Dresden Archives - My Germany Vacation https://www.mygermanyvacation.com/tag/dresden/ Easy & enjoyable trip planning! Fri, 11 Oct 2024 16:03:00 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 https://www.mygermanyvacation.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/cropped-MGV-Favicon-32x32.png Dresden Archives - My Germany Vacation https://www.mygermanyvacation.com/tag/dresden/ 32 32 Where to Stay in Dresden in 2025 https://www.mygermanyvacation.com/where-to-stay-in-dresden/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=where-to-stay-in-dresden https://www.mygermanyvacation.com/where-to-stay-in-dresden/#respond Sun, 25 Aug 2024 15:56:03 +0000 https://www.mygermanyvacation.com/?p=22172 Planning to visit Dresden on your Germany trip? In this guide we show you the best places to stay in this beautiful city (including 2 places we've recently stayed)!

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Planning to visit Dresden on your Germany trip? In this guide we show you the best places to stay in this beautiful city (including 2 places we’ve recently stayed)!

Dresden park and skyline
Dresden Old Town

Quick Answer: Top Hotels in Dresden, Germany

  1. Where We Stayed: Hyperion Schloss Hotel Dresden
  2. Next to the Frauenkirche Church: Hotel Suitess
  3. Near Dresden Central Train Station: Holiday Inn Express Dresden Zentrum
  4. Apartment-Style Accommodation: Historisches Bürgerhaus Dresden Kulturstiftung
  5. Located in the Old Town Market Square: NH Collection Dresden Altmarkt
  6. 3 Minutes from Bruhl’s Terrace: INNSiDE by Meliá Dresden
  7. Premium Comfort: Hilton Dresden
  8. 5-Star Splurge: Gewandhaus Dresden
Dresden map

Where Can I Find The Above Map?

It’s part of our Germany Travel Planner, and it’s your Germany travel planning BFF! Using our custom interactive planning map you’ll be able to quickly see the best sights, castles, hotels, day trips, and more – along with our photos and up-to-date insider tips. Seeing where these things are in relation to each other makes it much easier to plan your overall itinerary, as well as each day of your trip. If you don’t yet have it, click here to get access.

Where to Stay in Dresden: Our Recommendation & Tips

The best area to stay in Dresden is the historic Old Town (Altstadt) area. This is the ideal choice because you’ll be in close proximity to most of the main tourist attractions of the city like Frauenkirche (Church of our Lady Dresden), Zwinger Palace, Dresden Castle (Residenzschloss), Semper Opera House (Semperopera), Bruhl’s Terrace (known as the “Balcony of Europe”), Fürstenzug, Albertinum, the Dresden City Museum (Stadtmuseum und Städtische Galerie Dresden), and many more.

The Old Town also has a wonderful atmosphere, characterized by its historic Baroque architecture, picturesque streets, and riverside views. To not miss out on any of these spots, we recommend booking a Dresden walking tour of the historic Old Town!

Another area worth looking into is Innere Neustadt. This district is located right by the Elbe river, on the north bank and across the Old Town.

It’s an elegant and hip neighborhood that’s perfect for those looking for a more contemporary feel. It’s full of diverse restaurants, cafes, boutiques, and galleries. There are also many cultural landmarks to visit in this area including the Baroque quarter, Japanese Palace (Japanisches Palais), and Kunsthofpassage.

Best Accommodations in Dresden, Germany

1. Where We Stayed: Hyperion Schloss Hotel Dresden

Where We Stayed
Hyperion Hotel Dresden Am Schloss
Pros:
  • Prime Old Town location
  • Spacious, quiet rooms
  • Comfortable king-sized beds
  • Fridge in room
  • Breakfast buffet available
  • On-site parking
Cons:
  • Carpet was a bit worn
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LOCATION: The Hyperion Hotel Dresden Am Schloss is super close to all of the main places to visit in Dresden, including the Residenzschloss (Dresden Castle), which is right across the stree

PERFECT FOR: Those looking for comfortable accommodation in Dresden with a great location and modern rooms at an affordable price

OUR REVIEW: We chose this hotel due to its prime location, large rooms, and affordable price. We loved being super close to so many of the top places to visit in Dresden like the Dresden Castle, Zwinger Palace, Frauenkirche, and Altmarkt. It would be the perfect place to stay when visiting the Christmas market!

