How would you spend four days in Dresden in December?
Nov 3rd, 2015, 10:18 AM
#21
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Hi Melnq8,
cannot remember where you'll be staying in Dresden ... one of the residential areas (Blasewitz?) or old town?
Well, that's only an afternoon/evening and three full days in Dresden, right? It looks like you'd like to do at least one day trip out of the city (which is reasonable), and my choice would be either Görlitz or Bautzen for Christmas markets and beautiful old town/architecture, or Meißen for old town, castle, cathedral, porcelain manufacture maybe, but not for the Christmas market (was the least attractive of the three mentioned, mostly food/Glühwein, only very few Christmas items/craftwork).
As for Dresden - it depends on what exactly you're interested in. The Christmas markets are a must, I think. Striezelmarkt, of course. Sample Dresdner Christstollen, gingerbread from Pulsnitz, Glüchwein, have Bratwurst at Bean & Beluga's stall. Mon through Fri at 5 pm are free concerts in the neighbouring Kreuzkirche. Another must is the 'Anno 1900' Christmas market on Neumarkt square in front of Frauenkirche. Bakery Gradel has yummy gingerbread, Baumkuchen etc. Organic food at Vorwerk Podemus stall.
Stroll over the medieval themed market in the Renaissance courtyard behind the mural 'Procession of Princes' (former jousting yard). It's a different ambience. Caution: A couple of Euros admission fee on weekends.
Across the river along pedestrian zone "Hauptstrasse" is Augustusmarkt, with white tents instead of wooden stalls. Slightly lower prices there for Glühwein, Bratwurst etc.
A very charming Christmas market is in Dresden-Loschwitz near Blue Wonder bridge/Körnerplatz square. Small, artisans, village-type ambience. Drop into Cafe Wippler across the street, have a slice of Christstollen and caffe latte or hot chocolate ...
As for museums - the Folk Art Museum has a lovely Christmas exhibit. Ditto the City History Museum (Landhaus). Maybe you'd like to check out a couple of the art museums - Green Vault(s), Picture Galleries, Porcelain collection, Scientific instruments/watches, coins, armory ... www.skd.museum
Somewhat unusual are the Hygiene museum (not only about hygiene, more biology/society) and the Military History museum (which is more anti-military). Wine tastings are options. Narrow-gauge steam train rides (Radebeul-Moritzburg or Freital-Dippoldiswalde), cruises on the river, there are castles (Moritzburg, Pillnitz, Weesenstein ...) and fortress Königstein with a Christmas market on weekends. Check out www.schloesserland-sachsen.de
Last but not least, if you're up to it I'd be happy to show you around for a couple of hours. Either old town, the more quirky new town, or the quieter, rural area between Loschwitz and Pillnitz would be ideas.
cannot remember where you'll be staying in Dresden ... one of the residential areas (Blasewitz?) or old town?
Well, that's only an afternoon/evening and three full days in Dresden, right? It looks like you'd like to do at least one day trip out of the city (which is reasonable), and my choice would be either Görlitz or Bautzen for Christmas markets and beautiful old town/architecture, or Meißen for old town, castle, cathedral, porcelain manufacture maybe, but not for the Christmas market (was the least attractive of the three mentioned, mostly food/Glühwein, only very few Christmas items/craftwork).
As for Dresden - it depends on what exactly you're interested in. The Christmas markets are a must, I think. Striezelmarkt, of course. Sample Dresdner Christstollen, gingerbread from Pulsnitz, Glüchwein, have Bratwurst at Bean & Beluga's stall. Mon through Fri at 5 pm are free concerts in the neighbouring Kreuzkirche. Another must is the 'Anno 1900' Christmas market on Neumarkt square in front of Frauenkirche. Bakery Gradel has yummy gingerbread, Baumkuchen etc. Organic food at Vorwerk Podemus stall.
