a travel blog by renata green
Every summer, the grounds of the historic Carlshütte iron foundry in the village of Büdelsdorf in northern Germany host one of the largest exhibitions of contemporary art in Europe. Around 200 artists from all over the world present their works in an impressive industrial setting. As in previous years, I’ll tell you everything you need to know for your visit to NordArt in 2026.
You won’t believe it, but I recently had an audience with a real queen!
My two-day stay in Meissen, in the heart of the unique Elbe wine region, was literally crowned with a truly inspiring dinner.
Not only is the Baroque city of Dresden amazingly beautiful, but it is also nestled in a captivating landscape dotted with natural wonders, idyllic towns, and fairytale castles that are just second to none. Therefore, when visiting Dresden, you should better plan a few extra days to allow for at least one day trip, for example, to the Baroque Moritzburg Castle, the former hunting residence of the Electors and Kings of Saxony.
Although the town of Meissen is quite small and not as internationally renowned as this acclaimed Cradle of Saxony actually deserves, it is one of Germany’s most historically significant cities and the perfect place to spend an unforgettable weekend!
Additionally, Meissen is home to Germany’s oldest castle and the site where European hard-paste porcelain was first produced in 1708. So, let’s explore what else this hidden gem has in store!
This Way to the Whole Story ->Whether you prefer beer or wine is, of course, a matter of taste. However, for some people, it is also a philosophical and social question. In fact, it was none other than Scottish novelist Robert Louis Stevenson who equated wine to poetry in a bottle. And as a world-famous writer, he certainly knew what he was talking about. No one said that about beer.
But no matter what your personal opinion on the cultural difference between beer and wine is, in one respect, you can only give preference to the latter: namely, when it comes to the beauty of the growing regions. In this regard, the grapevines beat the hop bushes by a mile! Proof of this was my recent hike along the Saxon Wine Trail. With its idyllic vineyards, enchanting castles, and magnificent villas, a day trip from Dresden into the Elbe Wine Region will definitely be one of the most heart-, soul- and stomach-filling trips you will have enjoyed in a long time.
Since the trail is lined not only by some amazing landmarks but also by countless eateries and wine bars, all you need are your hiking boots, a sun hat, and a little drinking water. Everything else is readily waiting for you alongside this truly mesmerizing path!
This Way to the Whole Story ->The heart of Saxony beats right here, in the city of Dresden. Already the nickname Florence on the Elbe is a clear reference to Dresden’s magnificent imperial structures and the city’s picturesque location on one of Germany’s longest and most scenic rivers. Its distinctive aura and elegance make Dresden one of Germany’s most beautiful and worthwhile travel destinations.
As you look to the sidebar on the right edge of the screen, you’ll see that the keywords in the tag cloud vary in size. Even in comparison with cities like Athens, Buenos Aires, or Tokyo, the tag of the German one-horse town of Büdelsdorf appears quite big.
Interesting, right? But why is that?
Well, in 2025, I’m reporting on the annual North German mega art event NordArt already for the sixth time, and that’s why its venue, Büdelsdorf, appears pretty large as I’m tagging it each time I go, which then pushes it up in the tag cloud.
I’m kinda making Büdelsdorf a clandestine shooting star.
Having this clarified, I’m glad you’re joining me for my sixth NordArt post in which I’ll tell you all there is to know to get the most out of your visit in 2025.
In this post, I’m listing relevant figures and important rules and regulations you should be aware of before going to Germany. But I’m also pointing out unexpected peculiarities and fun facts as well as all the nitty-gritty. This way, no unexpected surprises will impair your experience. Hence, whether it’s the legal and formal stuff or the fun and quirky things, you definitely should read this compilation before setting foot in Germany.
Hamburg is home to Europe’s third-largest harbor. This might give travellers – like for instance cruise ship passengers – the opportunity to explore the city on a layover. For them, I’ve put together a perfect itinerary for up to 24 hours in Hamburg.
This very popular category on my blog is designated to transform a layover into a short extra vacation.
This Way to the Whole Story ->