We had a fridge and kettle in our room, which was perfect for making tea/coffee in the mornings and storing drinks and snacks. The hotel offers a breakfast buffet but we didn’t add that to our room. It did look delicious, though. We slept soundly on the King-sized bed and the little packs of gummi bears left on our pillow was a nice touch. There’s a great bakery next door and lots of cozy restaurants and cafes nearby. We’d stay here again!

GUESTS SAY: “The room was very tastefully decorated with high ceilings and modern fixtures. The spa was very classy, clean, quiet. The location of the hotel was truly in the center of the beautiful historic old town, close to tram, malls, many restaurants, and the river.”

SUMMARY: This modern hotel in an historic building in a prime Old Town location features large, quiet, light-filled rooms with an ensuite bathroom and comfortable beds. Other amenities include an upscale Swiss/German restaurant, a rooftop terrace, and even a while a medieval-era cellar that has a spa and a fitness room.

→ Click here to check availability at Hyperion Hotel Dresden Am Schloss

Hyperion Hotel
Hyperion Hotel
Hyperion Hotel
Hyperion Hotel

2. Next to the Frauenkirche Church: Hotel Suitess

Next to the Frauenkirche Church
Hotel Suitess
Pros:
  • Next to the Frauenkirche
  • Family rooms
  • Air conditioning
  • Private parking
  • Restaurant on site
  • Spa and fitness center
Cons:
  • Breakfast costs extra
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LOCATION: Hotel Suitess is located just steps away from Dresden’s famous Frauenkirche (Church of our Lady Dresden)

PERFECT FOR: Those who want to stay at the heart of Old Town Dresden, right beside one of the main landmarks of the city and the famous Dresden Christmas Market

GUESTS SAY:“Excellent location, we asked for a room with a view and had two widows overlooking the Frauenkirche. The room was spacious, as was the bathroom. The breakfast was good and a great way to start our day. The location is great for exploring the Christmas markets.”

SUMMARY: Hotel Suitess is an upscale hotel housed in an elegant baroque building. It’s located just steps away from the Frauenkirche. If you’re looking for where to stay in Dresden for Christmas markets, Hotel Suitess is a great option since one of the main markets takes places near the church.

The hotel features soundproofed rooms decorated in 19th-century style with nice touches like Italian marble bathrooms and separate sitting areas. Some unique amenities include a conservatory that overlooks the Frauenkirche where you can dine during warm weather, an old-world gin bar, and a spa with hot tub, steam room, and gym.

→ Click here to check availability at Hotel Suitess

Dresden Fürstenzug
Dresden Fürstenzug

3. Near Dresden Central Train Station: Holiday Inn Express Dresden Zentrum

Near Dresden Central Train Station
Holiday Inn Express Dresden Zentrum
Pros:
  • 10 minute walk to Dresden Hauptbahnhof
  • Air conditioning
  • On-site laundry room
  • Breakfast buffet
  • Bike rental
  • Restaurant on-site
Cons:
  • No private parking
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LOCATION: Holiday Inn Express Dresden Zentrum is located between Dresden Old Town and the Dresden Main Station. The train station is around a 10-minute walk from the hotel. It’s also in a bustling shopping area with lots of stores and eateries.

PERFECT FOR: Those arriving to or leaving Dresden via train or those taking day trips in the region using the train

GUESTS SAY: “Everything was amazing! The room was clean, the location super. Although the hotel is in the center of the city, the room was really quiet! The hotel is almost 10m from the train station by walking.”

SUMMARY: This budget boutique-style hotel has an ideal location near the Dresden Hauptbahnhof and within walking distance to the historic Dresden city center. It has all the basic amenities you will need for a weekend in Dresden. The hotel also features a restaurant and bar, laundry on-site, bike rental, 24-hour front desk, and air conditioning.