Stroll over the medieval themed market in the Renaissance courtyard behind the mural 'Procession of Princes' (former jousting yard). It's a different ambience. Caution: A couple of Euros admission fee on weekends.
Across the river along pedestrian zone "Hauptstrasse" is Augustusmarkt, with white tents instead of wooden stalls. Slightly lower prices there for Glühwein, Bratwurst etc.
A very charming Christmas market is in Dresden-Loschwitz near Blue Wonder bridge/Körnerplatz square. Small, artisans, village-type ambience. Drop into Cafe Wippler across the street, have a slice of Christstollen and caffe latte or hot chocolate ...
As for museums - the Folk Art Museum has a lovely Christmas exhibit. Ditto the City History Museum (Landhaus). Maybe you'd like to check out a couple of the art museums - Green Vault(s), Picture Galleries, Porcelain collection, Scientific instruments/watches, coins, armory ... www.skd.museum
Somewhat unusual are the Hygiene museum (not only about hygiene, more biology/society) and the Military History museum (which is more anti-military). Wine tastings are options. Narrow-gauge steam train rides (Radebeul-Moritzburg or Freital-Dippoldiswalde), cruises on the river, there are castles (Moritzburg, Pillnitz, Weesenstein ...) and fortress Königstein with a Christmas market on weekends. Check out www.schloesserland-sachsen.de
Last but not least, if you're up to it I'd be happy to show you around for a couple of hours. Either old town, the more quirky new town, or the quieter, rural area between Loschwitz and Pillnitz would be ideas.
Nov 3rd, 2015, 05:40 PM
#22
annhig -
No, we're traveling by train which is the primary reason we chose The Best Western - location.
Ingo -
Your previous comments made me worry about my first booking (Loschwitzer Straße, noise and 'basement smell' issues), so I've booked at a small establishment on Ludwigstrasse, in the middle of the city, but on a quiet side street from what I understand).
As always, your suggestions are wonderful and much appreciated. Would love to meet up if you're available!
No, we're traveling by train which is the primary reason we chose The Best Western - location.
Ingo -
Your previous comments made me worry about my first booking (Loschwitzer Straße, noise and 'basement smell' issues), so I've booked at a small establishment on Ludwigstrasse, in the middle of the city, but on a quiet side street from what I understand).
As always, your suggestions are wonderful and much appreciated. Would love to meet up if you're available!
Nov 4th, 2015, 01:25 AM
#24
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Sorry, there are indeed two streets named "Ludwigstraße" in Dresden. The one you refered to is indeed closer to the old town. Walking distance to the old town is not just 5 minutes as listed, though. I'd say 15 minutes.
Nov 4th, 2015, 06:04 AM
#25
Thank Ingo. Fifteen minutes is no drama, we love walking. The hotel seemed a good option as its on the Elbe River, a five minute walk from the historic Neustadt district, within easy reach of the Frauenkirche church, Semper Opera House and Brühl Terrace, two minutes from a tram stop and a five minute walk to the Neustadt train station (per their website anyway).
You mentioned in an earlier thread that buying point-to-point train tickets in advance was the way to go. I assume you're referring to our intercity travel only? By that I mean our trip from Dresden to Annaberg, from Annaberg to Bamberg, from Bamberg to Garmisch, etc).
I assume day trips won't require advance purchase? I'm a planner, but not that much of a planner
May I contact you on TA via PM? I think I know your screen name there.
You mentioned in an earlier thread that buying point-to-point train tickets in advance was the way to go. I assume you're referring to our intercity travel only? By that I mean our trip from Dresden to Annaberg, from Annaberg to Bamberg, from Bamberg to Garmisch, etc).
I assume day trips won't require advance purchase? I'm a planner, but not that much of a planner
May I contact you on TA via PM? I think I know your screen name there.
Nov 4th, 2015, 10:40 AM
#26
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I just wanted to mention the distance to the old town. Yep, 15 minutes are not really a problem - but they may be in December, if/when it's going to be cold and windy ...
