Things to do in

Meissen

Explore the fascinating world of the famous MEISSEN porcelain factory and discover the various steps of porcelain production. Over centuries, the human hand has remained the main tool at the porcelain factory. The demonstration workshops invite you to experience how the famous MEISSEN porcelain takes shape before your very eyes. See close up how cups are made and how many individual pieces make up a typical figurine. Observe the principal stages of the manufacturing process: molding and throwing, the crafting of figurines (“repairing”), and both underglaze and overglaze decorations. The tour of the demonstration workshops is accompanied by an audio guide. The Museum of MEISSEN Art takes you on an enticing journey through 300 years of porcelain history. Numerous pieces from the year 1710 to the present day, drawn from the manufactory’s vast stocks, are displayed chronologically to illustrate design developments throughout the ages. There is nothing quite like it anywhere else in the world. The exhibition "Meissen Variatons", new for 2017, displays everything from chamber pots to tea sets. From March 2017 it is possible to experience the topics of literature, fashion, music and theater in the museum's recently renovated 2nd floor. The re-imagined exhibition tells the story of porcelain in the past and present. You can also visit the “MEISSEN artCAMPUS”, which exhibits contemporary artwork in MEISSEN porcelain. Within the MEISSEN artCAMPUS project many international renowned painting and sculpting artists work together with MEISSEN craftspeople to create contemporary pieces of art. You then have the opportunity to browse the MEISSEN boutique, the MEISSEN outlet, and the museum shop as well as treat yourself to one or two delicacies in the café or restaurant.

Explore the picturesque Saxon Wine Route on a boat trip from Dresden to Meissen and back. On board the boat you can discover interesting facts about the cathedral town, the cozy wine taverns, and the wine villages in the region. Set off on the paddle steamer in the morning and reach Meissen at midday. Even from a distance you can discover the silhouette of the town characterized by its castle hill and surrounded by the hills in the Elbe Valley. In the town itself, you can visit the Albrechtsburg with its cathedral. Heading from the pier, simply take a right turn down under the bridge and you'll reach the castle after a 10-minute walk or by using the lift. Take a stroll through the town with its historical wall and visit the town museum or the porcelain factory. Meissen's Frauenkirche is also worth a visit. The church, built in the 15th century, is located in the center of the town, a few minutes walk from the Albrechtsburg. Ride on the paddle steamer back to Dresden and reach the city in the evening.

Discover two unique German places in one day. The bus will take you first to the beautiful castle of Moritzburg. Nestled between mysterious forests, rolling hills, and lovely lakes, the castle now serves as a museum and an enchanting backdrop for major Hollywood productions. A guided tour awaits you at Moritzburg. Tour through magnificent rooms with valuable porcelain, paintings, and the legendary treasure of the Saxons. From here, continue to Meissen, the "cradle of Saxony", with its thousand-year history. In Meissen, you can enjoy 2.5 hours of free time. Use the time to take an inside tour of the world-famous porcelain factory, or stroll with your tour guide through the medieval old town in the direction of the cathedral, and the oldest castle in Germany, the Albrechtsburg. Afterward, you can enjoy a typical Saxon lunch in a restaurant of your choice (price not included). Departure from Meissen is at 2:30 PM. After an eventful day, we will reach Dresden again around 3 PM.

Discover the Saxon Wine Route on a Paddle Steamer boat tour. Start the tour in Dresden's old town and travel through the heart of the famous Saxon wine-growing region on the River Elbe. Travel past Radebeul and Meissen and see the famous Meissen Cathedral and the grand Albrechtsburg Castle. Around noon reach the charming wine villages of Diesbar and Seusslitz. After a short stop in each village, the steamer will return to Dresden.

Begin your tour at the Ratskeller Meißen, near the Altstadtbrücke. Meißen is famous for being the frist place in Europe where porcelain produced. So who better to show you around then the man who invented European hard porcelain, the alchemist, J.F. Böttger. Walk with your prestigious guide through Meißen, a town with a rich 1000-year old history. Stroll down the romantic streets. Climb to the top of the Cathedral. Enjoy phenomenal views of the city while you sip delicious local wine. As you explore the city, you’ll stop to taste 2 different wines. Return to Meißen’s old town and sit down for a 2-course meal at the Ratskeller restaurant. As you enjoy your food chat with “J.F. Böttger,” and ask him any questions you have about Meißen or his wonderful porcelain.

The City Game Box contains 11 sealed and numbered envelopes with puzzles that need to be solved. Guided by clear directions, make your way on foot through the porcelain city of Meissen. Solve the puzzles and let the clues lead you to the next destination. Each solved puzzle will yield a number that will tell you which envelope to open next. You will not know in advance what order the scavenger hunt city envelopes need to be opened in. The envelopes will also contain detailed background information of each attraction - its history, its current use and much more. Decide for yourself when to start your Scavenger Hunt City Tour and how much time to spend at each location. Embark on an enigmatic and extraordinary tour and take a break from your City Game whenever you feel like it, or even continue your scavenger hunt on a different day – it’s completely up to you. The game will take you first to the romantic Old Town of Meissen with its many beautifully restored buildings. From Heinrichsplatz with its former Franciscan church, move on to the Market Square. The main attractions here will be the Meissen City Hall, the Bennohaus and the Bahrmann brewery. Climb to the top the tower of Meissen Frauenkirche, from where you will be able to enjoy wonderful views over Meissen and the Elbe Valley. On your tour through Meissen, you will also discover the Burgberg (Castle Hill) with the cathedral and Albrechtsburg Castle. If you have some spare time on your hands, these sights are definitely worth visiting inside. Not to be missed on your tour through Meissen will be the Meissen Porcelain Manufactory, where the famous porcelain is still produced today. A tour of the manufactory is much recommended. You will also have the opportunity to purchase porcelain here. No need to schedule your Scavenger Hunt City Tour for a certain date, simply order the City Game Box and have it delivered to your home, or make an appointment to pick it up in Dresden within the opening hours and you’re good to go.

Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of porcelain and lean all about the production of this white gold in the Meißen porcelain factory. On the way from Dresden to Meißen, see the incredible Gothic cathedral and the Albrechtsburg, the icon of Meißen. Stroll through the picturesque old town to the world-famous porcelain factory. Enjoy a tour of the factory and visit the museum, then indulge in a real Meißen porcelain cup of coffee and maybe purchase a piece or 2 for yourself. After a short midday break, tour the Moritzburg hunting lodge with its sumptuous leather wallpaper, incredible antler collection and stately decor before heading back to Dresden.

Start your Dresden city tour from the comfort and convenience of your accommodation in Berlin. Your friendly and informative guide/driver will pick you up here at the start of the day, ensuring you skip any of the hassle of catching public transport. The distance from Berlin city center is about 190 km, making the drive to Dresden a relaxing and scenic 2 - 2.5-hour journey. Sit back and relax during your journey in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle and let your driver/guide do all the work for you.  Upon arrival in Dresden, your tour guide will be sure to show you all the major landmarks of the city, providing you with fascinating historical information at the same time. Some of the places you will get to see are the Semper Opera, the castle, Frauenkirche, Zwinger, Turkish Well, Brühl's Terrace, Cathedral, Pfunds Molkerei shop, the Golden Horsemen and the Princes Parade. Additional hours are available optionally and in addition, the tour can be combined with a visit to the porcelain factory of Meissen. Enjoy a relaxing end to your day of adventure with a lift back to Berlin city, right to the doorstep of your accommodation.