→ Click here to check availability at Holiday Inn Express Dresden Zentrum


4. Apartment-Style Accommodation: Historisches Bürgerhaus Dresden Kulturstiftung

Apartment-Style Accommodation
Historisches Burgerhaus Dresden - Kulturstiftung
Pros:
  • Family rooms
  • Spacious bathrooms
  • Fully furnished kitchen
  • Cafe on the ground floor
Cons:
  • No A/C
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LOCATION: Historisches Bürgerhaus Dresden Kulturstiftung is located across the Albertinum Museum and just around the corner from the Frauenkirche. The Elbe riverbank is also just a 5-minute walk away.

PERFECT FOR: Those who enjoy the comfort of staying in apartment-style accommodations during their travels

OUR REVIEW: We stayed here on our summer trip to Dresden. We loved being on a quiet street yet so close to all of the sights in the Old Town and the tram (which zipped us right to the train station). Our apartment was spacious and had a comfortable bed, large bathroom, and fully-equipped kitchen with everything we needed to make breakfast, coffee, snacks, and a few simple dinners. There’s no A/C, which is normal for apartments, but we slept well with the windows open. We’d stay here again!

GUESTS SAY: “Roomy comfortable apartment right in middle of the historic center. It was so nice to come home after a long day of touring to a roomy apartment.”

SUMMARY: This apartment-style accommodation is set in an elegant, refurbished Baroque-era building. The apartments include convenient amenities like comfortable living, a dining area, and a kitchen. There’s also a cafe on the ground floor of the building that serves drinks, snacks, and light meals for breakfast.

→ Click here to check availability at Historisches Bürgerhaus Dresden Kulturstiftung

Dresden cathedral
Dresden Cathedral, Royal Palace and Georgentor

5. In the Old Town Market Square: NH Collection Dresden Altmarkt

In the Old Town Market Square
NH Collection Dresden Altmarkt
Pros:
  • In Altmarkt (Old Town Market Square)
  • Air conditioning
  • Restaurant on site
  • Private parking
  • Spa and fitness center
Cons:
  • No family rooms
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LOCATION: This hotel is right in the Altmarkt Square (Old Market Square) in Dresden’s Old Town. Altmarkt is a large plaza that hosts the Striezelmarkt Christmas Market and other festivals

PERFECT FOR: Those looking for a central Dresden accommodation or those traveling to Dresden during the holidays and want to stay near a Christmas market

GUESTS SAY: “Location is wonderful, we had everything we expected, the room was with the view to the Altmarkt Christmas Market. Amazing view! Room was quiet. Nice breakfast.”

SUMMARY: The NH Collection Dresden is a 4-star hotel overlooking the beautiful Altmarkt Square where the Dresden Striezelmarkt, one of the first Christmas markets in the world, is held annually during the Christmsa season. It’s also within walking distance to a large shopping center called Altmarkt-Galerie Dresden. The hotel offers modern, spacious rooms with classy interior decorations and air conditioning. The full breakfast buffet comes highly rated as well as the international restaurant on site.

→ Click here to check availability at NH Collection Dresden Altmarkt


6. Close to the Elbe River: INNSiDE by Meliá Dresden

Close to the Elbe River
INNSiDE by Meliá Dresden
Pros:
  • Excellent location near Elbe riverbank
  • Air conditioning
  • Family rooms
  • King beds
  • On-site parking
  • Tea/coffee maker in rooms
  • Spa facilities
Cons:
  • Breakfast costs extra
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LOCATION: INNSiDE by Meliá Dresden is a few minutes walk away from the River Elbe and many tourist attractions like Bruhl’s Terrace, Frauenkirche, Albertinum Museum, and more.

PERFECT FOR: Those who want to be close to the Elbe river and some of the top landmarks of Dresden and have amenities like room service, a 24-hour front desk, King beds, and air conditioning

GUESTS SAY: “Location was fantastic, right next to the cathedral, close to the river and near to all the main sights. Room was lovely, very comfortable and well appointed. The room was a good size and the bathroom was very tastefully decorated.”

SUMMARY: The INNSiDE by Melia is a 4-star hotel with a lovely central location near Elbe River and many landmarks of Dresden including Bruhl’s Terrace and Frauenkirche. The hotel offers stylish, contemporary rooms and suites with air conditioning. There’s also 6th-floor sky-bar with views of the Frauenkirche as well as a restaurant on site serving German and international cuisine.