Yes, point-to-point tickets in advance are the way to go for long distance travel, and only if it includes fast trains: IC, ICE, EC. Not for RB, RE, ALX or so.
For Dresden - Annaberg-Buchholz your best option is the Sachsen-Ticket. You can buy it from a machine in the Dresden-Neustadt train station, cost is 27 Euro for two travellers. It is valid the whole day (Sunday, right?), covers all regional trains and the buses in the VMS network (roughly spoken Erzgebirge mountains, from Freiberg on via Chemnitz to Annaberg and beyond.) but NOT the trams and buses in Dresden. So you need to walk the five minutes to the train station Dresden-Neustadt
You can buy this ticket either in advance or on the same day, must select the day of travel during the process of buying at the machine (also the number of persons), then fill in the name of one of you guys after it's printed, before you board the train.
From Annaberg to Bamberg it depends - either a "Quer-durchs-Land-Ticket", which covers all regional trains in Germany on that day after 9 am - if you ride regional trains only. Or you find a connection that includes fast trains (unlikely, only through Leipzig and takes longer), so you could buy tickets in advance for saver fare.
From Bamberg to Garmisch you're most likely better of with those saver tickets in advance. Right now there are many options for those, hourly connections for 49 Euro for two people.
No advance purchase for day trips, right
Sure, contact me on TA via PM. I'm looking forward to hearing from you. ;-)
Yes, point-to-point tickets in advance are the way to go for long distance travel, and only if it includes fast trains: IC, ICE, EC. Not for RB, RE, ALX or so.
For Dresden - Annaberg-Buchholz your best option is the Sachsen-Ticket. You can buy it from a machine in the Dresden-Neustadt train station, cost is 27 Euro for two travellers. It is valid the whole day (Sunday, right?), covers all regional trains and the buses in the VMS network (roughly spoken Erzgebirge mountains, from Freiberg on via Chemnitz to Annaberg and beyond.) but NOT the trams and buses in Dresden. So you need to walk the five minutes to the train station Dresden-Neustadt
You can buy this ticket either in advance or on the same day, must select the day of travel during the process of buying at the machine (also the number of persons), then fill in the name of one of you guys after it's printed, before you board the train.From Annaberg to Bamberg it depends - either a "Quer-durchs-Land-Ticket", which covers all regional trains in Germany on that day after 9 am - if you ride regional trains only. Or you find a connection that includes fast trains (unlikely, only through Leipzig and takes longer), so you could buy tickets in advance for saver fare.
From Bamberg to Garmisch you're most likely better of with those saver tickets in advance. Right now there are many options for those, hourly connections for 49 Euro for two people.
No advance purchase for day trips, right
Sure, contact me on TA via PM. I'm looking forward to hearing from you. ;-)
Nov 8th, 2015, 08:28 AM
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If you, or someone in your party is an auto enthusiast, then you might want to consider the VW factory tour in Dresden. It is in all glass building and is very enjoyable. It also offers something a little bit different than museums, markets and is in town. You can google for booking details.
Nov 8th, 2015, 12:20 PM
#28
Thank you Poconolady, great suggestion.
Ingo, I just saw your most recent post, which is quite helpful.
The travel times to other towns in the Erzgebirge mountains seems quite time consuming, so we're giving serious consideration to renting a car the day we depart Dresden, using it for our time in the Erzgebirge, and possibly keeping it for the duration in Bamberg, to facilitate day trips, then using the train thereafter.
That would mean a pick up in Dresden and drop off in Bamberg, keeping the car for about a week.
Winter days are so short that we're not inclined to spend hours on trains/buses getting to some of the towns with limited schedules. A car seems to make sense, especially as we like to keep things flexible.
I believe Alt Hotel Annaberg and Best Western Bamberg have parking facilities (I shall double check), and I assume the small towns will have parking areas on the outskirts, which may involve pay parking. Safe assumption?
