One Week In Household-Pleasant Saxony, Germany

In case you’re searching for a tremendous European expertise with the youngsters, immerse your self in family-friendly Saxony. One week gained’t be lengthy sufficient. You’ll be able to, nevertheless, get an excellent really feel for German tradition by visiting 4 Saxon cities: Leipzig, Dresden, Torgau, and Meissen.

From 1961 till 1988, the Berlin Wall made East Germany, together with the federal state of Saxony, inaccessible to Western vacationers. For the reason that fall of the Berlin Wall, the previous German Democratic Republic welcomes guests. The time is now to discover the gorgeous state of Saxony.

The place is Saxony and What Makes Saxony Household Pleasant?

Saxony is situated on the jap aspect of Germany, bordered by Poland and the Czech Republic. Dresden and Leipzig, the 2 largest cities in Saxony, are each beneath 5 hours from Munich, 2½ hours from Berlin, and simply 2 hours from Prague.

Worldwide airports in Leipzig and Dresden, plus trains and buses, make it straightforward to get to Saxony.

If your loved ones is serious about wealthy tradition, picturesque landscapes, and important cultural heritage, Saxony is a should see. Throughout your go to, find out about Saxony’s function within the Lutheran Reformation. Perceive the way it contributed to the autumn of the Berlin Wall. Respect the fantastically restored Baroque and Renaissance structure which retains all ages spellbound.

You children will take pleasure in essentially the most stunning zoo in Germany and boat rides on the Elbe River. Uncover many interactive and immersive methods to discover the world’s attention-grabbing previous.

Issues About My Household-Pleasant Saxony Itinerary

This itinerary is lengthy as a result of the world is so attention-grabbing. You’ll be able to discover Saxony in much less time, however we wish to be sure you have time to essentially benefit from the great issues you’ll expertise. My weeklong itinerary contains family-friendly actions geared towards tweens and youths. Most actions are additionally acceptable for youthful kids, until in any other case famous.

How To Get Round Saxony With Children

You’ll be able to positively do that journey and not using a automotive, however having a rental car would possibly save time and make it simpler to get from metropolis to metropolis. In case you’re interested by getting a rental automotive, be sure that to learn this submit on driving in Germany.

When To Go to Household Pleasant Saxony With Children

If you’d like hotter climate, we suggest visiting Saxony throughout late spring, summer season, or fall. We visited in early June and the climate was completely good! Nonetheless, in case you go throughout the Christmas Season, you’re in for a deal with! Dresden is gorgeous in any season and Dresden’s well-known Christmas Market runs from late November to Christmas Eve.

A Observe About Resort Stays In Germany

I extremely suggest consuming breakfast at your resort. On the household pleasant Saxony inns I picked, it’s scrumptious and included in room charges! Ensure that to make the most of the scrumptious German bakeries at snack time.

If you end up with free time, be sure that to wander across the downtown areas. There are various extra issues to see than what’s included on this itinerary so take benefit by racking up the steps.

Half I: Three Evening Keep In Household Pleasant Leipzig

Hailed as a cosmopolitan individuals’s metropolis, Leipzig is a college city and the quickest rising metropolis in all of Germany. It’s a metropolis for music, artwork and e book lovers. Leipzig can be well-known for its function in commerce gala’s and in serving to to carry down the Berlin Wall within the Peaceable Revolution.

Lonely Planet guidebooks name Leipzig “Cooler than Berlin and extra hip than Munich.” With these many accolades, the bar is about excessive for Leipiz — and it doesn’t disappoint.

I like to recommend spending three or 4 nights in Leipzig, relying in your mode of transportation. When you have a automotive, three nights is okay. In case you’re utilizing public transportation, I like to recommend 4 nights. Listed here are a number of family-friendly issues to take pleasure in in Saxony’s largest metropolis, Leipzig. Select your dates rigorously as some cultural points of interest are closed Sunday and Monday.

Day 1 In Leipzig, Arrival And Test Out The Previous City

We stayed on the Downtown Leipzig Marriott which is conveniently situated throughout from the Leipzig Prepare Station. It is usually proper on the entrance to the historic downtown. Its rooms are comfy; the workers could be very pleasant and useful. Your children might benefit from the pool so take a look at every thing the resort has to supply.

Wander in Leipzig’s Altstadt to orient your self on foot within the metropolis heart. Not solely are you able to find many historic buildings and squares together with the Market, New Metropolis Corridor, Previous Metropolis Corridor, St. Thomas Church, St. Nicholas Church, Bach Museum, however you may also duck inside indoor alleys. These alleys, just like the Mädler Passage, are lined areas the place you’ll discover purchasing and eating places. 

As you wander across the metropolis, eat dinner in one of many many eating places you discover alongside the sq.. Dine outdoors on summer season evenings as a result of the ambiance is enjoyable and entertaining.

