An Unforgettable Weekend in MEISSEN, the Hidden Gem 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!

Welcome to Meissen

Meissen is in many ways a microcosm of Central European history. The city was founded on the edge of an empire, shaped by princely ambitions, and tested by wars. Today, it has been reborn as a cultural treasure.

Nestled in the graceful bend of the Elbe River, it is a place where history wafts across medieval rooftops. With roots stretching back over a millennium, Meissen is far more than a postcard-worthy town. It is the birthplace of political power and the unexpected scene of Europe’s porcelain revolution.

But Meissen was not immune to Europe’s turbulent centuries. Like many places in Saxony, it suffered during the Thirty Years’ War, survived the Napoleonic upheavals, and weathered the industrial and political storms of the 19th and 20th centuries.

During World War II, Meissen was largely spared the bombing raids that devastated nearby Dresden. As a result, its medieval old town is remarkably well preserved.

During the decades of the so-called Cold War, Meissen belonged to the GDR, hence, the eastern part of Germany. The then state-controlled porcelain factories kept producing high-quality goods. Yet, the majority of these were exported for Western currency.

Although Meissen is a relatively small town, it does have a special luster, polished by time and tradition.

Grand Tour of a Grand City

The history of Meissen officially begins in 929 AD. King Henry I aka Henry the Fowler, commissioned the construction of a fortress on a strategically important hill above the Elbe River. This was no accident, as the Slavic tribes in the region were formidable, and Henry needed a stronghold to hold his ground.

The 15th century saw the construction of Albrechtsburg Castle, Germany’s first palace and a true architectural gem. It became a symbol of princely prestige and late Gothic ambitions.

But it wasn’t until the early 18th century that Meissen became the site of one of the most significant alchemical breakthroughs in European craftsmanship. Until then, Europeans had imported porcelain from China, often at exorbitant prices. Kings and other wealthy collectors hoarded these intricate pieces like gold. Speaking of gold: Augustus the Strong, Elector of Saxony, commissioned the alchemist Johann Friedrich Böttger to transform base metals into gold. But Böttger, much to Augustus’s delight, cracked a different code. As early as 1708, he had discovered how to make genuine hard-paste porcelain from Saxon clay.

Thus, the first European porcelain factory was established right at the Albrechtsburg Castle in 1710. Meissen porcelain quickly became Europe’s most luxurious ceramics, rivaling even the finest Chinese exports.

Albrechtsburg – Germany’s Oldest Castle

Therefore, let’s start a tour of mesmerizing Meissen at its oldest and most glorious gem, the Albrechtsburg Castle. It is considered one of the most important early Renaissance buildings in all of Germany. It sits picturesquely on a hill above the town of Meissen and offers a sweeping view of the Elbe Valley. The Albrechtsburg Castle is not only an architectural masterpiece, but also an important symbol of Saxony’s history.

In 1471, the Saxon Duke Ernst the Pious laid the foundation stone for the castle. It was intended to become a prestigious residence for the Saxon margraves and later electors of Saxony.

The architect Arnold of Westphalia designed the castle, drawing heavily on late Gothic architecture while also incorporating early Renaissance elements. This resulted in a unique blend that was revolutionary for the time.

The Albrechtsburg Castle has a striking square floor plan and is surrounded by massive, defensive walls. This gives the building an imposing appearance.

Special architectural features include the Great Hall, which served as a prestigious reception room and is decorated with magnificent frescoes and richly carved wooden ceilings. The castle’s crenellated walls and double doors also testify to the high level of craftsmanship of the artisans of the time.

Meissen Cathedral of St. John and St. Donatus

The Albrechtsburg Castle consists of several important parts: the palace, the former residential and administrative buildings of the canons and the provost’s office, and the cathedral itself. It is dedicated to Saints John and Donatus of Arezzo and is one of the most important Gothic buildings in Saxony.

Construction began around 1250, with most of the structure being built in the High Gothic style. The cathedral actually only acquired its current form, with its two Neo-Gothic west towers, at the beginning of the 20th century. These towers were added based on historical designs and stylistically complement the originally towerless westwork.

For many centuries, the cathedral was the episcopal seat of the Diocese of Meissen, founded in 968. After the Reformation, it became Evangelical Lutheran.

In 1425, Margrave Frederick the Quarrelsome had the Princes’ Chapel added to the west front of the cathedral as a new burial chapel for the Wettin dynasty. The Margrave’s bronze tomb now stands here. There are also 164 other gravestones in the cathedral.

