Dresden Day Trips
Sep 21st, 2008, 05:27 PM
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Dresden Day Trips
I’m planning a 6 day trip to Dresden for the end of October. Wanderherr and I will be arriving by train from Frankfurt and using public transportation for getting around and day trips.
I’ve gotten LOTS of good information from reading old threads. Thanks Ingo, quokka, Bird, treplow, and all the others for posting comments and trip reports.
We plan to spend three full days in Dresden and take some day trips. This is where I need help.
1) Goerlitz is a must visit for us. I’m planning a full day and an overnight on Sunday. Does it deserve more? Is the regional bahn the most efficient way to get there and back to Dresden? Should I buy a ticket early or is it ok to purchase while in Dresden? I don’t think I can save much by purchasing early.
2) Schloss Pillnitz – is it worth it to go at this time of year? We enjoy autumn colors and brisk weather. Should we see both the Schloss museum and the kunstgewerbemuseum? Should I plan to be here 1/2 day or all day? I like the idea of going via paddleboat, but I haven’t found directions. Can you help?
3) Moritzburg – and Pillnitz or just one? If just one, which? Should we try to do both? Is it reasonable to combine Moritzburg and Radebeul in one day? What’s the best way to get there?
Thanks in advance for your help.
I’ve gotten LOTS of good information from reading old threads. Thanks Ingo, quokka, Bird, treplow, and all the others for posting comments and trip reports.
We plan to spend three full days in Dresden and take some day trips. This is where I need help.
1) Goerlitz is a must visit for us. I’m planning a full day and an overnight on Sunday. Does it deserve more? Is the regional bahn the most efficient way to get there and back to Dresden? Should I buy a ticket early or is it ok to purchase while in Dresden? I don’t think I can save much by purchasing early.
2) Schloss Pillnitz – is it worth it to go at this time of year? We enjoy autumn colors and brisk weather. Should we see both the Schloss museum and the kunstgewerbemuseum? Should I plan to be here 1/2 day or all day? I like the idea of going via paddleboat, but I haven’t found directions. Can you help?
3) Moritzburg – and Pillnitz or just one? If just one, which? Should we try to do both? Is it reasonable to combine Moritzburg and Radebeul in one day? What’s the best way to get there?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Sep 22nd, 2008, 09:42 AM
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Hi wander,
Glad I could help.
I'm not sure if the paddle steamers are cruising the Elbe at the end of October or not. If they are, then Schloss Pillnitz would be a good place to wander around for an hour or two as the boats dock near the castle before turning around.
Meissen would be another good trip by river, but you would need more than a few hours for a visit.
Saxon Switzerland would be a great day trip. Might be a little chilly at that time of year - Ingo would know better.
Another possibility is to spend the day in Leipzig. It is only an hour (roughly) away by train and has some truly interesting sights.
I'm eagerly looking forward to my next visit to Saxony.
Glad I could help.
I'm not sure if the paddle steamers are cruising the Elbe at the end of October or not. If they are, then Schloss Pillnitz would be a good place to wander around for an hour or two as the boats dock near the castle before turning around.
Meissen would be another good trip by river, but you would need more than a few hours for a visit.
Saxon Switzerland would be a great day trip. Might be a little chilly at that time of year - Ingo would know better.
Another possibility is to spend the day in Leipzig. It is only an hour (roughly) away by train and has some truly interesting sights.
I'm eagerly looking forward to my next visit to Saxony.
Sep 22nd, 2008, 10:03 AM
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I spent a fex days at the hotel in Schloss Pillnitz a few years ago. You can take a boat that crosses the river and from there a tramway to the center of Dresden and back.
The park is very nice, don't miss the little church "Maria am Wasser" by the Elbe. The several museums didn't strike me as being exceptional but they were nice.
The park is very nice, don't miss the little church "Maria am Wasser" by the Elbe. The several museums didn't strike me as being exceptional but they were nice.
Sep 22nd, 2008, 10:12 AM
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Hi wander -
Prague is only 2 - 2.5 hours by train. A day trip would give you much time, but you could certainly get a feel for the city, see some highlights, and have a good dinner before returning to Dresden.
Did this in reverse a couple of years ago.
Prague is only 2 - 2.5 hours by train. A day trip would give you much time, but you could certainly get a feel for the city, see some highlights, and have a good dinner before returning to Dresden.
Did this in reverse a couple of years ago.
Sep 22nd, 2008, 10:18 AM
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Howdy wanderfrau!
I see you've gotten only one response (Hi Bird! Looking forward to your next Dresden visit, too!), but mainly you posted these questions to make my day, eh? LOL
I am glad my posts on my home region were of some help.