Spend Leipzig Day 2 At The Zoo

Seize breakfast within the resort. The Marriott has one of the best breakfast unfold, full with contemporary baked items and a construct your personal omelet station. You’ll be able to even get a espresso to-go to drink in your method out the door.

After breakfast, head to the Leipzig Zoo which is only a quick stroll from the Marriott.

Leipzig Zoo, A Household-Pleasant Saxony Spotlight

The Leipzig Zoo is among the oldest and most stunning zoos in Germany so plan to spend a number of hours. Began in 1878, this zoo has advanced over time and is now very centered on conservation, training, sustainability, and analysis.

I liked every thing about Leipzig Zoo, however I did have a number of favorites. First, don’t miss the outdated bear habitat which has been changed into essentially the most unbelievable play construction. I’m fairly certain even large children will take pleasure in exploring this playground.

Ensure that to discover the within of the bear habitat to learn the way zookeepers used to maintain the numerous bears that lived right here. Spend time with the parakeets and watch the monkeys, different favourite zoo reveals. I additionally suggest consuming lunch on the Kiwara Lodge. In case you’re fortunate sufficient to get a desk on the terrace, you’ll eat nearly inside attain of African animals. What a beautiful place to look at zebras and giraffes as you eat!

Leipzig Zoo is open day by day from 9am to 7pm. You’ll be able to buy tickets online and also you’ll discover the zoo at Pfaffendorfer Str. 29.

Saxony’s Household-Pleasant Sights Embrace Leipzig’s Waterways

After lunch, head to Leipzig’s Metropolis Harbor for a guided boat experience with Stadthafen Leipzig’s City Port Fleet. Educated captains make the guided boat rides lots of enjoyable. You’ll be able to even order beer or non-alcoholic drinks on the boats. Carry snacks, sunscreen, and a hat. In case you don’t wish to take a guided boat experience, you possibly can hire kayaks or a rowboat. Open day by day from 10am – 8pm, you’ll discover Stadthafen Leipzig at Schreberstraße 20.

A Leipzig Cultural Feast Over Dinner at Auerbachs Keller

In accordance with their web site, this restaurant is the fifth most well-known restaurant on the earth! No journey to Leipzig is full with out consuming right here. Situated in theMädler Passage at Grimmaische Strasse 2-4, Auerbachs Keller Leipzig is celebrating 500 years of enterprise in 2025.

The well-known German poet Goethe used to eat at Auerbachs Keller and you may see inspiration for his well-known epic poem “Faust.” In case you aren’t accustomed to Faust, it’s a tragic play in two elements primarily based on the medieval legend of a person who bought his soul to the satan. Ensure that to tour the restaurant in case you can, to see spectacular historic artwork representing Faust and Goethe.

Auerbachs Keller is a extremely popular restaurant so make a reservation to make sure there’s room.

Household Music Lovers Get pleasure from Leipzig On Day 3

Day Three is for music lovers. Leipzig is a Metropolis of Music with a 5 km lengthy Music Trail the place you possibly can find out about many well-known musicians together with Wagner, Bach, Schumann, and Mendelssohn. Leipzig is residence to many music college students, orchestras, choirs, and extra. I extremely suggest spending a while studying in regards to the musical previous. Children will take pleasure in this too as a result of the expertise is interactive and immersive.

Mendelssohn Home In Leipzig Highlights Better of Household Pleasant Saxony Sights

Stroll quarter-hour from the Leipzig Marriott and also you’ll discover the Mendelssohn Home.

In case you’re serious about music, you’ll wish to go to to be taught in regards to the well-known musician Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy. Not solely was he one of many first conductors to make use of a conducting baton, he’s additionally credited for preserving Johann Sebastian Bach’s music alive after he’d been largely forgotten as a composer.

Tour his masterfully restored residence, the Mendelssohn Home. Study his sister Fanny who was additionally a proficient musician. And, in case you go to on a Sunday, you would possibly even have the ability to take pleasure in a brief music live performance. The Mendelssohn Home options concert events each Sunday at 11am. Children will take pleasure in this cease as they costume up in interval clothes and follow their conducting abilities with an interactive digital orchestra known as the Effektorium.

Open day by day from 10am to 6pm, you’ll discover the Mendelssohn Home Leipzig at Goldschmidtstraße 12.

Bach Museum In Leipzig

The family-friendly Bach Museum is open Tuesday by means of Sunday from 10am to 6pm. Discover it at Thomaskirchhof 15/16.

Go to St. Thomas Church & The Bach Statue

The St. Thomas Church is true throughout the road from the Bach Museum. You’ll positively wish to pop in for a fast go to to see the church and Bach’s grave. Try the calendar of occasions as a result of in case you’re fortunate, you possibly can hear the well-known St. Thomas Boys Choir follow, or you should buy a ticket to hearken to a Bach motet, a variation on quick, sacred voice items that’s carried out most Fridays and Saturdays.