Multipurpose

The Albrechtsburg Castle was initially conceived as the residence of the Saxon margraves and later of the Saxon electors. However, in 1529, the Saxon government relocated its seat to Dresden.
As the Albrechtsburg Castle lost its function as a residence, it was instead used as a castle prison, barracks, and administrative building. As a result, the castle underwent numerous alterations and renovations that affected its original appearance.

A significant moment in the history of the Albrechtsburg Castle was the founding of the Meissen Porcelain Manufactory in 1710. Over time, however, the Albrechtsburg Castle also lost its function as a production facility. At the same time, it was increasingly valued as a cultural monument. Therefore, it houses the Albrechtsburg Historical Museum. The castle manages, among other things, an exclusive collection of porcelain figurines and, on the walls, porcelain reliefs. Particularly cherished are the detailed and vibrant porcelain figurines of the Meissen model master Johann Joachim Kändler.

In addition, the Porcelain Museum offers insights into the history of the manufactory and displays one of the most important collections of Meissen porcelain in the world.

Plan Your Visit

The Albrechtsburg Castle complex is open between March and October from Wednesday to Monday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. From November to February, it closes already at 5 p.m. The general admission is 12 €uros, and a combined ticket including the Meissen Manufactory is available for 22 €uros.

Old Town: Treasures from the Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque

Meissen was not destroyed in World War II, which is a true rarity among German cities. The old town remained largely unscathed, as there were no significant military targets or large-scale industries in Meissen that would have triggered bombing raids. Only a few buildings were damaged by minor air raids, but there was no widespread destruction like in Dresden or Leipzig.

As a result, the historic city center, with its medieval alleys, Gothic churches, Renaissance townhouses, and Baroque façades, has been preserved in exceptionally good condition. This makes Meissen one of the most authentic and cohesive historical townscapes in Germany today. Hence, when you stroll through the city, you truly experience a piece of the Middle Ages and Baroque in almost its original form.

Narrow cobblestone streets, well-preserved ancient edifices, and a clear medieval layout lend the townscape a special charisma.

Sheltered Treasures

The Albrechtsburg Castle is undisputedly Meissen’s glorious landmark, and of course, a must-see. However, it stands about 50 meters above the historic old town. Between April and October, the public bus line E runs up the hill, yet only every 30 minutes, and on weekends, only hourly. To visit the castle from November to March, you can use a panoramic elevator.

If at all possible, however, I would recommend walking up. You climb winding alleys at a fairly gentle incline and pass several vantage points that offer beautiful panoramic views of the city and the surrounding area.

There is also a staircase that leads, somewhat mysteriously, through the tower of the Bishop’s Palace to one of the squares from which you have the best view of the Elbe River, stretching far beyond the left bank.

If you want to get off the beaten track, it’s absolutely worth simply lose yourself in the small side streets of the old town. You’ll discover many unexpectedly beautiful alleys and corners.

One of my favorite finds is the charming alley called Löwengässchen. It was reserved for the butchers’ trade until 1879, which is now commemorated by guild plaques and an information board.

The relief panels are of art-historical interest as they indicate the great importance of the butchers’ trade in 19th-century Meissen.

Made from Porcelain

In Meissen, the cradle of European porcelain, several fascinating works of art reflect the history and significance of the Meissen Porcelain Manufactory. These objects are timeless testaments to the artistic development in the region and offer a captivating insight into Meissen’s unique position as a world center of porcelain production.

Mosaic Pictures at the Central Castle Gate

The middle gate of the Albrechtsburg Castle is a historic gateway to the city and a cultural monument. The mosaics on the gate are an outstanding example of the creative use of porcelain in public art and architecture. They date from 1890 and depict Saint George on the left and Saint John the Evangelist on the right. The designs were created by Wilhelm Walter, the creator of the famous Procession of Princes in Dresden.

The mosaics consist of porcelain tiles arranged using a precise mosaic technique, with each individual piece of porcelain integrated into the façade to create a coherent and detailed representation.

The depictions are characterized by their richness of detail and vibrant color scheme. The individual tiles are decorated to give them an almost lifelike depth and expressiveness.

But there’s also porcelain on display inside the gatehouse. From Friday to Sunday, between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m., you can admire the works of the artist collective Weißer Elefant. Admission is 5.50. €uros. I’m introducing the group below.

