Dresden/Elbland

The Dresden Elbland region in the heart of Saxony is a fascinating mix of landscapes, art, culture and enjoyment, characterised by a mild climate, rich history and Mediterranean charm. Renowned cities and idyllic wine-growing villages nestle amongst the Elbe river landscape and its wineries.

Anyone wanting to escape the everyday grind here will discover the cradle of Saxony: The 1000-year-old city of Meissen, a former royal residence, is known around the world for its Meissen porcelain and attractions like the Albrechtsburg and cathedral. Torgau is considered one of Germany's finest Renaissance cities. It owes its nickname of »the Reformation city« to the life and works of the great reformer Martin Luther. Meanwhile in Radebeul, also known as »the Nice of Saxony« thanks to its mansions district, travellers will encounter the adventure writer Karl May at the museum named after him. Dresden glitters with world-class art and culture and famous buildings such as the Zwinger, Semperoper and Frauenkirchen. But Dresden also has modern, alternative and rural sides – offering everything anyone could want from a city getaway, especially variety.

Dresden's Elbland is also one of natural paradises. Just a few kilometres from Dresden, the baroque Moritzburg Castle is worth a visit. Anyone seeking rest and relaxation will find this in a charming lake landscape right near the castle, or in the Grossenhainer Pflege region further north. The puffing of a steam train can be heard in Radebeul, where the narrow-gauge Lössnitzgrundbahn railway operates just as it did in the time of Karl May. A ride on the largest and oldest paddle-steamer fleet run by the Sächsische Dampfschiffahrt steam ship company also provides nostalgia, while cyclists can ride alone Germany's most popular track, the Elberadweg.

Wine-lovers will adore the 55-km Saxon Wine Route. The region's longest discovery route runs from Pirna to Diesbar-Seusslitz via Dresden and Meissen, through the Elbe Valley and thus through one of Germany's smallest winegrowing regions.