Ingo, I just saw your most recent post, which is quite helpful.
The travel times to other towns in the Erzgebirge mountains seems quite time consuming, so we're giving serious consideration to renting a car the day we depart Dresden, using it for our time in the Erzgebirge, and possibly keeping it for the duration in Bamberg, to facilitate day trips, then using the train thereafter.
That would mean a pick up in Dresden and drop off in Bamberg, keeping the car for about a week.
Winter days are so short that we're not inclined to spend hours on trains/buses getting to some of the towns with limited schedules. A car seems to make sense, especially as we like to keep things flexible.
I believe Alt Hotel Annaberg and Best Western Bamberg have parking facilities (I shall double check), and I assume the small towns will have parking areas on the outskirts, which may involve pay parking. Safe assumption?
Nov 8th, 2015, 12:26 PM
#29
Mel, I can confirm that the Best Western Bamberg does have a garage, right underneath the hotel.
don't do what I did, but drive straight down into the garage from the street and then get the lift up to reception.
don't do what I did, but drive straight down into the garage from the street and then get the lift up to reception.
Nov 9th, 2015, 09:07 AM
#31
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Yes, it makes sense to rent a car for the smaller towns. I doubt Garni Alt Annaberg has a private parking facility; as far as I know it's streetside parking, which can be a problem - especially if you arrive late and the locals were quicker.
Did you see my Annaberg-Buchholz page on Virtualtourist.com? Here is the link to my "Driving" tip in the transportation category: http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/p/m/24113f/
The third picture is (if I am not totally wrong) the small street where Alt Annaberg is (I think it's the third building from the left).
More via PM on TA
Did you see my Annaberg-Buchholz page on Virtualtourist.com? Here is the link to my "Driving" tip in the transportation category: http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/p/m/24113f/
The third picture is (if I am not totally wrong) the small street where Alt Annaberg is (I think it's the third building from the left).
More via PM on TA
Nov 15th, 2015, 02:35 PM
#32
Thanks Ingo, I printed your info on driving.
We're trying to sort out the car rental but not sure at which location in Dresden to collect it (easily accessible from the City-Oase) and which location to leave it once finished in Bamberg (easily accessible from The Best Western).
Any thoughts?
We're trying to sort out the car rental but not sure at which location in Dresden to collect it (easily accessible from the City-Oase) and which location to leave it once finished in Bamberg (easily accessible from The Best Western).
Any thoughts?
Nov 15th, 2015, 02:40 PM
#33
Another thought...maybe we should just rent the car for the Annaberg portion, then drive to Bamberg, drop off the car and explore the surrounding towns via train? Best as I can tell access from Bamberg to some of the surrounding towns mentioned by mokka is pretty straightforward via train, unlike in the Erzgebirge?
Nov 16th, 2015, 12:04 AM
#34
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I know that Europcar and Sixt have rental car stations at the railway station Dresden-Neustadt, a 5-10 minutes walk from your place. Even closer is Hertz, only 2 minutes away (crossing Antonstr./Leipziger Str.)
Europcar and Sixt have stations in Bamberg, too - about a mile from your hotel. Hertz station is a bit closer.
Yes, the places mokka mentioned are easily accessible by rail, even faster than by driving (traffic during Advent season!) and this would save you the hassle of finding parking etc. If you travel on the Bayern ticket, valid for a full day, this also includes public transportation in the towns/cities.
Europcar and Sixt have stations in Bamberg, too - about a mile from your hotel. Hertz station is a bit closer.
Yes, the places mokka mentioned are easily accessible by rail, even faster than by driving (traffic during Advent season!) and this would save you the hassle of finding parking etc. If you travel on the Bayern ticket, valid for a full day, this also includes public transportation in the towns/cities.
Nov 16th, 2015, 12:54 PM
#35
As usual, your info is invaluable Ingo.