Bells And Organ of the Church of Our Lady

The Church of Our Lady, Frauenkirche in German, is a late Gothic hall church dating back to the 15th century. As the main Protestant church, it remains an important venue for services, concerts, and cultural events to this day.

What makes it truly unique, however, are two musical instruments that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. A carillon made of Meissen porcelain and an organ, which was also supplemented with porcelain pipes in 2025. Both instruments impressively combine musical quality with the city’s centuries-old porcelain tradition.

The porcelain carillon was installed in 1929 to mark Meissen’s 1000th anniversary. It was the first playable carillon made of Meissen porcelain in the world and consists of a total of 37 tunable hard-paste porcelain bells. This carillon plays six chorales daily at set times.

In 2005, yet another special feature was added to the carillon when the organ was supplemented with 37 pipes made of Meissen porcelain. These porcelain pipes cover the range from c° to c³ and give the instrument a particularly bright, clear timbre.

With the carillon and the porcelain organ, the Frauenkirche Meissen is today not only a place of liturgical life, but also an acoustic monument of international importance.

Altar And Pulpit of St. John’s Church

St. John’s Church on the other side of the Elbe River is one of the city’s most important churches and is also decorated with porcelain reliefs by the Teichert Manufactory. These works are particularly interesting because they combine the refined craftsmanship of Meissen porcelain with the city’s architecture and spiritual heritage.

They feature detailed depictions of biblical events and figures executed in the Baroque style. They thus represent an artistic connection between religion and porcelain and are a unique example of the use of porcelain in religious art.

Franziskaneum High School

High up on the façade of the Franziskaneum High School in Meissen is an important porcelain mural. The artist Martin Wiegand designed three large-format porcelain scenes: a runner, a discus thrower, and two youths with laurel wreaths. It was manufactured in 1907 by the Royal Porcelain Manufactory Meissen.

The images are formally reminiscent of the Procession of Princes in Dresden and are an outstanding example of artistic porcelain tile work of the period. The weather-resistant technique, using special ceramic masses and high-fired paints, was innovative at the time.

Despite their robustness, the murals are visibly damaged by weathering and moisture – cracks have been documented, particularly in the discus thrower. Professional restoration is recommended to ensure the long-term preservation of this early monument of Saxon porcelain art.

Porcelain Tiles from Arita

A town partnership between Meissen and the Japanese porcelain town of Arita has existed since 1979. This is remarkable, as the partnership began during the GDR era and long before German reunification. This connection is rooted in a shared passion for porcelain.

Since 2004, porcelain panels from Arita have been displayed in a passageway leading from the very charming square Kleinmarkt to Schulplatz to commemorate the town’s 1075th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of the partnership. Each tile comes from a different manufacturer and represents its typical techniques and color characteristics. Two more panels were added around 2022, making the composition complete today.

Because the tiles are weatherproof, they even survived the dramatic floods of 2013 unscathed.

Görnische Gasse

Görnische Gasse was originally a largely neglected connecting route between Meissen’s old town and the southwestern suburbs. For a long time, the alley led a rather inconspicuous existence. Until 2012, when the porcelain artist collective called Weißer Elefant, White Elephant in English, came to stay.

The group’s artistic commitment has had a significant impact on contemporary porcelain art in Meissen. Their first exhibition took place in 2013 at Görnischen Gasse 4. Today, the Porzellancafé Weißer Elefant is located there, an inspiring place that serves as both a café as well as a gallery.

In recent years, Görnische Gasse has undergone extensive renovation: The buildings have been restored, façades and roofs renewed, and the cobblestones resurfaced.

The group’s members have received numerous awards for their commitment to porcelain art, including the City of Meissen’s Art and Culture Prize in 2022.

Görnische Gasse is a vivid example of how monument preservation, cultural engagement, and creativity can transform an old town into an attractive gem. Within just a few meters, it connects historic Renaissance architecture with the contemporary porcelain and art scene.

My Tip

If you’re looking for a souvenir made of Meissen porcelain, but the traditional dishes and figurines are too playful for you and you’re looking for something more contemporary, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for in the studios along the Görnische Gasse.

The Alley from 1979 on Porcelain

In the driveway of the house at number 5 at Görnische Gasse, you’ll find a truly unusual document. It was created by Olaf Fieber and is a porcelain documentation of photographs of the houses on this alley, mostly from 1979.

The technique of applying digitally generated prints to porcelain surfaces is popular not only in industry but also in artists’ studios. To protect the artworks from environmental influences, even outdoors, the photos were fired at around 880°C.

