How would you spend four days in Dresden in December?
 

Our Christmas trip to Germany has been booked since July, but we've had barely a minute to sort out the details.

The main attraction of Dresden for us is 1) we've never been there and 2) it's home to the oldest Christmas market in Germany.

I'm feverishly researching the possibilities, but also hoping the Fodorites can offer some suggestions.

We're open to just about anything, but are quite fond of walking, outdoor activities (yes, I know it's December) and of course Christmas markets!

Any suggestions for specific places to eat/foods to try also welcomed.

First of all, Dresden has several Christmas markets:

Striezelmarkt is the biggest one and a Christmas market which is similar to those in other German cities.

Mittelalter Weihnacht im Stallhof is themed to medieval times, certainly fun to visit and quite different.

The Neumarkt in front of the Frauenkirche is themed to 19th century and very romantic.

At the Postplatz you find Apres-Ski-atmosphere with loud music, dancing, curling etc.

There are five more - you will see when you are there.

Second, Dresden has a lot of attractions: The Castle with the gallery, the Green Vault with a breathtaking collection of jewellery (a must-see), the historical opera house built by Semper, the Frauenkirche, the boardwalk along river, etc.

Daytrips from Dresden may lead you into the Sächsische Schweiz with unusual rock formations or to MOritzburg Castle, Pillnitz Castle or Meissen with its famous porcelain factory.

Certainly enough to keep you occupied.

You are aware that the Christmas markets close on December 23?

The only thing of much interest that I saw in Dresden was the Green Vault, for me. I really enjoyed my daytrip to Leipzig from there, however. I wasn't there at Christmas.

Thank you both, very helpful.

<You are aware that the Christmas markets close on December 23?>

We arrive in Dresden Dec 2, depart from Munich Dec 24.

The itinerary:

Dresden - four nights
Annaberg-Buchholz - four nights
Bamberg - four nights
Garmisch - four nights
Munich - six nights

Thought I'd tackle the questions a city at a time as I'm a wee bit overwhelmed at the moment.

Hi Melnq8,

I would also add a visit to Meissen, a nice little town, in addition to being the home to the porcelain manufacturers.

Let me know if you'd like any hints or comments about Garmisch -- and let me know if you want to meet for a drink! Love to meet you. I'm active on the Bavaria forum at TA, so you can send me a pm from there.

s

That sounds like a nice trip, Mel. When we went a few years ago we only spent a day or two in/around Dresden and felt very short-changed. The museums are great, the Frauenkirche a miracle, and it makes a good base for day trips.

We also went to Bamberg last year - I have to say that I'm not sure how you are going to fill 4 days there, unless you are going to do day trips from there as well, but perhaps you know something we missed!

I would also think that 4 nights in Bamberg are questionable. Better 2 nights in Bamberg and 2 nights in Rothenburg ob der Tauber or 2 nights in Berchtesgaden.

swandav -

Funnily enough, I did some research on Meissen last night and came to the same conclusion. Gorlitz is also a possibility, and of course that long list of Christmas Markets in Dresden, of which I've printed all the details.

I do need hints about Garmisch, and I'd love to meet up for a drink! We've done the Zugspitz a few times, but there is an excursion or two we'd still like to take. I referred to it in an earlier post, but my brain is like swiss cheese lately so will have to find it and post back.

annhig - Another poster made a similar comment about Bamberg, and I'm pretty clueless about what's on offer. You know us though, we're easily entertained and seldom run out of things to do regardless of where we are. I could perhaps add an extra night to Garmisch if need be though.

traveller1959 - Thank you. We've been to Rothenburg ob der Tauber many times, the most recent for three nights in 2013. I suspect my spouse is Rothenburged out, although I'd love to return on a girls trip at some point.

We've also been to Berchtesgaden, although its been several years - we loved it. Not sure how it'd fit into this itinerary though (?). Can you help with logistics? (traveling via train).

I've been to Dresden for 28 days in December and was never bored. Was also there on other Decembers for 5 days (2x). Also never bored. As Ingo says, there are several markets, each with their own flavor, as well as soom great museums, music venues and day trip possibilities.

I agree with the other posters who are questioning whether or not 4 days in Bamberg are really necessary. It's a lovely town that escaped bombing during the war but it also is pretty small.

Perhaps you could carve out a couple days from Bamberg and another couple of days from Munich and go toward the Harz mountain area to visit Quedlinburg, Wernigerode, and Goslar. If you could rent a vehicle for a few days, that would be ideal for the area but it is accessible by train.

We visited Dresden for 6 days in 2014 and there's a lot to see: the Zwinger, (museum -- the gardens won't be of much interest in Dec. I imagine) Semper Oper, Albertinum, Residenzeschloss, Konigstein Fortress, many old churches, and the Green Vault -- (order timed tickets in advance.) The old town area is fairly compact and easy to navigate.If you need more ideas you can find them on Trip Advisor.

We loved Dresden and would very much like to return some time.

I'm suddenly worried about Bamberg...any suggestions for day trips in the vicinity?

Nürnberg, Coburg, Bayreuth, Würzburg, Erlangen, Erfurt... Lauscha in the Thuringian Forest (centre of glass-making and birthplace of the Christmas bauble).
Franconian Switzerland if the weather is fine.

No worries - there are plenty of possibilities to keep you busy.

Stayed 7 nights in Bamberg in May 2012, taking several daytrips, to places such as Nuernberg, Wuerzburg, Ingolstadt and to see Vierzehnheilugen Basilica. Bought the Bierschmecker beer-sampling (self-guided) tour. Don't regret "all" the time in this very scenic large town!
(We also daytripped to tiny Amberg, but this was specifically for the Pentecost Fair.) Would've loved more time....! I did a TR if interested!

I enjoyed my night in Görlitz. I'll bet it would be pretty with snow on the ground.

Thanks for that quokka and mokka4!

there you are Mel - quokka and mokka to the rescue. Of the places mentioned, we liked Wurzburg and Erfurth - didn't make it to the others. I can recommend the Best Western hotel Bamberg as a good place to stay - half way between the town and the railway station if you are going to be using the trains for your day trips, and with a garage right underneath the hotel if you're going to be driving.

re the idea to go to the Harz - nice in summer but it's quite a long way off your route and it would take time out of the rest of your trip just getting there and back, for questionable benefit if the weather's bad.

I'd spend the whole time at the Christmas market drinking Gluhwein and listening to music.

annhig -

As it happens we're booked at the Best Western in Bamberg. Happy to hear I've made a good choice.

will you be driving, Mel? if so, avoid my "hilarious" attempts to try to access the garage from the parking space in the front of the hotel, and drive straight in, then get the lift up to reception.

We found it very comfortable and quiet, there is a laundry for guests' use on the third ? floor, and the breakfast was very good. You can also get free tea and coffee from reception and there is a bar as well.

It's about 10 mins walk from the town with some of the Brauerei even closer.