Alanguie on the edge of the Elbe, Dresden seems frozen over time. Its eternal silhouette evokes the baroque hours of an enlightened eighteenth century, where everything is only harmony and sweetness of life. Behind its walls, Auguste le Fort Castle radiates a thousand treasures; steam boats slide on the calm Elbe wave and lead to the heart of vineyards; in the opera built by Semper, performances are worthy of the greatest western metropolises. In the heart of the Elbe Valley, a former UNESCO world heritage site, Dresden is also the starting point for a getaway in lush landscapes, just a few steps from the Czech border…
Baroque Jewel
No other city in Northern Europe can boast of having amassed so many baroque treasures. Nicknamed "the Florence of the Elbe", the Dresden we know today is the creation of an immense aesthetic, Auguste le Fort, prince constituent of Saxony from 1694 to 1733, king of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania. This art lover, liberal and enlightened, devoted all his fortune to the creation of stunning collections, from the Green Arch with its countless treasures at Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister with its masterpieces of Italian and German painting, passing through the largest museum of porcelain objects in Europe. This generous prince owes many palaces and baroque churches, such as the famous Frauenkirche or the lovely Japanese Palace that housed its loves, and its feasts inspired by the versailles. Do not miss the baroque quarter of the Neustadt, which is more unknown and yet delightful, with its bourgeois houses and cobbled streets. The city's silhouette, which can be admired from the bridge that bears the name Auguste, has been immortal since the Italian Bernardo Belloto set her on his paintings in the middle of the eighteenth century.
A Phoenix of European History
If Dresden seems to be frozen in the harmonious and hedonistic time of baroque, we must not forget that the city is a phoenix born of its ashes. Twice, the city burns: On August 6, 1685, the fire ravaged a cabinetmaker's house and spread rapidly to the whole part of the city, mainly built in wood, located on the right bank of the Elbe. It is on the ruins left by this gigantic fire that the baroque district of Neustadt will be built. In 1945, allied bombing reduced the city to ashes. But nothing seems to destroy the determination of the Dresdois, which rebuilt their baroque city by stone. It is therefore a completely reconstructed city that you admire by walking through the streets of Dresden.
An important center of European art until 1933 and industrial center dedicated to high technology, Dresden has many museums showing this dynamism, such as the Transport Museum, the Volkswagen Glass Manufacturing, or the Albertinum and the Stadtmuseum Dresden with their contemporary and contemporary collections. A city devoted to music, the capital of Saxony has a 800-year-old choir, a legendary orchestra and an opera with high quality productions. Around Dresden, do not miss the visit of the porcelain factory in Meissen. Dresden is surrounded by castles to visit, like Moritzburg or Albrechtsburg, which are worth a break. The Theresienstadt camp, for its part, tells a story of the history of the Second World War.
Nature, sport and… romanticism
But Dresden is not just a retreat for lovers of culture and history. In summer, the Dresden region is a paradise for hikers, whether in the Elbe Valley or in the Saxon Swiss Mountains; In winter, you can take refuge in spa spa spas or slip on the outdoor rinks.
With more than 63% green space, it is one of Europe's greenest cities. In the north of the city, Dresdner Heide is a forest of more than 50 km 2 where Dresdois enjoy walking with family on weekends, sports and picnic. It covers 6,133 ha and is one of Germany's largest urban forests. Its name, which means «the guerrillas», indicates the type of landscape found there. Cascades, streams, woodland pine, lakes… Dresdner Heide is also famous for its many natural springs. On weekends, the city's inhabitants love to get lost in its deep-seated meanders, a true oasis of nature in the middle of the city. You can also take archery, climb or bike, swim in the Silbersee (silver lake) summer and lunch in its restaurants.
Located on the banks of the Elbe, the city enjoys a mild oceanic climate, ideal for many outdoor activities. Dresden is on foot as well as cycling, so do not hesitate to rent a bicycle for your peanuts in the city. The banks of the Elbe River, flat, wide and green, are also part of Germany's most beautiful bike ride. It is also one of the most affluent, appreciated by sports families. In the heart of a valley that was once inscribed on UNESCO's world heritage, opportunities to discover exceptional landscapes are numerous. Saxonian Switzerland is nearby, at the border with the Czech Republic, inspired to the romantic their most beautiful paintings and beautiful pages with its strange mountain formations, impetuous torrents, large and tormented heavens and deep forests. If you have a little time, a hike is needed in this unique region in Europe.
Gastronomy and Nightlife
Renowned in Germany, Saxon gastronomy, which marries Germanic traditions with Czech influences, is unknown in the rest of Europe. A visit to Dresden must therefore be absolutely synonymous with discovering this generous and roborative cuisine. In winter, whole geese, roasted and accompanied by saucraut, will delight most gourmets. Sauerbraten, a roast of beef in sauce accompanied by Klösse, is an exquisite local specialty. Dresden can be proud of two desserts alone, the famous Stollen, a dry grapes cake, and the Eierschecke, an apple cake, white cheese and poppy celebrated by writer Erich Kästner in the 1930 s. Traditional restaurants, often picturesque, are legitimately in Dresden, and you will only be spoilt for choice. The Elbe Valley is also a wine-growing region to discover, with very recommendable whites and a certain dynamism brought by a new generation of winemakers. Saxonian beer and Bohemia is famous. Dresden's nightlife takes place on the shore north of the Elbe, where alternative bars and clubs are the place of a sparkling musical scene, jazz at techno. In short, no time to get bored! Dresden has all the advantages for an ideal summer weekend…
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When is it? All year round. Spring and summer are rainy, but they are short-lived. Summer is an ideal season for hiking in the mountains around the Elbe, canoeing, swimming in the lakes or making long cycling trips. But winter is magic too, especially during the period of Avent, when the city boils down to bright lights and Christmas markets.
Go there. No direct flight to Dresden, you will need to make a stopover in Munich or Frankfurt.
Useful. To best prepare his trip.
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