Meissen City Map

Diagonally opposite the documentation, on the other side of the street, is the Meissen City Map. It is another outstanding work of art by Olaf Fieber, which underlines the city’s close connection to its porcelain tradition.

The map is not just an ordinary mural, but a detailed depiction of the city’s layout. It offers an overview of the structure and key elements of the old town and provides a unique perspective on the city’s history.

It is painted in blue and white, reminiscent of traditional Meissen porcelain production, with a contrasting design between the city’s individual streets, squares, and buildings. The individual tiles depict the different districts and important points of the old town.

The depiction is remarkably detailed, including not only the most important streets but also historic buildings and landmarks. Also, the exact topography and structure are precisely replicated.

The Pocket Park: The Small Living Room

The Pocket Park. The Small Living Room is an art project by the artists Andreas Ehret, Tina Hopperdietzel, as well as Olaf Fieber, obviously.

It is a green space in which porcelain plays a central role, combining traditional craftsmanship with contemporary art in an urban setting. Through the use of porcelain objects, furniture, tiles, and works of art, the park becomes a living example of how centuries-old traditions can be integrated into everyday life.

The park was decorated with porcelain objects and sculptures. The seating, tables, and sculptures made from porcelain lend the park a striking aesthetic. The material blends harmoniously into the garden landscape, creating a beautiful fusion of nature and craftsmanship.

The Mastermind

Before I close this chapter, I cannot help but introduce Olaf Fieber, the creative mind behind most of the contemporary porcelain artworks in Meissen.

After finishing school, young Olaf attended a drawing circle at the Meissen Porcelain Manufactory, which introduced him to the art of porcelain. He then trained as a porcelain designer at the manufactory.

Experimenting with all kinds of ceramic techniques helped him gain in-depth experience in the field. Before opening his own studio in Meissen in 2006, he had made around 1,000 unique pieces at the Meissen Porcelain Manufactory!

He then expanded his artistic activities to include photography, painting, and graphic design. Of course, porcelain remained his true love. Olaf Fieber is a founding member of the White Elephant artist group.

Out of Meissen

The area surrounding Meissen is one of Germany’s most charming cultural landscapes. Gently rolling vineyards, historic villages, and beautiful castles characterize the region.

The baroque Moritzburg hunting castle is a particularly captivating destination that can be easily reached by public bus. It stands picturesquely on an island in a lake. Moritzburg Castle became world-famous as the backdrop for the delightful fairytale movie Three Hazelnuts for Cinderella.

You’ll find a detailed post on this excursion destination in my post From Dresden to Moritzburg Castle: A Day Trip into Saxony’s Royal Past.

Exploring the Saxon Wine Trail

Meissen lies in the heart of the Elbe Valley and is part of the Saxon Wine Trail. On a leisurely hike, well-marked trails will guide you through the magnificent surroundings. While the entire trail is almost 90 kilometers long, the hike is divided into six stages, averaging 15 to 18 kilometers.

Obviously, you can also plan your individual sections according to your personal preferences. This makes it ideal even for one-day tours. I wrote about my amazing hike with Marcel Beier through the vineyards around Seusslitz in my post A Day Trip from Dresden into the Elbe Wine Region, Germany’s Easternmost Vineyards.

Open Winery Weekend

Nevertheless, one of the best opportunities to visit the Elbe Valley is the last weekend in August when the wineries open their doors to visitors as part of Open Winery Weekend. In 2025, this regional mega-event will be held for the 26th time, with around 50 wineries participating.

On the last weekend in August, wineries, taverns, and other institutions between Dresden and Seusslitz will open their doors. Because the festive winemakers can hardly wait, some are offering a warm-up program with tours and tastings on Thursday and Friday.

You’ll sample everything from sparkling white wines to full-bodied red wines, as well as traditional winery snacks. You’ll learn more about their philosophy and grape varieties directly from the passionate winemakers. Many of the idyllic estates open their historic vaulted cellars and offer insights into modern technology and vineyard work.

Live music, artistic acts, and special events enhance the lively atmosphere.

And to ensure that no one has to be assigned as a designated driver, a shuttle system with special buses is organized. This way, you can travel comfortably and, above all, safely from winery to winery, even after your third glass of wine. A day ticket costs 10 €uros and is also valid for the Elbe ferry between Seusslitz and Niederlommatz, allowing unlimited use.