→ Click here to check availability at INNSiDE by Meliá Dresden

Dresden Opera
Dresden Opera

7. Premium Comfort: Hilton Dresden

Premium Comfort
Hilton Dresden
Pros:
  • Opposite the Frauenkirche
  • Family rooms
  • Air conditioning
  • Variety of restaurants and bars on site
  • Spa and fitness center
  • Indoor swimming pool
  • Parking available
Cons:
  • breakfast costs extra
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

LOCATION: Hilton Dresden is conveniently located in the center of Old Town, just a few steps away from Frauenkirche and within walking distance from Dresden Castle, Semper Opera House, and Zwinger Palace,

PERFECT FOR: Those who prioritize having access to extra amenities and facilities during their travels

GUESTS SAY: “The rooms are clean. The hotel facilities are great, especially the gym which was very empty each time I was there. There is a sauna, pool and very nice staff who provides for everything.”

SUMMARY: The Hilton Dresden is a classic hotel with a central location, close to many of the best places to see in Dresden. The hotel features modern rooms with all the essential necessities. There’s a lot of top amenities including 6 gourmet restaurants varying from Mediterranean cuisine, a steakhouse, a French bistro, an Italian restaurant, and a local German beer house. There’s also an indoor swimming pool, a fitness center, sauna, and spa facilities.

→ Click here to check availability at Hilton Dresden


8. 5-Star Hotel: Gewandhaus Dresden

5-Star Hotel
Gewandhaus Dresden
Pros:
  • Located in a historic building
  • Air conditioning
  • Restaurant on site
  • Spa and fitness center
  • Indoor swimming pool
Cons:
  • No parking
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

LOCATION: Gewandhaus Hotel Dresden is located 5 minutes away from Altmarkt and around 15 minutes away from the Frauenkirche

PERFECT FOR: Those wanting to splurge on their stay in Dresden

GUESTS SAY: “Spectacular building with plenty of character, inside and outside. Superb staff, very helpful. Great room. Excellent spa/gym facilities. Easy, affordable parking. A great hotel.”

SUMMARY: Gewandhaus Hotel Dresden is a luxurious 5-star hotel that’s housed in a polished and historic 18th-century building. All the rooms feature a modern-baroque design and have modern, high-end touches like designer furnishings, air conditioning and bathrooms decorated in Italian marble. The hotel also has a delicious cake shop and a refined European steakhouse and bar with a terrace.

→ Click here to check availability at Gewandhaus Hotel Dresden

Cultural Center and outdoor dining
Cultural Center
Dresden Frauenkirche
Dresden Frauenkirche
Dresden Royal Palace
Dresden Royal Palace

Dresden FAQ

How many days in Dresden is enough?

We recommend at least 1 full day but the ideal would be 2 days in Dresden. This timeframe lets you really enjoy the city and see most of the landmarks that are all within short distance from one another in the Old Town.

But you could also easily spend 3 days in Dresden and venture out via train to other nearby destinations like Saxon Switzerland or Leipzig as day trips.

Is it worth visiting Dresden, Germany?

Yes, Dresden is worth visiting! Dresden offers a lot of things to do and see for all visitors. It’s a wonderful destination given its scenic location along the River Elbe.

The Old Town has a lot of famous landmarks worth seeing like the Frauenkirche, Zwinger Palace, Dresden Castle, Semperoper, Bruhl’s Terrace, Pillnitz Castle, the Albertinum Museum, and many more!

Dresden is also especially worth visiting during the holidays for their magical Christmas markets including the Striezelmarkt, Advent at the Neumarkt near the Frauenkirche, and the Stallhof Advent Festival in the Dresden Castle.

What is special about Dresden, Germany?

Dresden has a long history as the capital and royal residence for the Kings of Saxony. Because of this, it has a rich cultural heritage that’s reflected in everything from its historic landmarks and the elegant Dresden buildings featuring Baroque and Rococo architecture.

Another thing that makes Dresden special is its beautiful riverside location – it’s the second largest city on the River Elbe after Hamburg.

