And trip to Dresden in spring (but not only) it is an idea to discover one Wonderful city but which few take into consideration for a weekend or a holiday of a few days.
If you wonder what to see in Dresden in one day or on a weekend, the choice is wide, including art, music, culture, nature and gastronomy. If you then widen the radius ai surroundings of Dresdenthen the journey is worth many more days: there is the legendary Alba Cycle Path, the Saxon Switzerland National Park and other Truly amazing natural attractions in Saxony.
Look at the gallery with the most beautiful places in Dresden and surrounding areas
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Trip to Dresden, what to see in spring
Dresden is among the 52 places to visit in 2024 according to the New York Times, the only city in Germany. The end of the reconstruction, the romantic landscape and the celebrations for the 250th birthday of the painter Caspar David Friedrich are among the reasons to visit the capital of Saxony and its surroundings in 2024. Along with musical events and the various opportunities to combine art and nature, especially in good weather.
Saxony is a popular destination for cultural trips in Germany, the first if we consider the high concentration of eithe value of the goods it holds. In fact, a plus much appreciated by travelers in Saxony is precisely the combination of artistic and cultural visits and active experiences in nature: such as cycling excursions along the cycle paths (the most popular is dell’Elba), i trekking nel Saxon Switzerland National Park or walks among the vineyards of the Elbe Valley or in the large parks and gardens.
The Royal Palace in Dresden finally completed
Dresden looks very different in 2024 than it did a decade or more ago. Among the main attractions that have undergone an exemplary renovation are the Residenzschlosswhose reconstruction and restoration works were completed in 2023, and the historic Neumarkt square, completed with the baroque complex of the Palais Hoym.
Art and nature in the footsteps of Caspar David Friedrich
As part of the 250th anniversary of the painter’s birth Caspar David Friedrich, there will be numerous activities in his honor. For more than 40 years, Dresden was the center of his life: it was here that the main works were born which today are considered throughout the world as the most important testimonies of German Romanticism. The Dresden State Art Collections with 14 paintings and over 70 drawings, has one of the largest collections of works by Caspar David Friedrich. Plus it celebrates this anniversary with a brilliant major special exhibition “Caspar David Friedrich. Where it all began”: at the Albertinum (24.08.2024—5.01.2025) and at the Kupferstich-Kabinett (24.08.—17.11.2024). While the Albertinum compares Friedrich’s paintings with the landscapes of the Old Masters Gallery that inspired him, the Kupferstich-Kabinett draws Friedrich’s attention to his artistic process.
Hiking and painting
His wanderings on the hiking trails of Saxon Switzerland, of Elbe Valley and Upper Lusatia they become visible in the exhibition and invite you to follow in their footsteps. Moving into the Saxon Switzerland National Park, considered one of the most spectacular natural landscapes in Europe, we find the Malerweg, the Romantic Painters’ Path, which for 116 km crosses the Elbe sandstone mountains, presenting itself highly suggestive due to the rich presence of gorges, sinuous peaks and iconic rock formations.
Parade of steamboats on the Elbe
The Elbe River is one of the many riches of the Saxony and the perspective you have from the boats of the Sächsische Dampfschiffahrts (the oldest steamboat fleet in the world) is unique. From Dresden you can decide to sail in the direction of Meissen or Pirna, to continue from here towards Saxon Switzerland. During navigation you can see numerous castles and former residences of the princes and royals of Saxony such as Pillnitz Castle, Lingnerschloss and Schloss Eckberg close to the river among beautiful vineyards. The t is spectaculartraditional parade of the steamboat fleet which is held on May 1st, when all nine steamers of the historic Sächsische Dampfschiffahrt steam fleet parade on the River Elbe for the traditional “Dampferparade”. Thousands of spectators gather on both banks of the river to greet the boats, hear the sounds of the sirens and see the paddles of the steamship accelerate in the turning maneuver and, shortly afterwards, lose sight of them in the verdant river scenery of the Elbe Valley.
Elba Cycle Path
The Saxon stretch is among the most popular in Germany, loved by cycle tourists for the variety and charm of the landscapes, the quality of the road surface, the large offer of bike hotels and services along the entire network; but above all for the pleasure of getting off the saddle and indulge in interesting and surprising cultural, artistic and food and wine visits.
Particularly memorable is the arrival in Dresden by bicycle, when the dome of the Frauenkirche stands out in the skyline of the historic center. To enjoy the sweet life of the Elba Valley on two wheels, the variety of landscapes and visit the main treasures kept in this t180 km long cycle path, it is recommended to plan at least five stages. The route will thus be less demanding and very interesting.
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Pillnitz Castle, games return to the park
From June to September 2024, Pillnitz Castle offers its guests a new charm and returns to being a castle dedicated to games and entertainment. At the beginning of the 18th century, play areas were regularly set up because Augustus the Strong loved to celebrate and gathered the court in Pillnitz for tournaments, competitions and games. There were 60 board games, huge swings, a badminton court, bowling alleys, a Ferris wheel and much more. Today, to bring this fascinating period back to life, some games called “The King’s Games” have been recreated, an exhibition and a multimedia show in the Orangery.
32 days of world-class music
The Dresdner Musikfestspiele contributes significantly to Saxony’s reputation as a cultural destination in the world. Thanks to the presence of famous international artists invited by director Jan Vogler, it also enjoys a strong tourist impact. This year the 47th season of the festival from May 9th to June 9th 2024, invites us to broaden the “HORIZONS” and presents a program of 60 events, which will make the musical versatility of Dresden and its surroundings flourish in 21 different venues. Rock icon Sting and his band will perform some of their biggest hits at the Dresden Messe. And other famous mentors such as Till Brönner, Sarah Willis and Martin Grubinger will enliven the classical scene in Dresden during these festival days.
Photo Tourism Marketing Society Saxony (TMGS)
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