The best museums in Dresden

Old Masters Picture Gallery

Located in the Zwinger complex, this museum houses one of the world’s most significant painting collections. It primarily showcases European painting masterpieces from the 15th to 18th centuries.

The foundation of the collection was laid by Augustus the Strong, Elector of Saxony, which was created for Saxon rulers and aristocracy to express their power. It was opened to the public in 1855.

We can see over 750 paintings originating from various parts of Europe, including works by Italian, Spanish, French, Dutch, and German masters. One of the most famous pieces in the collection is Vermeer’s „Girl with a Pearl Earring”. Other outstanding works include pieces by Rembrandt, Titian, and Albrecht Dürer.

All information can be found here!

Green Vault

Located in the Dresden Castle, this museum reflects the wealth and artistic taste of Saxon electors and kings.

It consists of two parts: the Historisches Grünes Gewölbe (Historic Green Vault) and the Neues Grünes Gewölbe (New Green Vault). In the Historic Green Vault, objects are displayed in restored baroque-style rooms as they were visible in Augustus the Strong’s time. The New Green Vault’s modern exhibition spaces are equipped with the latest technology for proper protection of the objects.

It consists of over 4000 items, including jewelry, goldsmith’s work, precious stones, coins, as well as rare and valuable art pieces. Among the most famous pieces are the „Tears of Aurora” (a group of precious stones), as well as unique furnishings adorned with precious stones. The collection showcases artistic and craft creations from different eras, highlighting the richness of Saxon art and craftsmanship.

All information can be found here!

German Military History Museum

One of Germany’s most important military history institutions.

The museum, opened in 1897, was last significantly renovated in 2011 when a huge steel viewing platform was placed in the middle of the building, designed by famous American architect Daniel Libeskind.

Its collection consists of over 10,000 objects covering the period from the Middle Ages to the present day. The exhibited items include uniforms, weapons, medals, artworks, as well as modern military equipment. The exhibitions are arranged thematically, presenting military conflicts and their social impacts not only in German but also in European and world historical contexts.

All information can be found here!

Porcelain Collection

One of the world’s most important and valuable porcelain collections is located in the Zwinger Palace.

It contains more than 20,000 pieces. It is particularly famous for Meissen porcelain, which was Europe’s first hard-paste porcelain. A significant part of the collection consists of Chinese and Japanese porcelain from the 17th and 18th centuries.

All information can be found here!

Dresden City Museum

It presents the city’s history and cultural heritage, providing a comprehensive picture of Dresden’s development over the centuries through its collection and exhibitions.

The museum is located in the Landhaus building. It originally served as the venue for the Saxon Diet and was only later, in the 20th century, converted into a museum.

The historical collection showcases Dresden’s history from its foundation to the present day, highlighting important events in the city’s life, such as the flourishing of the Baroque era, the destruction during World War II, and the city’s reconstruction.

The art collection focuses on the works of Dresden artists but also contains international artworks related to the city’s history.

All information can be found here!

Dresden Transport Museum

One of the most significant transport museums in Germany. Through its diverse collections, it provides a comprehensive picture of the development of transport vehicles and technologies.

We can learn about the most important modes of transportation:

• Railway transport: It has an outstanding railway collection that includes early steam locomotives, passenger and freight cars, as well as modern railway technologies.
• Road transport: First cars, motorcycles, bicycles, and the evolution of various road transport vehicles.
• Air transport: Several aircraft, models, and air transport equipment showcasing the history and development of aviation.
• Water transport: The history of navigation also has a place in the museum, where ship models, navigational tools, and important moments in the history of water transport can be viewed.

All information can be found here!

Albertinum

Particularly known for its rich collection of 19th and 20th-century art.

Its building was constructed between 1884 and 1887 in Neo-Renaissance style and originally housed the antiquities collection of the Saxon Kingdom. It was named after King Albert I of Saxony, who reigned during the museum’s construction.

One of its most famous collections is the New Masters Gallery, which focuses on 19th and 20th-century painting and graphics. Works by great masters of Romanticism, Realism, Impressionism, and Symbolism can be found here, as well as modern and contemporary works.

Another outstanding part is the Sculpture Collection. This encompasses sculpture from antiquity to modern times. Additionally, Renaissance, Baroque, and contemporary sculptural works are also on display.

