Choose from 9 Fun Things to Do in Saxony
ShowingFilter 1-9 of 9 listings.
Transparent Factory
This all-glass automobile production plant, owned by Volkswagen, is a must-see for car enthusiasts who are visiting Dresden. Because the entire building is made of glass, you can view nearly the entire process of automobile assembly during a tour of the factory. The Transparent Factory was built in the middle of town on the Elbe River, just a ten-minute walk from the historic city center, as an intentional pairing of technology and culture. More than a million visitors have passed through the factory doors since they opened in 2002, watching VW Phaetons and Bentleys getting assembled at ‘Die Gläserne Manufaktur.’
For people who like cars, architecture, and/or engineering, this is a great way to see top-notch automobile manufacturing in action. The ultra-modern facility builds cars with the most up-to-date methods, including robots that deliver the parts. Before taking the educational tour, visitors can check out multiple video displays in the building’s upper lobby.
Practical Info
Tours are offered in more than a dozen languages, and there are also set times for tours in English, Czech, and Polish. There are also tours geared specifically toward children, and an architecture-specific tour. No photographs are allowed on any of the tours.
Address: Lennéstraße 1, Dresden 01069, Germany
Hours: Monday–Friday 8:30 a.m.–7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m.–6 p.m
Admission: € 7 adults, € 4.50 children, € 15 family
From $ 8
Dresden Frauenkirche
The Frauenkirche in Dresden was built between 1726 and 1743. Its dome collapsed on Feb. 15, 1945, during the bombings of World War II. After the war, the ruins of the church were left as a war memorial. Once Dresden and the rest of East Germany were reunified with West Germany, reconstruction on the church began and was completed by 2005. As much as possible, the reconstruction of the church followed the original plans and methods and used the original materials. The church now serves as a symbol of reconciliation.
The reconstruction of the church was supported by donations from people all around the world. In order to honor those who donated, the church set up an exhibition area, which explains what was left after the destruction and what was was needed to start the rebuilding process. The exhibit includes original documents and finds from the archaeological site. Photographs and sketches outline the process from when the reconstruction idea was made public until the consecration of the church in 2005. There is also a computer to search for names of supporters.
A variety of guided tours of the church are available, and visitors can also climb the tower for views of the city.
Practical Info
Frauenkirche is located in Dresden's Neumarkt, and tickets to climb the tower cost 8 euros. The tower is open from 10am to 6pm. Monday through Saturday and from 12:30 to 6pm on Sunday. In November through March, the site closes at 4pm.
Address: Neumarkt, Dresden, Germany
Hours: Mon–Sat 10am–6pm; Sun 12:30–6pm (Nov–March until 4pm)
Admission: 8 euros
From $ 17
St Nikolai Memorial (St. Nicholas' Church)
The St. Nikolai Church in Hamburg was mostly destroyed during air raids in World War II. Approximately 35,000 people were killed during the air raids. The ruins of the church now serve as a memorial to the victims of the war. The church's tower was used to help allied pilots navigate, and it still stands today, almost undamaged.
The memorial at St. Nikolai Church includes a permanent exhibition in the crypt of the ruins that depicts the causes and consequences of the aerial war in Europe. Black and white photos show images of the war and the destruction that came with it. The memorial also serves as a cultural meeting place. Concerts, films, and lectures link events, social issues, and conflicts of the present. Events deal with the German culture of remembrance and lectures on current international politics. Germany's largest glockenspiel was installed here in 1993, and it is sounded at concerts to remember the victims of the war.
Standing at 147.3 meters (483 feet) it is the highest church tower in the city and the fifth highest church in the world. Visitors can take the glass elevator to the observation deck at 76 meters (249 feet) for a panoramic view of Hamburg.
Practical Info
The St. Nikolai Church and Memorial is located at Willy-Brandt-Strasse 60. Opening hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in May through September, and until 5 p.m. in October through April. Tickets for the museum and viewing tower cost 5 euros.
Address: Willy-Brandt-Straße 60, Hamburg, Germany
Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. May-Sept;
until 5 p.m. Oct-April
Admission: Tickets for the museum and viewing tower cost 5 euros.