Let's start with 2) - Do you consider Pillnitz a day trip? Or is that part of one of the 3 full days in Dresden? Definitely go there. Usually the weather is nice at the end of October. You should still be able to see some autumn colours - we're at the very beginning.
The paddle steamers run until 2 Nov - but only if there's enough water! Right now we have a draught and the schedule is reduced. That might change soon, however.
www.saechsische-dampfschifffahrt.de
The Kunstgewerbemuseum is very interesting IMO. In the so called "Mountain Palace" (northern wing) they have an exhibit right now - "Chinese Gardens for Living: Illusion into Reality" (btw - from 11 Oct on there will be a fantastic exhibit in the Royal Palace downtown in cooperation with the Palace museum in Peking)
The Schloss Museum Pillnitz is IMO not really worth to see. This part is not yet restored to its previous glory - you can see the main hall (or peek into it from outside for free, LOL), also the catholic chapel (which *is* nice) and some drawings+pictures plus explanations about the history. Hm, not so sure if it's worth 4 Euro ...
Definitely stroll through the park/garden. Maybe join a guided tour (don't know about English tours), because only with them you can have a look into the English and Chinese pavillions.
All in all it will take a half day I think. You might want to take the bus #83 back to Körnerplatz and explore that area a bit - Café Wippler has excellent cake (Eierschecke!) and hot chocolate, the old houses towards the river are worth to see (cute shops and an excellent Italian restaurant - Il Camino), the suspension railway and the funicular take you to great viewing points, then walk the Blue Wonder bridge to Schillerplatz. Tram #12 from there back to downtown.
1) Don't get me started on Görlitz! ;-) I'll be there tomorrow. An overnight is a good idea, but I wouldn't spend more time there. It might be a good idea, however, to stay another night and explore another town in the area the next day (Zittau, Bautzen) or see the Cistercian convent ST. Marienthal - or one of the picturesque villages (Cunnersdorf, Jonsdorf, Oybin, Großschönau in the Zittau mountains) maybe in combination with a ride on the steam train Zittau - Oybin/Jonsdorf.
Your best option to get there is the reginal train, yes. Purchase a "Sachsen Ticket" for a group up to 5 persons which costs about 28 € or so and is valid from 9 am on weekdays, all day on weekends on regional trains. You can't purchase early and save.
3) Moritzburg is a good idea if you like to see one more palace
Pillnitz is IMO more interesting. Radebeul is interesting if you want to do a wine tasting or walk in the vineyards. And see the small castle Hoflössnitz ;-) plus do the steam train ride to Moritzburg. Otherwise ... no. I'd prefer Meissen in your case. MUCH more interesting.
And what about an excursion to the National Park Saxon Switzerland? A must IMO. Especially in late Oct! No, bird, usually it's not too chilly. But weather is unpredictable, of course.
I see you've gotten only one response (Hi Bird! Looking forward to your next Dresden visit, too!), but mainly you posted these questions to make my day, eh? LOL
I am glad my posts on my home region were of some help.
Let's start with 2) - Do you consider Pillnitz a day trip? Or is that part of one of the 3 full days in Dresden? Definitely go there. Usually the weather is nice at the end of October. You should still be able to see some autumn colours - we're at the very beginning.
The paddle steamers run until 2 Nov - but only if there's enough water! Right now we have a draught and the schedule is reduced. That might change soon, however.
www.saechsische-dampfschifffahrt.de
The Kunstgewerbemuseum is very interesting IMO. In the so called "Mountain Palace" (northern wing) they have an exhibit right now - "Chinese Gardens for Living: Illusion into Reality" (btw - from 11 Oct on there will be a fantastic exhibit in the Royal Palace downtown in cooperation with the Palace museum in Peking)
The Schloss Museum Pillnitz is IMO not really worth to see. This part is not yet restored to its previous glory - you can see the main hall (or peek into it from outside for free, LOL), also the catholic chapel (which *is* nice) and some drawings+pictures plus explanations about the history. Hm, not so sure if it's worth 4 Euro ...
Definitely stroll through the park/garden. Maybe join a guided tour (don't know about English tours), because only with them you can have a look into the English and Chinese pavillions.
All in all it will take a half day I think. You might want to take the bus #83 back to Körnerplatz and explore that area a bit - Café Wippler has excellent cake (Eierschecke!) and hot chocolate, the old houses towards the river are worth to see (cute shops and an excellent Italian restaurant - Il Camino), the suspension railway and the funicular take you to great viewing points, then walk the Blue Wonder bridge to Schillerplatz. Tram #12 from there back to downtown.