All information can be found here!

German Hygiene Museum

This interesting museum focuses on hygiene, health, and the human body.

The museum was founded in 1912 by Karl August Lingner, the manufacturer of the popular Odol mouthwash. The institution’s aim was to spread knowledge about hygiene and health awareness.

One of the most popular permanent exhibitions is „The Adventure of the Human Body”, which interactively presents the functioning of the human body. Visitors can learn about various body systems, organ functions, as well as the complex processes of sensory organs and the brain.

All information can be found here!

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The city is the political center of Saxony, housing the headquarters of the Saxon state parliament and government, as well as numerous state authorities.

The city is often called the „Florence of the Elbe”, originally due to its art collections, Baroque and Mediterranean architecture, and its picturesque and climatically favorable location. It is considered one of Europe’s greenest cities.

Much of the city center as we know it today is reconstructed and rebuilt. This is due to the Allied air forces’ bombing of Dresden, which resulted in the complete destruction of the entire city center.

Dresden attractions

Dresden Castle

One of Germany’s most significant cultural treasures, located in the old town.

The original, much smaller palace was built in the 16th century and burned down in 1701. It was then rebuilt and expanded. Augustus the Strong made the palace his permanent residence, which thereafter became the residence of the Saxon princes. It gained its current Neo-Renaissance exterior in the early 1900s.

The castle houses the Green Vault, which is the treasury of the Saxon royal family. This will be described in more detail below.

The castle also hosts numerous other exhibitions, such as the porcelain exhibition showcasing the famous Meissen porcelain, and the armory displaying a wide range of historical armor and weapons. Additionally, in the Old Masters Picture Gallery, we can see works by Raphael, Rembrandt, and Rubens.

Frauenkirche

One of Dresden’s most significant attractions, also rebuilt.

It was once one of the most beautiful and significant Protestant churches in all of Germany, which was destroyed in World War II. The ruins were left for decades as a memorial to the Second World War. After reconstruction, the consecration took place in 2005.

The church is not only a symbol of Dresden but also of reunified Germany, representing peace and reconciliation.

Cathedral of the Holy Trinity (Hofkirche)

The church’s clock tower and dome on the banks of the Elbe is one of Dresden’s defining sights.

Construction began in 1738 based on plans by Gaetano Chiaveri and was completed in 1751. The church was originally intended as the court church of the Saxon electors and kings, which is reflected in its magnificent execution. During construction, elements of the Rococo style appeared alongside late Baroque features, which can be seen in the rich decoration of the interior.

The church houses a famous organ that often plays during musical events. Classical concerts are regularly held.

Zwinger

One of Dresden’s most famous and spectacular Baroque building complexes, notable not only for its architectural beauty but also for the cultural treasures preserved in its museums.

Built on the orders of Augustus the Strong from 1709 to 1728, it was designed by the Italian Baroque architect Matthäus Daniel Pöppelmann. The building complex served as a place of entertainment for the royal court, where lavish celebrations and garden parties were held.

The complex has a U-shaped layout, with a huge Baroque garden decorated with statues and fountains at its center. The Zwinger’s magnificent facades and decorated pavilions offer a stunning sight. The most significant buildings include the Glockenspielpavillon (Carillon Pavilion), the Wallpavillon (Wall Pavilion), and the Kronentor (Crown Gate).

It is also the headquarters of several museums. One of the most important is the Semper Gallery, which bears the name Old Masters Picture Gallery (Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister). You can read more about this below.

Another important section is the Porzellansammlung (Porcelain Collection), which contains one of the world’s largest and most valuable collections of Meissen porcelain. It also houses the Mathematisch-Physikalischer Salon (Mathematical-Physical Salon), which displays a wide range of historical scientific instruments, including clocks, globes, and telescopes.

Semper Opera House

A defining venue not only for Germany’s but the world’s opera literature and performing arts life.

It is named after the architect Gottfried Semper, who designed the original building in the 1840s. Above the main entrance stands J. Schilling’s bronze group: a quadriga with Dionysus and Ariadne. In the wall recesses are statues of Shakespeare, Sophocles, Molière, and Euripides, while in front of the entrance stand statues of Goethe and Schiller.