From $ 12
Pravcicka Brana
Prague day-trippers and German border-hoppers all flock to the northwestern edge of the Czech Republic to explore one of the country’s favorite nature escapes. Called Bohemian Switzerland National Park, it is blanketed in lush green landscapes, steep navigable river gorges, and, most famously Pravcicka Brana. Noted as Europe’s largest natural rock arch, Pravicka Brana reaches 16 meters high and 3 meters wide, and stands as the park’s most proud symbol.
While on your visit to the park, check out the sweet riverside town of Hřensko before or after trekking up to see the Pravicka Brana, which can be spied from various viewpoints (several of which have a fee, so bring currency). Then — during your return on the circular route — travel by boat down the calm waters of the river-cut Edward’s Gorge.
Practical Info
Much of the trek from Hřensko is along a road; so if you wish to bypass this part of the excursion, take the bus to the head of the Pravcicka Brana trail. Alternatively, if you’re driving, consider parking in Mezni Louka. Or, to avoid any confusion, joining an organized day trip is a great option. Note that there is a restaurant near the arch, but given its limited options, you may wish to bring your own food.
Address: Route 25861, Hřensko, Bohemian Switzerland National Park 407 17, Czech Republic
Hours: Apr -Oct: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., daily; Nov - Mar: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Friday-Sunday, and daily from December 26-January 1
Admission: 75 CZK
From $ 80
St Nicholas Church (Nikolaikirche)
Standing at the intersection of two historically important trade roads, Via Regia and Via Imperii, St. Nicholas Church in Leipzig dates to 1165. The oldest church in the city, it was originally built in a Romanesque style, but was enlarged and converted into a Gothic hall church in the 16th century. An octagonal central tower was added at that time as well. Martin Luther is said to have preached at the church, which has been Protestant since 1539. The interior of the church is notable for the pillars in the nave that end in palm-like flourishes. Johann Sebastian Bach once served as the music director for the church and several of his works debuted in the church in the 18th century.
The church gained national prominence in 1989 due to peaceful demonstrations outside the church protesting communist rule in Germany. Today, it remains one of the largest churches in the Saxony region of Germany, holding up to 1400.
Practical Info
St. Nicholas Church stands in the center of Leipzig and is accessible by taking the SBahn to Leipzig Markt or the tram to Augustusplatz. Most walking tours of the city will stop at the church as well. Prayers for peace take place every Monday at 5pm and tours of the church are available Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 5pm and on Saturdays at 11am. Tours of the organ are offered on Fridays at 4:30pm.
Address: Nikolaikirchof 3, Leipzig 04109, Germany
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm; Sunday service at 9:30am
From $ 23
Deichstrasse
Deichstrasse is the oldest street in Hamburg, Germany dating back to the 14th century. It is located near Speicherstadt, which is the old warehouse district near the harbor. The Great Fire of 1842 destroyed many of the original 14th century buildings on this street, so most of what you see today are restored 17th-19th century buildings. The tall, narrow, half-timbered houses here represent typical architecture from this region a few hundred years ago.
The harbor and the warehouse district played a big part in shaping Hamburg as a city, and a visit here will give you a glimpse at the city's history. Along this road, you will find many restaurants and pubs. The Johannes Brahms Museum is located at number 39, which is the composer's former home. The Telemann Museum, a great place for music lovers, is also located in this area. Around the corner at Peterstrasse 35-39 is a replica of the Beylingstift complex, a baroque building built in 1751.
To reach Deichstrasse, take the U3 to the Rödingsmarkt station. Then walk south on Rödingsmarkt and turn east on Steintwiete. Continue until you reach Deichstrasse.
Address: Hamburg, Germany
From $ 23
Speicherstadt
Speicherstadt is Hamburg's warehouse district and the largest warehouse complex in the world. Hamburg's harbor has been an important influence on the city for centuries, and in the late 1800s, the warehouse complex was built. Since so many goods were shipped in and out of Hamburg, it made sense to have someplace to store them. Shortly after, the area received free port status so that goods could be transferred without paying customs. The area consists of several blocks interspersed with canals that lead to the port itself.