Plan Your Visit

You still have two weeks to plan a visit to this year’s Open Winery Weekend!
Especially if you happen to be in Dresden or Berlin, or even Prague, at that time, I think you shouldn’t miss this fantastic opportunity. You can find all the information on their website.
And don’t forget to mark the 27th edition of this fantastic event on the last weekend of August 2026 in your calendar!

Practical Information

How to Get There And Around

The nearest airport to Meissen is Dresden Airport, about half an hour away by car or train. An alternative is Leipzig/Halle Airport, which is about 1 hour away from Meißen.

Meissen train station is well-connected to other cities in Germany. The fastest way to get to Meissen is by regional train or the S-Bahn line S1 from Dresden. The journey takes only about 30 minutes. From Berlin, you can take an ICE or IC train to Dresden and from there continue by regional train to Meissen. This takes a total of 2.5 to 3 hours. There are also direct connections from Prague to Dresden, from where you can continue to Meissen. The entire journey takes 3 to 4 hours.

Of course, there are also long-distance buses that travel to Meissen from larger cities. The long-distance bus journey takes longer than the train, but it is a cheaper option.

Meissen’s old town is easy to explore on foot. Major attractions, such as Albrechtsburg Castle, are also within easy walking distance. Meissen is a very bike-friendly city, and you can rent a bike to explore the surrounding area, especially along the Elbe River. For more distant destinations or excursions in the surrounding area, there are public buses. A single trip costs 2.30 €uros. For multiple trips, a day ticket for 7.80 €uros is recommended. Trips all the way to Dresden cost 6.10 €uros, and a day ticket is 9 €uros.

However, regional public transport is included in the so-called Germany-Ticket that I’m introducing below.

The Germany-Ticket for 58 €uro

Following the fantastic 9 €uro ticket that allowed nationwide travel for an entire month from June to August 2022, there is now the 58 €uro ticket. For good.

With the 58 €uro ticket, you can travel basically the entire country by regional trains. Those train numbers begin, for instance, with RE or MET. But keep in mind, it is not valid in interregional trains such as the Intercity IC or Intercity-Express ICE. However, you can also use regular buses, trams, subways, and suburban trains, as well as regional express trains all over Germany.

While the 58 €uro ticket is valid throughout the country, it is not linked to German citizenship. Non-residents can also purchase it. Although it is an annual subscription, it can be canceled on a monthly basis.

So if you are planning on taking regional trains in Germany as well as intercity public transportation, the Germany Ticket might be your best option.

My Tip

During the summer months, you can travel comfortably and in style from Dresden to Meissen with the Sächsischen Dampfschifffahrt, hence, the Saxon Steamship Company. The ship usually departs daily from May to early October at 9:45 a.m. from Dresden’s jetty Terrassenufer. At a leisurely pace, it then travels upstream through the picturesque Elbe Valley and along the Saxon Wine Route until it docks in Meissen around noon. There, you have plenty of time to explore the historic old town or visit Albrechtsburg Castle. The return trip is in the afternoon.

The round trip costs 31 €uros. Due to limited seating, advance reservations are recommended. Their informative website is also available in English.

Where to Stay

If you want to fully experience Meissen, you should not just make a day trip, but stay overnight in the city. This way, you can stroll through the romantically lit old town in the evening and enjoy a typical Saxon dinner – accompanied, of course, by a nice glass of local wine. Also, since Meissen tends to attract day trippers, overnight prices are more moderate than in other places like Dresden. Dorint Parkhotel Meissen* on the left bank of the Elbe River is particularly beautifully located.

With stunning views of Albrechtsburg Castle and Meissen Cathedral, the Dorint Parkhotel Meissen* rises as a stylish ensemble around the historic Art Nouveau Villa Ohm. If you want to recharge your batteries after a long day of sightseeing, their SPA awaits you, offering various saunas overlooking the Elbe River. Or you can take a short stroll through the park or along the Elbe Cycle Path, which runs right past the hotel.

The Dorint Parkhotel Meissen* combines historic Art Nouveau charm with state-of-the-art amenities and a breathtaking location directly on the banks of the Elbe.

Nevertheless, if you first want to check out other lodging options, you can easily do so on this map*:

What to Eat

In Meissen, you can expect hearty and down-to-earth cuisine, strongly influenced by Saxon traditions with a touch of nostalgic local cooking.