Its interior is considered one of the most beautiful opera houses: the five levels of the auditorium are equipped with elegant boxes, rich decorations, and wonderful ceiling frescoes.

Fürstenzug

The Procession of Princes is one of Dresden’s most famous and beautiful artistic creations. The 102-meter-long ceramic fresco can be seen on the outer wall of the Long Gallery on Augustusstraße.

The work depicts members of the House of Wettin, Saxony’s ruling dynasty, in a horseback procession that spans over 700 years of history, from 1127 to 1904. The creation features a total of 35 Saxon dukes, electors, and kings, surrounded by scholars, artists, and craftsmen, symbolizing the historical and cultural significance of the dynasty.

It was originally created between 1871 and 1876 based on a painting by Wilhelm Walther, but the weather-exposed paintings soon faded. Therefore, between 1904-1907, the fresco was transferred to 23,000 porcelain tiles at the Meissen porcelain manufactory. Thanks to this, we can see it in its original form today.

Brühl’s Terrace

The riverside promenade offers a unique panorama of the river and the city.

The terrace is named after Heinrich von Brühl, a Saxon statesman who lived in the mid-18th century and had a great impact on the development of the area. It originally served as part of the city’s defensive walls in the 1500s but was later transformed and expanded to function as an elegant promenade for the urban elite.

Today it is home to several important buildings, such as the Academic Art University, the Painting Hall, the Albertinum Museum, and the former Wackerbarth Palace.

Kreuzkirche

One of Dresden’s iconic buildings that perfectly symbolizes the city’s history.

The church has been destroyed five times over the centuries and rebuilt five times. In its current form, it can be seen according to the plans of Schmid and Exner. The church burned out in 1945 and was restored by 1955.

The church has a characteristic tower that offers a stunning view of the city.

Großer Garten

Dresden’s largest and one of its most significant public parks, covering an area of approximately 1.8 square kilometers.

The park was created in the 17th century as a hunting park but was later transformed into a public venue. In the central part is the Sommerpalais, an elegant small castle that now functions as a museum and event venue.

There is also a small zoo and a botanical garden.

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Germany is not only one of the leading countries in Europe, but in the world. Its history goes back a long way, symbolising its status as a great power. Many of its buildings and sites are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Its castle and fortress architecture should be highlighted. Its land borders are Denmark to the north, Poland and the Czech Republic to the east, Austria and Switzerland to the south, and France and the Benelux countries to the west.

Best places in Germany

Berlin

Berlin is a significant European center of politics, media, culture, and science, no wonder the capital is packed with attractions.

The city’s present is defined by its history: the Brandenburg Gate, a section of the Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie, and the Holocaust Memorial all recall slices of the past.

Culture is also an integral part of the city. There are numerous museums in Berlin, most of which are on the specially designed Museum Island. Besides the „traditional” ones, several focus on the last hundred years, such as the Stasi Museum or the GDR Museum.

Berlin attractions

Black Forest

Located in southwestern Germany, it’s the country’s most important tourist region and most popular resort area. The Danube River also originates from here.

The name probably makes many think. The mountain range got its name from the dark color of the numerous coniferous trees found here.

There are countless waterfalls, gorges, and hiking trails in this area, making it a perfect spot for those who enjoy active excursions.

Munich

The capital of Bavaria is one of the world’s most livable cities. It’s best known for Oktoberfest and the Bayern Munich football team.

Besides its charming city center, the Nymphenburg Palace attracts tourists. Built in the 17th century in Baroque style, both the building and its park are must-see sights in the city.

The aforementioned Oktoberfest is one of the world’s largest folk festivals, held since 1810. For this occasion, breweries brew special beers, which should be consumed cautiously due to their high alcohol content. After consuming two one-liter beers, I felt quite good. 🙂

Munich attractions

Best museums in Munich

Neuschwanstein Castle

Who hasn’t seen this wonderful castle in pictures! The 19th-century Bavarian castle is among the world’s most famous.

The building, located in the southern part of Germany in the municipality of Schwangau on a rock in the Pöllat Gorge, was commissioned by Ludwig II, King of Bavaria, to realize his childhood dreams. Due to his admiration and respect for Richard Wagner, some rooms and decorations in the castle are themed after the characters in Wagner’s operas.