1) Don't get me started on Görlitz! ;-) I'll be there tomorrow. An overnight is a good idea, but I wouldn't spend more time there. It might be a good idea, however, to stay another night and explore another town in the area the next day (Zittau, Bautzen) or see the Cistercian convent ST. Marienthal - or one of the picturesque villages (Cunnersdorf, Jonsdorf, Oybin, Großschönau in the Zittau mountains) maybe in combination with a ride on the steam train Zittau - Oybin/Jonsdorf.
Your best option to get there is the reginal train, yes. Purchase a "Sachsen Ticket" for a group up to 5 persons which costs about 28 € or so and is valid from 9 am on weekdays, all day on weekends on regional trains. You can't purchase early and save.
3) Moritzburg is a good idea if you like to see one more palace
Pillnitz is IMO more interesting. Radebeul is interesting if you want to do a wine tasting or walk in the vineyards. And see the small castle Hoflössnitz ;-) plus do the steam train ride to Moritzburg. Otherwise ... no. I'd prefer Meissen in your case. MUCH more interesting.And what about an excursion to the National Park Saxon Switzerland? A must IMO. Especially in late Oct! No, bird, usually it's not too chilly. But weather is unpredictable, of course.
Sep 23rd, 2008, 06:37 PM
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Hmmm….so many choices and not enough time.
I hope by October there is enough water to use the paddleboats!
I’ve adjusted the plans a bit; please tell me what you think of this plan:
Mon – arrive Dresden early afternoon. Mon – Sat we will stay in Dresden.
Tues – Dresden
Weds – Dresden
Thurs – Pillnitz in am, Koenigstein and Bastei in pm
Friday – Moritzburg in am and Meissen in pm
Sat – Leipzig
Sun – Goerlitz, overnight Goerlitz
Mon – return to Frankfurt
Tues – depart
Any comments??
I hope by October there is enough water to use the paddleboats!
I’ve adjusted the plans a bit; please tell me what you think of this plan:
Mon – arrive Dresden early afternoon. Mon – Sat we will stay in Dresden.
Tues – Dresden
Weds – Dresden
Thurs – Pillnitz in am, Koenigstein and Bastei in pm
Friday – Moritzburg in am and Meissen in pm
Sat – Leipzig
Sun – Goerlitz, overnight Goerlitz
Mon – return to Frankfurt
Tues – depart
Any comments??
Sep 24th, 2008, 09:34 AM
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We got a bit of rain and some more water in the river - the paddle steamers started running more frequently. I don't think you need to worry. I see the rainy weather coming 
As for your itinerary - doable, not ideal IMO. The day with Pillnitz in the am and Königstein+Bastei in the pm is tight. I doubt it's doable by public transportation. Please note that the fortress Königstein is located on a flat-top mountain above the actual town (and train station) and the hike up is about 45 minutes. Or you take bus 241 that runs Pirna - Königstein and has a stop "Festung" which is about 15 minutes walking from the entrance to the fortress. A hint: please do yourself a favour and don't use the elevator up to the plateau of the fortress. The appropriate way to get up is like in the old times - walking through the fortified gate(s).
To get from Königstein to Bastei involves another (short) train ride, a ferry ride and a hike UP to the sandstone rock. Hmmm.
Ditto for Moritzburg/Meissen. I would do it the other way around - there's more to see in Meissen and after you are done with the town you might feel up to see Moritzburg or not. I'd rank Meissen much higher than Moritzburg.
Another idea: why not going to Görlitz on Saturday, staying the night, then taking the train to Leipzig and staying there another night? Leipzig is on the train route between (Görlitz-) Dresden and Frankfurt and thus you don't have to track back. Or is accommodation in Dresden already booked?
Btw, if your flight out of Frankfurt doesn't leave before late afternoon you might even consider taking the train from Leipzig to Frankfurt on Tuesday. It's not that far.
I.
As for your itinerary - doable, not ideal IMO. The day with Pillnitz in the am and Königstein+Bastei in the pm is tight. I doubt it's doable by public transportation. Please note that the fortress Königstein is located on a flat-top mountain above the actual town (and train station) and the hike up is about 45 minutes. Or you take bus 241 that runs Pirna - Königstein and has a stop "Festung" which is about 15 minutes walking from the entrance to the fortress. A hint: please do yourself a favour and don't use the elevator up to the plateau of the fortress. The appropriate way to get up is like in the old times - walking through the fortified gate(s).
To get from Königstein to Bastei involves another (short) train ride, a ferry ride and a hike UP to the sandstone rock. Hmmm.
Ditto for Moritzburg/Meissen. I would do it the other way around - there's more to see in Meissen and after you are done with the town you might feel up to see Moritzburg or not. I'd rank Meissen much higher than Moritzburg.
Another idea: why not going to Görlitz on Saturday, staying the night, then taking the train to Leipzig and staying there another night? Leipzig is on the train route between (Görlitz-) Dresden and Frankfurt and thus you don't have to track back. Or is accommodation in Dresden already booked?
