"Land Sachsen - Saxony" Top 5 Page for this destination Land Sachsen by vtveen

Land Sachsen Travel Guide: 4,024 reviews and 12,422 photos

Dresden Zwinger Kronentor - Land Sachsen

Lots of cultural and natural highlights

After reading an article in a (travel)magazine in the Netherlands about Land Sachsen, or more specific the "Elbsandstein Gebirge" (so called Saxon Switzerland), we decided to take a visit to this part of Germany.
Also a little bit curious about the former DDR and the changes that have taken place there.
Another reason was the flooding of the River Elbe one year before our visit.
During that time we did see lots of pictures in the newspapers and reportings on TV.

To be honest we visited just the part of Saxony around Dresden and the Saxon Switzerland.

Although we absolutely did not know what to expect, it was a great trip. With a lot of highlights, as well as cultural/historical as with a great scenery.

Fondest memory
We arrived on 2 October, just a day before a national holiday in Germany. And totally unexpected the lady from the Tourist Information Office in "Konigstein" told us all the accommodation was fully booked in town and for sure also in other towns. "Frau Tita" who happened to be in the office, heard this story and offered us staying at her home, although the guest room was not quite ready. While we were having dinner, she and her husband made the room ready and they succeeded very well. We had a wonderful time.
After a couple of days she mentioned her rates for the room; it was too cheap and we could not accept. So we had to decide about our own rates !!
(Familie Tita, Bielatalstr. 110, 01824 Konigstein, per-sven.tita@epost.de)

Cultural and historical

Dresden The Royal Palace

Almost every town or village in Saxony has its own palace or castle. And you will find a lot of interesting museums all over the country. Besides there are nice churches, among them we did admire some real gems in real small villages (see "off the beaten path tips").

Off course is Dresden a "must see activity", with a huge difference between the (restored) old part of the town and the more or less awful row of houses along wide roads. Typical DDR buildings.

In the towns along the Elbe you can see several marks (on buildings) of the 2002 flooding. It is hardly to believe the water was so high, sometimes metres above street level !!!

Landscape and scenery

Saxon Switzerland

Saxon Switzerland has an amazing scenery, which stretches more or less along the River Elbe between the Czech border and Dresden.

Although not the highest mountains, it is very rugged with vast sandstone rock formations. Mostly they rise straight into the sky. An ideal place for hiking and climbing.

Pros and Cons

Pros:friendly people, rather cheap to stay and eat
In a nutshell:unexpected cultural and natural gems

Last visit to Land Sachsen: Oct 2003
Intro Updated Sep 21, 2010
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Reviews (23)

Hohnstein - just to relax Off The Beaten Path (8)

Hohnstein is just a little village in the middle of Saxon Switzerland. But 'far away' from th hustle and bustle of other... more travel advice

Hofkirche - footbridge between church and palace - Land Sachsen

Dresden - 'Hofkirche' Things to Do (12)

The official name of the former 'Hofkirche' (Court Church) is 'Cathedral Ss. Trinitatis'. Nowadays it is the Cathedral... more travel advice

Königstein: fortress on a misty morning - Land Sachsen

Königstein: starting point for Saxony... Things to Do (12)

The small town of 'Königstein' is situated along the River Elbe and is an excellent starting point for exploring so... more travel advice

Walking in the "Schrammsteine" - Land Sachsen

Schrammsteine - one of 'thousands'... Off The Beaten Path (8)

Saxon Switzerland has 'thousands' of walking tracks. Everywhere you will find nice signposted walks. Some of them very... more travel advice

Shopping (3)
See All always Christmas (and Easter)

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Comments (14)

angiebabe Jul 19, 2008 at 6:25 AM Report Abuse

Germany never ceases to amaze me!Unexpectedly Ive had a nbr of trips to Germany&seen quite a lot but still didnt know these lovely sights are here to get back again for (in addition to my want to see Passau& Regensburg& EaglesNest)-yr pg is really lovely!
magor65 Jun 11, 2007 at 12:59 PM Report Abuse

I wish we had seen so much as you did. But at least there is a reason to come back. Fantastic page.
Ekahau Feb 19, 2007 at 4:20 PM Report Abuse

Hi Jaap, nice work lots of good informative page and very useful tips BUT the Photos are what is tops thanks Hohnstein - castle looks wonderful!!!
richiecdisc Feb 16, 2007 at 4:07 PM Report Abuse

You sure did get off the beaten path and my wife is even from there!
sandysmith Feb 4, 2007 at 9:53 AM Report Abuse

the rock labyrinth sounds great - I remember those iron ladders well amazing rock formations in this area
Nemorino Sep 27, 2006 at 1:53 AM Report Abuse

Fine photos and descriptions. Glad you had such a pleasant visit with such nice hosts. I have been to Dresden twice in recent years and find it a fascinating city.
iandsmith Sep 7, 2006 at 4:47 AM Report Abuse

Lovely page, thank you so much for sharing. I'll have to go back and see what I missed.
dlandt Jul 11, 2006 at 9:07 AM Report Abuse

Nice page. I took the liberty of featuring the bridge over Bastei for VT's man page. Great photo.
MURRA Jun 6, 2006 at 7:55 AM Report Abuse

EXCELLENT nice info on saxon sitz ,good fotos ,great bridge foto.very nice scenery
Mariajoy Feb 19, 2006 at 12:38 AM Report Abuse

Jaap this is a fab page! I would love to explore this area of Germany, I had no idea before of the Sorbs of Bautzen and their language - great stuff! Dank u wel! Maria :)