Neuschwanstein inspired the Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland, Los Angeles, and was the basis for the castle in the Cinderella animated film.

Saxon Switzerland National Park

The name might be misleading, as the park is not in Switzerland but on the border with the Czech Republic. It got its name because Swiss painters traveled here and named the region.

Its most famous natural formations are the sandstone table mountains. Among these, the most famous is Bastei, which rises about 200 meters above the Elbe. We can admire the rocks closely from a bridge.

Dresden

The city is often called the Florence of the Elbe, originally due to its art collections, Baroque and Mediterranean architecture, and its picturesque and climatically favorable location.

Dresden is internationally known as a cultural city, with numerous important buildings like the Baroque Zwinger, outstanding museums, and famous orchestras like the Saxon State Orchestra or the Kreuzchor.

Most of the city center we know today is reconstructed and renovated. This is due to the bombing of Dresden, which resulted in the complete destruction of the city center.

In 1434, one of the world’s oldest and most famous Christmas markets, the Dresdener Striezelmarkt, was established here.

Dresden attractions

Moritzburg Castle

If we’re in Dresden, we must not miss the castle 13 km away. It’s a Baroque hunting lodge built on an artificial island. A beautiful example of medieval castle architecture.

Prince Moritz of Saxony had it built in the 16th century. The castle was continuously beautified, and its park and several surrounding lakes were created in the first half of the 18th century. The main function of the castle was the nobility’s hunting, and we can still admire its splendor today.

There are more than 100 rooms, with a special feature being the leather wallpaper covering about 60 rooms. Both the castle and the park are open to visitors.

Königssee

Possibly Germany’s most beautiful lake, near the German-Austrian border. Known not only for its beauty but also for the echo that forms on the lake.

Electric boats operate on the lake, docking at two places. One of these is the St. Bartholomew’s Church, named after the saint with a special onion dome, beautifully situated on the lakeshore.

Cologne

Situated along the Rhine, Cologne, with its history spanning over 2000 years, is one of Germany’s oldest cities. This is reflected in the city’s beauty.

The city’s symbol is, of course, the Gothic cathedral, the Cologne Cathedral. A World Heritage site, it was built over a long period, from 1248 to 1880. Its towers are over 150 meters tall, and with its spires, it reaches a height of 157 meters, making it the second tallest church in Germany and the third tallest in the world.

Another distinctive religious building is the Great St. Martin Church. Its unique feature is a tower much taller than usual, significantly increasing the building’s overall height.

Cologne attractions, museums

Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Located in Bavaria, near Nuremberg, in the valley of the Tauber River, this wonderful small town is part of the World Heritage.

Rothenburg is considered one of Germany’s most beautiful towns, thanks to its medieval old town. It is surrounded by a high, well-preserved medieval wall. You can walk along this wall for about 4 kilometers. Every building in the old town splendidly displays its medieval grandeur, beautifully restored.

Sanssouci Park, Potsdam

Located 40 km west of Berlin, in the city of Potsdam, this was a former Prussian royal palace complex.

The foundation of the palace and the accompanying park was laid down by Frederick the Great in 1744. Compared to contemporary European courts, it is a modest late Baroque or Rococo palace, regarded as a major work of Knobelsdorff, and was completed in two years. This residence and its gardens, often referred to as the „Prussian Versailles” were declared a part of the world’s cultural heritage by UNESCO in 1990.

The palace was smaller during Frederick the Great’s time and was gradually expanded with new parts. This was when the Peace Temple, the Orangery, and the Marly Garden were built in the garden.

If you are in Berlin and have a free day, it’s definitely worth taking a train to visit this place!

Mainau

A small island in the northern basin of Lake Constance, it is a botanical garden, a historical castle park, and a cultural center. It’s one of Germany’s most attractive tourist facilities.

The 45-hectare area is almost entirely filled with thousands of flowers, and the flowers in the park are arranged so that their wilting is not noticeable.

Another attraction is the butterfly house. Numerous colorful butterflies flutter in the air. Interestingly, the butterflies are extremely gentle and friendly.

Lake Constance and surroundings attractions, programs

Bamberg

Located not far from Nuremberg, the town’s historical center is the largest intact city core in Germany. It has been on the UNESCO German World Heritage list since 1993.