Dresden is also renowned for its Christmas markets, especially the Striezelmarkt. It’s considered to be one of the first Christmas markets in the world and one of the oldest in Germany.

Finally, during the years Germany was a divided country, Dresden was located in East Germany. You can still see some elements of those years in Dresden today.

What is the Old Town in Dresden called?

The Old Town in Dresden is called Dresden Altstadt.

Was Dresden in East or West Germany?

Dresden was in East Germany.

What region is Dresden in Germany?

Dresden is located in the state of Saxony (Sachsen), in the eastern part of Germany.

Where to stay in Dresden, Germany?

We recommend looking for accommodation in the Altstadt (Old Town) area to be in close proximity to most of the city’s major tourist attractions like the Zwinger Palace, Frauenkirche, Dresden Palace, Bruhl’s Terrace, and more.

Other Dresden neighborhoods that are worth looking into are Innere Neustadt (Inner New Town) which is on the northern side of the Elbe and has a vibrant, contemporary atmosphere with various cultural landmarks and trendy establishments.

Is Dresden safe for foreigners?

Overall, Germany is quite a safe destination which means that yes, Dresden is safe for foreigners! But as with any destination, it’s important to always take standard safety precautions like being mindful of your belongings and staying alert of your surroundings, especially in more crowded areas.

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Review: Hyperion Hotel Dresden Am Schloss in Dresden, Germany https://www.mygermanyvacation.com/review-hyperion-hotel-dresden-am-schloss/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=review-hyperion-hotel-dresden-am-schloss https://www.mygermanyvacation.com/review-hyperion-hotel-dresden-am-schloss/#respond Fri, 28 Apr 2023 18:08:25 +0000 https://www.mygermanyvacation.com/?p=11134 Looking for a hotel in Dresden close to all of Dresden's important sights? Read our review of Hyperion Hotel Dresden Am Schloss review!

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Looking for a hotel in Dresden that’s close to all of Dresden’s important sights? Look no further than the Hyperion Hotel Dresden Am Schloss! Read our review below or book your stay here.

Note: this review is not sponsored. We chose, booked, and paid for our room ourselves.

hotel room

I did a lot of hotel research before we visited Dresden recently, and while I found many great options, we decided on the Hyperion Hotel Dresden Am Schloss due to its prime location, large rooms, and affordable price. We weren’t disappointed!

Here’s our review of our 3-night stay.

Excellent Location

One of the best features of the Hyperion Hotel Dresden Am Schloss is its super location in the Altstadt (Old Town).

Right across the street from the castle and a stone’s throw from Dresden’s best sights, such as the Semper Oper, the Zwinger, the Frauenkirche, Brühl’s Terrace and the Christmas markets, you can’t find a better location for a short stay in the city. We loved that we could easily pop by our room anytime if we wanted to warm up, rest our feet or grab a healthy snack.

It’s also just a short walk to Dresden’s main pedestrian shopping street and grocery stores, and there are all kinds of cozy restaurants for every taste and budget everywhere you look. There’s also a bakery next to the hotel (we stopped there every day for tea, coffee, and a treat) and cafes all over the Old Town.

And, if you’re in Dresden in December, you’ll be right by the famous Streizelmarkt.

christmas market

Terrific Amenities

Check-in was a fast and smooth process and the staff were super friendly and helpful. They even let us into our room 2 hours early, which was greatly appreciated, since we’d just arrived from Berlin with our luggage and it was a cold November day.

If you’re looking for a hotel with an elevator, look no further. We often took the elevator up to our room and walked down the stairs. You can use the elevator to access the guest rooms if you have a room key, which is a nice bit of added security, especially if you’re traveling alone.

lobby

Large, Quiet & Comfortable Room

Our room was much larger than we expected, especially since we were staying in the Old Town, and it was very comfortable for 2 people traveling with luggage.

I booked a “double bed” and was happy to see that translated to a King sized bed (sometimes it does, sometimes it doesn’t). The tall ceilings in the room made it feel even more spacious, yet it was a cozy place to relax in the evening after a long chilly day exploring the city.

hotel room

The room came with expected amenities like a TV with cable, free wifi, a desk and chair (which was perfect for a Zoom meeting I had with a client), coffee and tea, a mini fridge, a safe, bathrobes, and toiletries.

