My husband and I are planning our first trip to Germany in the Fall to visit my brother who lives in Berlin. From Munich we are stopping in Nuremberg and then Dresden before heading to Berlin. We wanted to do either a day trip or overnight in a smaller town and have some flexibility in our schedule. We are deciding between Regensburg (before Nuremberg) or Meissen (from Dresden) but not both. Any suggestions on which one? And also any advice on local pubs/eateries, must see attractions or B&Bs? Thank you!
Posted by
San Francisco
14507 posts
I have been to Meißen twice as days trips from Dresden by pubic transport. This was about ten years ago. The city is certainly worth seeing, it's seen as the "cradle of Saxony" (Die Wiege Sachsens).
I would suggest doing the day trip Meißen from Dresden, too far from Berlin.
Not both, in that case between the two, I vote for Meißen. It's different. You'll sense it. You won't find it inundated with tourists. The two times I was there only a few, mainly Germans.
I like Regensburg too, having spent a few nights there ages ago, the Pension or its replacement is still there located at the foot of the Zentrum, within walking distance from the train station.
Posted by
Munich
556 posts
If I would have to choose I would go for Meissen as well I think. But more because I love porcelaine and Meissen is famous for that.
Both cities are very beautiful and therefore not an easy decission. I think best would be checking out as many photos/videos as possible and decide then.
Posted by
San Francisco
14507 posts
This is not exactly what you are asking about. From Dresden if you want to go somewhere else other than or in addition to Meißen a place connected to, if not steeped in history, I would suggest the chateau nearby...Schloss Pillnitz, if you are motorised.
I saw Dresden the first time in 1992 on a guided bus tour from Berlin, which included as an additional bonus a visit to this famous Schloss.
The Schloss is located on the Elbe, some of the steps lead to the water. This Schloss featured in the French Revolutionary era when the Austrian Emperor and the Prussian king met at the Schloss to decide on what course of action the two monarchies should take in light of the events in France. Their meeting resulted in what is called in English, "The Declaration of Pillnitz"
Posted by
OP
Pennsylvania USA
2 posts
Thanks so much for all this great advice! I think we’ll follow it and visit Meißen this trip, as I’m sure we’ll need to plan additional visits and see more. We do not have a car but I will check out any day trips to Schloss Pillnitz. I appreciate all the tips!
Posted by
San Francisco
14507 posts
Dresden central station (Hbf) has a tourist info area. You might want to inquire there to see if Schloss Pillnitz can reached by bus or on guided bus tours. In 1992 this site revealed that it was in need of refurbishing, cleaning, and all that as it was only one year after reunification. At that time many of the figurines and other such objects on the palaces in Dresden were still black, not spruced up, etc (vergoldet).
Posted by
80 posts
Pillnitz is pretty easy to get to. Take a tram from the city centre (e.g. #12) to Schillerplatz and change to bus 63 to Pillnitz. Purchase a family day ticket for public transportation for the city of Dresden (zone 10) at a ticket machine (at almost all stops) and validate (stamp) it upon entering the tram (or bus). Another (favourite) option is to take a paddle steamer from the old town upstream to Pillnitz (about 90 minutes), a bit more costly but so much more romantic.
As for Meissen - good decision. Compact, picturesque, not overrun with tourists. Either pick accommodation on the right side of the river with a beautiful view of the old town and castle hill (means a 10 min walk across the bridge to the old town, e.g. Dorint Parkhotel or www.zuschke-meissen.de) or right in the old town. Plenty of choices in the old town:
hotel-schlossberg.eu (right below castle hill, small hotel with B&B feeling)
fuchshoehl.de (charming small B&B at the steps leading up to the castle)
goldener-loewe-meissen.com (more upscale, historic hotel right in the old town with excellent restaurant)
heil-pension.de (right in the old town, modern interior, breakfast around the corner in a bakery)
... just some suggestions. You will find lots of other apartments and B&Bs if you do a little research, also right on the castle hill with panoramic views. Major sights are the castle and cathedral, the porcelain manufacture, the old town in general (city museum, city church). Don't miss a wine tasting, maybe do a paddle steamer trip to Diesbar-Seußlitz or a bicycle trip along the river and back.
Posted by
San Francisco
14507 posts
Thanks very much for the valuable information on Pillnitz and that on accommodations in Meißen, eg., the Dorint. True, going there as day trips from Dresden is too rushed and incomplete. That guided bus tour in 1992 only went to the Schloss, seeing the town of Pillnitz was not included......additional incentive to go back.