After checking rates, excess, parking and the like, we're back to train travel. Those Hertz offices are certainly very convenient, but renting a car presents a whole different set of issues as you've pointed out. I think we'll just bite the bullet and spend whatever time is necessary on buses while in the Erzgebirge and plan accordingly.
Regarding the Sachsen Ticket...my impression is that it has to be purchased ahead of time, but you said we can buy it at a ticket machine? If so, that would be a big help, as we'd rather wing it as much as possible.
I'm looking into the day trip suggestions made by quokka (thank you!). We're leaning towards Wurzburg over Nurnburg as it's much smaller and seems more our style, and possibly Lauscha. Curious about the others too quokka, and wondering what you liked about each place?
After checking rates, excess, parking and the like, we're back to train travel. Those Hertz offices are certainly very convenient, but renting a car presents a whole different set of issues as you've pointed out. I think we'll just bite the bullet and spend whatever time is necessary on buses while in the Erzgebirge and plan accordingly.
Regarding the Sachsen Ticket...my impression is that it has to be purchased ahead of time, but you said we can buy it at a ticket machine? If so, that would be a big help, as we'd rather wing it as much as possible.
I'm looking into the day trip suggestions made by quokka (thank you!). We're leaning towards Wurzburg over Nurnburg as it's much smaller and seems more our style, and possibly Lauscha. Curious about the others too quokka, and wondering what you liked about each place?
Nov 17th, 2015, 09:27 AM
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Yes, the Sachsen ticket can be bought from ticket machines. You enter the date and number of persons travelling during the process. All you need to do is to fill in one of your names and then it's validated.
Btw, if you're travelling to Meißen, Pirna, Bautzen or so, there are other, less expensive options for tickets. Let me know which trips you plan so I can advise you properly.
As for the Annaberg/Erzgebirge portion, on second thought I believe the only destination for which a car would be more convenient is Seiffen. Schneeberg, Schwarzenberg, the castles along the Zschopau river, Oberwiesenthal ... everything's easily doable by train/bus.
Btw, if you're travelling to Meißen, Pirna, Bautzen or so, there are other, less expensive options for tickets. Let me know which trips you plan so I can advise you properly.
As for the Annaberg/Erzgebirge portion, on second thought I believe the only destination for which a car would be more convenient is Seiffen. Schneeberg, Schwarzenberg, the castles along the Zschopau river, Oberwiesenthal ... everything's easily doable by train/bus.
Nov 17th, 2015, 02:12 PM
#38
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> PS - quokka - it's snowing like gangbusters here today in the Colorado mountains, something tells me it's much warmer where you are.
+14°C right now (midnight). But temperatures are predicted to drop drastically next weekend. From then onwards even frosty nights and the occasional snow shower may occur. About time in the last decade of November...
+14°C right now (midnight). But temperatures are predicted to drop drastically next weekend. From then onwards even frosty nights and the occasional snow shower may occur. About time in the last decade of November...
Nov 22nd, 2015, 08:29 AM
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Hi Melnq8,
My eye caught "Dresden" on a post in Germany, and then I saw your name.
We were there for a very short stint in September, which I just finished writing about in our TR above. We were really impressed with Dresden, as we noted in our report.
14 inches of snow!!! Wow! Interesting that we just received an e-mail offer from a place in Manitou Springs where we had stayed a few years ago: The Avenue Hotel B & B! Might that be close to your new home?
We still feel so grateful to you for your very helpful advice for our trip to NZ!
Have a great trip to Germany!
My eye caught "Dresden" on a post in Germany, and then I saw your name.
We were there for a very short stint in September, which I just finished writing about in our TR above. We were really impressed with Dresden, as we noted in our report.
14 inches of snow!!! Wow! Interesting that we just received an e-mail offer from a place in Manitou Springs where we had stayed a few years ago: The Avenue Hotel B & B! Might that be close to your new home?
We still feel so grateful to you for your very helpful advice for our trip to NZ!
Have a great trip to Germany!