I really liked the room colors and decorations – a nice change from standard hotel wallpaper. And the packet of gummy sheep they left on our pillows was a nice touch.

I’ve noticed more and more bathrooms like the one we had at this hotel, where the bathroom is more open to the room. The shower worked great, there was plenty of room for our stuff on the counter, and plenty of complementary toiletries.

Our room faced an interior courtyard and so it was nice and quiet, despite the hotel being in the heart of the city. The 2 sets of curtains on the huge window enabled us to choose whether we wanted light to stream in and fill the room or keep the room dark for better sleeping. We also loved being able to open the windows for fresh air (very German).

Is There Parking? What About Breakfast?

Hyperion Hotel Dresden Am Schloss also offers parking, a spa, fitness center, and a sauna. They also offer breakfast but we opted for a room without breakfast, since we’re not big breakfast eaters. We took a peak at the buffet, though, and it was fit for a king!

If you’re also not big on breakfast, you can easily make tea or coffee in the room using the electric kettle and espresso pod machine. And there’s enough room in the fridge for a couple yogurts. If you get snacky or thirsty, there’s an adequate mini bar selection in the room.

We opted to stop by the Edeka grocery store in the nearby mall for a few snacks and drinks and kept them in the mini fridge.

dresden

Is Staying in the Old Town Worth It?

If you’ve looked at accommodations in Dresden you’ve probably seen hotels from the train station to the Old Town. We recommend staying in the Old Town. The old town is charming and close to everything you’re going to want to see in Dresden.

After arriving in Dresden, we walked an easy 20 minutes from the train station to the Hyperion Hotel Dresden Am Schloss. You could also take take a taxi. Taking the tram will get you pretty close to the hotel but not all the way.

It’s really not that far to walk from the train station and we found it quick and easy to walk back to the station for our day trip to Bastei Bridge in Saxon Switzerland.

hotel

Any Downsides?

The only 2 we could think of were that the carpets looked a little worn and breakfast wasn’t included in the price of the room (for us when we booked, at least).

The Verdict? Highly Recommended!

You can’t beat the location, we slept well, and overall, we really enjoyed our stay at the Hyperion Hotel Dresden Am Schloss. We’d definitely stay there again!

Click here to check availability and price at the Hyperion Hotel Dresden Am Schloss.

Where We Stayed
Hyperion Hotel Dresden Am Schloss
Pros:
  • Prime Old Town location
  • Spacious, quiet rooms
  • Comfortable king-sized beds
  • Fridge in room
  • Breakfast buffet available
  • On-site parking
Cons:
  • Carpet was a bit worn
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

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Saxon Switzerland National Park: Germany’s Hidden Gem https://www.mygermanyvacation.com/saxon-switzerland-national-park-germanys-hidden-gem/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=saxon-switzerland-national-park-germanys-hidden-gem https://www.mygermanyvacation.com/saxon-switzerland-national-park-germanys-hidden-gem/#comments Wed, 19 Apr 2023 18:10:10 +0000 https://www.mygermanyvacation.com/?p=11119 Looking for a day trip from Dresden that includes amazing natural beauty and fun outdoor activities? Read our guide on Saxon Switzerland!

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Saxon Switzerland National Park is not only a hidden gem in Germany, it’s the perfect day trip from Dresden. An outdoor lover’s paradise, with steep cliffs and vast array of hiking trails, Saxon Switzerland is a great destination for casual nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

From breathtaking views to sprawling forests and charming villages, there is something for everyone in Saxon Switzerland. We loved our day trip to this area from Dresden and highly recommend considering adding it to your itinerary.

Saxon Switzerland

Is Saxon Switzerland in Germany?

Yes! And it’s is one of the most beautiful places in Germany. This national park is located southeast of Dresden in the Free State of Saxony in the eastern region of Germany.

Natural beauty abounds in Saxon Switzerland with its sandstone cliffs, unique rock formations, deep canyons and lush valleys, and amazing lookout points. The region is also home to must-see landmarks in Germany like the Bastei Bridge and Königstein Fortress.