Btw, if your flight out of Frankfurt doesn't leave before late afternoon you might even consider taking the train from Leipzig to Frankfurt on Tuesday. It's not that far.
I.
Sep 24th, 2008, 10:02 AM
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Yes Görlitz is STUNNING! Meissen also lovely.
I'd go for Bautzen over Zittau if you want to add one. Zittau was interesting in part to see how run-down many cities in ex-GDR are. Maybe with the sun shining it makes a better impression?
We also liked Pirna; Schloss Rammenau.
I'd go for Bautzen over Zittau if you want to add one. Zittau was interesting in part to see how run-down many cities in ex-GDR are. Maybe with the sun shining it makes a better impression?
We also liked Pirna; Schloss Rammenau.
Sep 24th, 2008, 10:11 AM
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schuler, too bad, no, I won't be in the Engadine next week. Have fun there! I'll expect a mini-report, though
Lynda - in defense of Zittau, it's beautifully restored in parts (around the town hall and Salzhaus) and mostly on the tourist map because of the two famous Lenten clothes and the narrow-gauge steam train that starts there.
Lynda - in defense of Zittau, it's beautifully restored in parts (around the town hall and Salzhaus) and mostly on the tourist map because of the two famous Lenten clothes and the narrow-gauge steam train that starts there.
Sep 24th, 2008, 07:41 PM
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Sorry you are getting rain, Ingo, but I hope there is enough rain to get the boats back on schedule and then the suns comes out for our trip!
Thanks to everyone for the additional input. As much as I would love to visit Prague, Zittau, Bautzen, etc., as usual, I have too much to do and not enough time. There is much more to do in this area than I expected. I am saving ideas for a future trip.
Our flight out of Frankfurt is before noon, so we will stay in Frankfurt (or Mainz) Monday night. We want to limit one night stays, so Leipzig will stay a day trip from Dresden. I have not made reservations in Dresden just yet, but I will soon. We are considering Pension Kaeubler and Pension am Grossen Garten.
Right now, I think we will do Pillnitz/Körnerplatz/Schillerplatz as Ingo suggests on Thursday and Königstein/Bastei on Friday. Thanks Ingo for the transportation tips. We will be sure to walk through the gates t Koenigstein. We will have to save Meissen and Moritzburg for our next trip.
Any other thoughts?
Thanks to everyone for the additional input. As much as I would love to visit Prague, Zittau, Bautzen, etc., as usual, I have too much to do and not enough time. There is much more to do in this area than I expected. I am saving ideas for a future trip.
Our flight out of Frankfurt is before noon, so we will stay in Frankfurt (or Mainz) Monday night. We want to limit one night stays, so Leipzig will stay a day trip from Dresden. I have not made reservations in Dresden just yet, but I will soon. We are considering Pension Kaeubler and Pension am Grossen Garten.
Right now, I think we will do Pillnitz/Körnerplatz/Schillerplatz as Ingo suggests on Thursday and Königstein/Bastei on Friday. Thanks Ingo for the transportation tips. We will be sure to walk through the gates t Koenigstein. We will have to save Meissen and Moritzburg for our next trip.
Any other thoughts?
Sep 25th, 2008, 12:31 PM
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Please make sure you take a walk through the parks/gardens of the three castles by the Elbe (Albrechtsberg, Lingnerschloss, Schloss Eckberg). In late October it should be very enjoyable - views! and the foliage. Schloss Eckberg is a five star hotel and has a very good restaurant, btw.
A tip for Görlitz: Try their local dish "Schlesisches Himmelreich". It is pork with dried fruit in a thick, rather sweet gravy and dumplings. Have dark beer with it. Highly recommended is a restaurant at Obermarkt square with name "Schankhaus zum Nachtschmied", Obermarkt 18.
Also for Görlitz, restaurant ST. Jonathan, at the Untermarkt square/Peterstrasse is very good. They serve a Schnitzel with rosemary potatoes and a salad for 4.90 Euro, which was very good. And they also have (other) dark beer. Yummy.
Ingo
A tip for Görlitz: Try their local dish "Schlesisches Himmelreich". It is pork with dried fruit in a thick, rather sweet gravy and dumplings. Have dark beer with it. Highly recommended is a restaurant at Obermarkt square with name "Schankhaus zum Nachtschmied", Obermarkt 18.
Also for Görlitz, restaurant ST. Jonathan, at the Untermarkt square/Peterstrasse is very good. They serve a Schnitzel with rosemary potatoes and a salad for 4.90 Euro, which was very good. And they also have (other) dark beer. Yummy.
Ingo
Sep 25th, 2008, 12:39 PM
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