In the old town, numerous monuments can be seen. Among these, the most famous is the old town hall, which stands on a small island, providing a splendid sight. It currently houses a porcelain museum.

The cathedral is also worth mentioning. In the 13th-century church, there is the Bamberg Horseman statue and the marble tomb of Henry II.

Marburg

Officially known as Marburg an der Lahn, it is located halfway between Frankfurt and Kassel.

A charming town dominated by churches and a castle on a hillside, full of Gothic and Renaissance architectural memories. The preservation of the old monuments is due to the city’s decline between 1600 and 1850.

The counts’ castle was built on a 287-meter high hill and is visible from almost everywhere. It was the first residence of the counts of Hesse. It houses some of the largest Gothic halls in Central Europe in secular (non-ecclesiastical) architecture.

Famous for its medieval churches. Particularly worth mentioning is the Elisabeth Church, Germany’s oldest purely Gothic building and a symbol of the city. Here lies the final resting place of Paul von Hindenburg, the post-World War I president.

Schwerin Castle

Located in the center of Schwerin, the capital of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, on one of the islands of Lake Schwerin. The castle is also referred to as the „Neuschwanstein of the North”.

The building, which also houses the state parliament, operates as a museum and was previously the seat of the Obotrites (a Western Slavic tribe) for centuries. Among more than 2000 castles and manors in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, the castle is considered the most famous and magnificent.

It is one of Europe’s most significant romantic historicizing buildings, gaining its current form during multiple reconstructions and renovations between 1845 and 1857.

Zugspitze

At 2962 meters above sea level, it is Germany’s highest peak and also borders Austria.

The peak can be climbed from several directions, but due to storms, it’s not easy to conquer. The peak is accessible by two types of vehicles: a cogwheel train (Bavarian Zugspitze) or a cable car (Eibseeseilbahn).

Heidelberg

The town, located in the Neckar River valley, is famous for its old town, university, and the castle towering above the city.

Its old town is part of the UNESCO World Heritage. Its most beautiful sight is the church on Marktplatz, founded by Emperor Ruprecht in 1400. The tomb of the emperor and his wife can be seen in the church.

Near the city, on an extension of the Geisberg, stands the castle, most of which was destroyed in the 18th century. It has been gradually renovated since then, but a part is still in ruins. However, the view of the city is magnificent, and the castle is an imposing sight from below.

Hohenzollern Castle

Located 50 km south of Stuttgart, atop Hohenzollern Mountain at an elevation of 855 meters.

Originally built in the 11th century, it was destroyed in the 15th century. The castle gained its current form in the 19th century when it was rebuilt by King Frederick William IV of Prussia in an English neo-Gothic and Loire castle style. The last Prussian Crown Prince, William, was the only one to reside here. He and his wife, Crown Princess Cecilia, are still laid to rest here.

Not only its exterior but also its interior spaces are impressive. It has 140 rooms where you can admire golden chandeliers, sculptures, and cathedral-like ceilings.

Rakotzbrücke

This unusual bridge stands near the Polish border, in the vicinity of the town of Gablenz.

Known also as the Devil’s Bridge, it was built by the then-owner of the park, Friedrich Hermann Rötschke. The bridge is made of basalt, and its foundations resemble basalt columns.

The stone bridge spanning over Rakotzsee becomes a true Instagram spot under the right natural conditions. The nearly semi-circular bridge, reflecting on the water surface, appears to form a complete circle. It is forbidden to walk on the bridge, but this is not a big issue since the view from the side is truly spectacular.

Moselle Valley and its two most beautiful sights

The Moselle River, meandering between the Luxembourg border and Koblenz, is one of the most beautiful regions in Germany.

The most beautiful part of this hilly landscape is Cochem Castle (Reichsburg Cochem). In the town of the same name, the Moselle makes a 180-degree turn, where the castle rises above the town. Its interior is very beautiful, but its location and exterior are the real tourist attractions.

Another notable sight not far from the castle is Eltz Castle. Considered one of Germany’s most beautiful castles, it stands almost in its original state, as it was unaffected by any wars. The castle has been in the same family for 800 years, but today it is open to visitors.

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