For nature lovers it’s one of the best places for a day trip from Dresden because of the area’s rich and diverse landscape and fun outdoor activities. Plus, you can visit year-round. If this sounds like your ideal day trip, then here’s everything you need to know about visiting Saxon Switzerland!

Bastei rocks in Saxon Switzerland

How We Visited Saxon Switzerland

Before diving into how you can visit this beautiful part of Germany, I thought I’d share our day trip so you can see some of the things you could do.

We visited Saxon Switzerland during our short stay in Dresden. We were there in late November, so we grabbed breakfast at a bakery on the way to the train station and caught an early train in order to make good use of the short day.

After about 50 minutes on the train we got off in the village of Kurort Rathen and caught a ferry across the river. After a quick walk around the cute village on the other side of the river, and a hot drink to warm up, we started our hike up to Bastei Bridge.

The hike was uphill but not terribly strenuous. The trails were well maintained, albeit a bit slippery here and there due to winter ice. We didn’t need hiking boots or anything like that, though I do recommend sturdy shoes.

Once at the top we enjoyed stunning views from various lookouts. The clouds rolled in just as we made it to the top.

view in Saxon Switzerland

After walking up another set of stairs we were at the famous Bastei Bridge. We spent a couple hours wandering all over this area so we could enjoy the view from every lookout. It just kept getting better and better! These photos are from late November…scroll down for photos from spring, summer and fall.

As late afternoon approached and we started losing daylight, we made our way to the nearby bus stop and hopped on the bus going to Pirna. From there we caught a train back to Dresden and arrived just after sunset.

We had so much fun on this day trip! It was relaxing, so lovely to spend time in nature, and a welcome change of pace from visiting cities.

Since it was winter, it was cold (especially towards the end of the day as the sun started setting) but still very enjoyable. We can’t wait to go back in the summer – more daylight means we’ll be able to stop for a meal, do more hiking or visit Königstein Fortress.

Ready to plan your own trip to Saxon Switzerland? Keep reading!

Bastei rocks overlooks

Getting to Saxon Switzerland

By air

If you want to fly in, the nearest airport to Saxon Switzerland is the Dresden Airport. Berlin Brandenburg Airport is a couple hours away but is a much bigger airport. Other nearby airports are in Prague and Leipzig. From there, you can head on to the Saxon Switzerland National Park using public transportation or a rental car.

By train

Deutsche Bahn easily connects Saxon Switzerland National Park with the rest of Germany with their regional and long-distance network. Regional trains leave from Dresden approximately every 30 minutes. They have stops at the towns of Pirna, Obervogelgesang, Stadt Wehlen, Kurort Rathen, Königstein and Bad Schandau, which are all nearby or part of the national park. A train ride from the city of Dresden takes around 50 minutes and will bring you close to many of the park’s entrances.

By car

The fastest way to get to Saxon Switzerland by car is via the A17 or A4 freeways. The official park website recommends changing from the A4 to the A17 at the Dresden-West interchange. Then, continue on the B172 toward Bad Schandau from the Pirna exit. You can reach the villages of the Hintere Sächsische Schweiz via the A4 exit Radeberg, or from Dresden-Nord via the B6 direction Bautzen, turn towards Stolpen direction Bastei or via Sebnitz direction Bad Schandau or Hinterhermsdorf. An advantage of driving is that you’ll do less walking since you can leave your car directly in the parking spaces near the park entrance instead of walking from the train station. 

Prefer a Guided Tour from Dresden?

If you don’t want to worry about public transportation or driving routes, you can opt to book a guided tour. This full-day guided tour includes return transportation from Dresden, an English-speaking private guide, entrance fees to sites in the itinerary (including the Bastei Bridge, Pravcicka Gate, and Kamenice Gorges), plus an a la carte lunch. 

Another popular way to explore Saxon Switzerland is through boat rides in cruises and paddle steamers. Book this guided tour to cruise along the Dresden Elbe Valley, see beautiful castles, admire the impressive Bastei rock formation from a different perspective, and end with a visit to the iconic Königstein Fortress.