A highlight is the Saxon Sauerbraten, a roast beef marinated in vinegar, red wine, and spices, slowly braised, and often served with raisins in the sauce. It is usually served with bread dumplings or potato dumplings. Saxon beef roulade, filled with mustard, bacon, onions, and gherkins and served in a hearty sauce, is also a festive dish with a long tradition.
More modest, but still very delicious, is the Saxon potato soup, a creamy, rich soup made with potatoes and root vegetables, sometimes with bacon cubes or sausage.

You should definitely try the traditional Meissen Winemaker’s Plate. It consists of various sausages and cheeses, ham, homemade lard, pickles, and fresh bread. Obviously, you need to sample a fine glass of regional wine, as Meissen lies in the heart of the Saxon wine-growing region. It is the smallest and northernmost quality wine-growing region in Germany. Goldriesling, a rare grape variety found almost exclusively in Saxony, is particularly popular here. Many wine bars and restaurants in the area have wines from neighboring wineries on the menu.

For dessert, there are so-called Quarkkeulchen, small fried cakes made from curd, potatoes, and a little flour, served with applesauce or cinnamon and sugar. A typical Saxon sheet cake is Eierschecke. This cake consists of three layers: the base and a curd filling, topped by a mixture made from custard, eggs, and sugar.

Fun Fact:

The so-called Meissen Fummel is a very fragile hollow pastry. Legend has it that it was invented to discipline a messenger of the Saxon king who was prone to drunkenness. He had to present the Fummel intact after his journey, which was difficult to do while drunk, especially given the road conditions of that era.

Cash, Cards, and Deals

Until now, 20 European countries replaced their former local currency with the €uro starting in 2002. Obviously, Germany is one of them. The exchange rate is 1 US$ = 0.86 EUR as of August 2025. However, you can check today’s conversion rate on this page.

Especially since the pandemic, cards as well as contactless payment are far more accepted than before.

Visiting Organized

I’m an avid solo-travelling woman, yet I love to join organized tours here and there. Especially for day and weekend trips to cities, organized and guided tours allow you to get to know the most important sights in a condensed yet comprehensive way and not miss the best.

Therefore, here are some great ideas of what to do during your stay in Meissen. Especially if you have only a short amount of time, they’ll enable you to leave the planning and organizing to others and just enjoy the city and the surrounding area to the max*:

Connection and Communication

Since June 2017, no roaming charges apply within the EU if you have a European mobile phone contract. This involves all 27 countries of the European Union as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.
The EU roaming regulation applies to all contracts.

In case European roaming is not available, you can connect to the internet at museums, eateries or cafés, and, of course, hotels. This being said, in comparison to many other lands, Germany is a developing country when it comes to the internet. There are annoyingly many dead zones, and many places do not offer free Wifi connection.

So if you depend on a reliable online connection, you should opt for a SIM card. Whether phone companies such as O2 or Vodafone, or supermarkets like Lidl and Aldi – there is a wide choice of providers of prepaid cards.

The standard voltage in Europe is 220 V, and the frequency is 50 Hz. In Germany, they use plug types C and F.

Whereby, nowadays, all these chargers have integrated adapters, in general, the voltage and frequency don’t really matter.

By the way, you’ll find comprehensive travel info in my post World’s Most Complete Travel Information – an indispensable globetrotter classic.

Language

In the Eastern part of Germany, especially older people have only rudimentary knowledge of English. Therefore, you might want to practice some useful words and phrases with the help of e. g. Babbel. Also, the first lesson is free and already supplies you with a useful basic vocabulary.

In this post, I’m writing out some of the German names of brands and places. Obviously, you will notice that there are letters that might not exist in other languages.

Firstly, there is the letter ß, which exists only in the German alphabet. It’s by no means a B – it’s a so-called sharp S. You pronounce it like the double S in kiss. So, although the German word for street, Straße, looks quite exotic, it is simply pronounced Shtrasse. Mind you, when an S stands before a T, it becomes sh instead of s.

By the way, the German spelling of Meissen is actually Meißen!

Then, there are three more vowels, ä being the easiest one since it’s pronounced like an open e as in head. For some foreigners, ö and ü might be a bit tougher. Ö is pronounced more or less like the e in her. Finally, Ü sounds a bit like the u in huge.

Map

On this map, you can trace the route and find the most amazing places that I’m introducing in this post. Clicking on the slider symbol at the top left or the full-screen icon at the top right will display the whole map, including the legend.

Pinnable Pictures

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