Today several of the buildings now hold museums and other tourist attractions. Spicy's Spice Museum tells of the history of the spice trade and Hamburg's part in it. The Hamburg Dungeon shows 600 years of Hamburg's dark history through scary yet funny performances and rides. Miniatur Wunderland has the largest model railway in the world, which runs through several miniature versions of cities, countries, and even a fully functioning airport. At the Speicherstadt Museum, you can learn about the history of the warehouse district.
It is also possible to take a tour of the Speicherstadt with a canal tour on a historic barge. Most tours start from the Landungsbrücken, the docks by the river in the St. Pauli district.
Practical Info
Hamburg's warehouse district is located on the north side of the Elbe River, east of the Landungsbrücken. The closest U-bahn station is Baumwall, and one of the main roads in the area is Am Sandtorkai.
Address: Speicherstadt, Hamburg, Germany
Hours: Daily
From $ 23
Royal Palace (Residenzschloss)
The Dresden Royal Palace is a Renaissance castle that was home to Saxony's kings and electors starting in the late 1400s. It was built with defense in mind and has limited gates and massive walls. The palace burned towards the end of World War II, and reconstruction began in the 1980s. Today it houses the Dresden State Art Collections. The museums here include the Coin Cabinet and the Collection of Prints, Drawings, and Photographs, the first two collections to return to the museum after reconstruction began. Other museums include the New Green Vault, the Historic Green Vault, the Turkish Chamber, the Armory, the art library, and several other collections and galleries.
Visitors can explore the artwork, antiques, and other unique items found in the different sections of the palace to get an idea of what royal live was like during the renaissance period and other times throughout history. There are two courtyards attached to the palace, which have been enclosed in recent years for more practical use as part of a museum.
Practical Info
The Royal Palace is located at Taschenberg 2. Admission is 12 euros for the Historic Green Vault and 12 euros for the other sections, or a combo ticket can be purchased for 21 euros. Opening hours are Wednesday to Monday, 10am to 6pm.
Address: Taschenberg 2, Dresden, Saxony 01067, Germany
Hours: Wednesday to Monday, 10am to 6pm
Admission: 2 euros; combo ticket 21 euros
From $ 14
Saxon Switzerland National Park
With its dramatic topography of tumbling canyons, table mountains, and untamed forests—spliced down the middle by the mighty Elbe River—Saxon Switzerland National Park (Nationalpark Sächsische Schweiz) is a wild playground for adventurers. Straddling the Germany–Czech Republic border, the vast park offers hiking and cycling trails and hundreds of rock climbing locations.
The Basics
Most travelers explore Saxon Switzerland on a day trip from Dresden or Prague. Many tours include a visit to both Saxon Switzerland on the German side and Bohemian Switzerland National Park (Národní park České Švýcarsko) on the Czech side, with stops at notable points of interest such as the Bastei Bridge (Basteibrücke) and Pravčická Gate (Pravčická brána). Often itineraries also include a cruise through the Kamenice Gorge.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Saxon Switzerland is a must-visit for adventure travelers and outdoor enthusiasts.
- A typical day trip to the park can last anywhere from eight to 12 hours, depending on the option chosen.
- Wear sturdy shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces, especially if you plan to hike within the park.
- Dress in layers, as conditions in the park vary and can change quickly.
How to Get There
Located about 19 miles (30 kilometers) southeast of Dresden, Saxon Switzerland is about an hour’s drive from the city. Regional trains depart Dresden for the park frequently throughout the day.
When to Get There
Saxon Switzerland National Park is open throughout the year and tends to be busiest during the summer months. For the best balance of good weather and sparser crowds, plan to visit during the spring or autumn, and plan to arrive first thing in the morning.
Kirnitzsch Valley Tram
An old-fashioned tram passing through the park’s Kirnitzsch Valley from Bad Schandau and Lichtenhain, the Kirnitzsch Valley Tram (Kirnitzschtalbahn) is the only one of its kind in the world operating in a national park. In operation since 1898, the tram continues to take passengers along the 5-mile (8-kilometer) route with seven stops along the way. Today, the tram runs on 40 percent solar energy.
Address: Germany
From $ 174