Many of the guided tours available are from Dresden since it’s the nearest major city. But if you’re willing to do a bit more traveling, it’s also a do-able day trip from Berlin. If you can stay in the area overnight or for a couple of days, even better.

What to See and Do in Saxon Switzerland

Saxon Switzerland National Park 

Saxon Switzerland National Park 

The Saxon Switzerland National Park is one of 16 German national parks. It’s a large natural area of around 710 square kilometers (274 square miles) in size. The park lies within the district of Sächsische Schweiz-Osterzgebirge and adjoins the Bohemian Switzerland National Park by the Czech Republic border. 

The park’s landscape is mostly made of woodland areas and rocky, deep canyons. Mountain forests are very common as well as deep gorges. Some natural landmarks include the Großer Winterberg mountain, one of the tallest points of Saxon Switzerland, the Lilienstein, a distinctive flat-top table mountain, and the Kamenice Gorge, a beautiful rocky ravine with the river Kamnitz flowing through it.

The national park is also home to many protected and endangered plant and animal species, such as the peregrine falcon and black stork.

The national park is also a great place for rock climbing, biking, and hiking. The park has a marked network of over 400 kilometers (250 miles) of hiking trails which visitors must strictly stick within.

The most popular trail is called “The Painter’s Way” (Malswerg in German) which takes you to crowd favorite spots like the main rock formations. The rich variety of sandstone makes free climbing a popular option but climbers must be trained and follow certain rules to protect the cliffs.

Bastei Bridge and Bastei Rocks

The famous Bastei bridge is made up of stunning yet bizarre rock formations that stand over 600 feet over the Elbe river in the ​​Elbe Sandstone Mountains. It’s the best known landmark in the Saxon Switzerland National Park and for good reason! There is a wooden bridge that links several of the rocks, so visitors can walk over it and get the best views of the national park. I

t’s also highly visible from many of the most popular hiking trails within the park. The surrounding sandstone formations are also great for those experienced rock climbers.

Swedish Holes (Schwedenlöcher)

Very near the Bastei Bridge you’ll find the Swedish Holes. This is one of the small offshoot trails in the nearby area where you can get more panoramic views of the bridge. The Swedish Holes are narrow canyons enveloped by moss and surrounded by trickling small waterfalls. The hike itself is very manageable since you’ll find the path to be paved with a staircase on stacks of large rocks.

Königstein Fortress 

Königstein Fortress 

The Königstein Fortress is a hilltop fortress looking over the town of Königstein on the left bank of the River Elbe. It’s one of the largest hilltop fortifications in Europe and home to the oldest preserved barracks in Germany. It used to be a state prison but is now one of Saxony’s main attractions.

Climbing atop gives you spectacular views of key spots in the Saxon Switzerland National Park region as well as some of the small towns nearby. Inside the fortress, you can visit exhibits on royal history, join guided tours and hands-on activities, and even try out themed culinary experiences.

Bad Schandau

Bad Schandau

Heading to Bad Schandau after a full-day hike is one of the best ways to relax. The quiet spa town is home to many pools, saunas, and thermal baths. One of the most popular ones is a Tuscan spa called Toskana Therme, located right on the banks of the River Elbe. If you want to extend your day trip, then you’ll also find a variety of hotels and lodging options in the town. 

Kurort Rathen

Another very small village nearby is Rathen, which actually occupies both sides of the river Elbe and has less than 500 inhabitants. It’s not only home to the Bastei rocks but some other tourist attractions like the local Amselgrund valley, where you can visit the Amselsee lake and the Amsel Falls. If you want to hike up to Bastei Bridge after taking the ferry across the river, you’ll find the trail here.

It’s also here that you’ll find the Rathen Open Air Stage, a natural stage in a deep valley that functions as an open-air theater with 2,000 seats. During summer weekends, you can watch shows varying from traditional performances, musicals, and classical plays.

Neurathen Castle

The Neurathen Castle is located near the Bastei rocks and the town of Rathen. At one point, it was the largest rock castle in the region, but only a few parts of the structure have survived. The remaining parts include rooms carved out of the rock, some passages, the cistern, and timber of the former wooden structure. It’s worth looking around and to also get even more unique vantage points of the bridge and park.

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