the hike) and IMHO the romantic Kirnitzsch Valley from Bad Schandau toward the National Park with fantastic hiking trails (e.g. Kuhstall with stunning views).

Feel free to ask more questions. I am glad to be of any help.

Ingo

Ingo - I'm also traveling to Dresden later on this month and really enjoy reading everything you have posted on Germany. Can you by any chance recommend a nice hotel to stay at in Dresden that is walking distance to a lot of the major sights. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.

We really liked the Marthahospiz in Dresden. It cost 140 euros for a triple room. The room and breakfast were great. The hotel is in a residential area on the other side of the river from all the main sights. It's a bit of a hike from the hotel to the Opera House, etc. but perfectly doable. Also, the Marthahospiz is close to the bus stops for the main tour buses. A warning about the tour buses: the commentary is broadcast in very loud German throughout the bus. People who want commentary in other languages have to listen to an audiotape which would be fine but you can't hear it over the loud German coming from the loudspeaker. I would skip the tour and just wander the old town.

I agree with teacherlady. The Marthahospiz is my first recommendation, too. It is indeed a 15 minutes walk to the opera house and the major sights in the old town (or two tram stops only).

If you want to stay in short walking distance, you do not have a lot of choices. Two five-star hotels are fine: Kempinski Taschenbergpalais (outstanding, perfect, vis-a-vis Zwinger etc.) and the Radisson SAS Gewandhaus (five minutes walk). August is low season and maybe they have a deal to offer ...

People liked the Hilton, but I would be careful which room to book: construction sites in front of the hotel, a busy nightlife alley on the other side.

The smaller and cheaper hotels are all located outside the city centre. It is, however, mostly only a 10 minutes tram ride into the Old Town.

I highly recommend to skip the city tours. Walking and exploring on your own is fine.

Have fun!