Leipzig Spinnerei, The Cotton Mill

Both seize a fast chunk to eat in downtown Leipzig or wait till you get out to the Spinnerei within the Plagwitz neighborhood. The Spinnerei is a former cotton mill which has been changed into a haven for artists. The historic construction options many galleries, shops, and residences. It’s an excellent instance of creatively reusing an deserted industrial complicated to make one thing attention-grabbing and helpful.

You’ll be able to take a one-hour, household pleasant guided tour, take a look at modern artwork reveals, or attend one of many many occasions or festivals.

The Spinnerei, at Spinnereistraße 7, is open from Tuesday by means of Saturday, 11am to 6pm. It’s a couple of 10-minute drive or a half-hour journey on public transportation. We took the streetcar to get there and it was an easy journey.

Household Favourite Dinner At World’s Oldest Prepare Station: Bayerisher Bahnhof

As soon as known as the “Gateway to the South,” the Bayerisher Bahnhof is the oldest preserved terminus station on the earth. A million passengers departed from right here in its Golden Days of 1875 to move to Bavaria and Italy.

It’s now not used as a prepare station; as a substitute, it’s been restored as a scrumptious restaurant that you simply don’t wish to miss! Ensure that to strive the well-known Gose beer and luxuriate in a Frankischer Brotzeitteller (much like a charcuterie board).

You’ll discover the Bayerisher Bahnhof at Bayrischer Platz 1. It’s open day by day. Make a reservation for an indoor table or take pleasure in a primary come first served spot of their pretty outside beer backyard. It’s a couple of 20-minute stroll from downtown Leipzig or a straightforward hop on public transportation.

You’ll discover extra things to do in Leipzig, Germany on this weblog submit. 

Day 4: Discover Household-Pleasant Saxony In Medieval Torgau

On Day 4, I like to recommend a day journey to the historic city of Torgau within the northwestern a part of Saxony. At just below an hour from Leipzig by way of automotive or prepare, Torgau is the right setting for famililes to be taught extra in regards to the historical past of Saxony. This charming outdated city is stuffed with well-preserved medieval buildings, slender streets, and picturesque squares. Torgau performed a vital function throughout each the Protestant Reformation and World Battle II. Speak about outdated! Torgau is celebrating its 1050th 12 months anniversary with a giant pageant in September 2023.

Journey Tip for Days 4-5: It’s simpler to get to Torgau on public transportation from Leipzig than it’s from Dresden. Attempt to depart Leipzig early within the morning to maximise your time there.

When you have a automotive, proceed to Dresden on the finish of your day in Torgau. In case you aren’t that comfy utilizing public transportation, spend another evening in Leipzig after which depart early the following morning for Dresden.

Once you arrive in Torgau, cease in on the Torgau Information Center. This pretty customer’s heart is situated within the historic city corridor and filled with info. Search for domestically grown goodies, souvenirs, and organize guided excursions of Torgau. You can even obtain the town app to make use of in case you select to discover by yourself.

Learn on for locations you’ll want to go to as you wander by means of downtown Torgau in your family-friendly Saxony tour.

Carl Loebner Toy Retailer, One other Household Pleasant Saxony Spotlight in Torgau

The oldest toy retailer in Germany is at the moment being run by the twelfth technology of the Loebner household. In accordance with its web site, the “Toy Loebners survived the French occupation, the Seven 12 months Battle, the First and Second World Wars, inflation, the worldwide financial disaster — and socialism.”

You’ll discover the Carl Loebner Toy Store at Bäckerstraße 2. It’s open from Monday by means of Friday from 10 to six and on Saturday from 9 am to 12 pm. Closed Sunday.

Priesterhaus, The Spalatin’s Priest’s Home In Torgau

In case you’re serious about Reformation historical past, you’ll wish to go to the one remaining priest’s home in Torgau. This restored residence dates again to 1493 and is attention-grabbing from spiritual and architectural views. It’s one among seven museums you possibly can discover once you go to Torgau; nevertheless, it’s closed Mondays.

Whereas visiting, you possibly can participate in an interactive Sound and Religion exhibit to be taught in regards to the function of music within the Reformation. It’s attention-grabbing even from a non-religious perspective.

You’ll discover the Priesterhaus at Katharinenstrasse 8. It’s open from Tuesday by means of Sunday, 10am to 5pm.

Extra In Torgau On Day 5: Katharina Luther Stube, The Lady Behind Martin Luther 

Do you know Martin Luther was married? Neither did I, however behind most well-known males is a succesful girl. Katharine Luther positively performed a task in Martin’s success. It’s best to find out about her very attention-grabbing life within the Stube. You’ll discover the Katharina Luther Stube at Katharinenstraße 11 bzw. 8. It’s open from Tuesday by means of Sunday from 10am to 5pm.

Households Name On Marienkirche (St. Mary’s Church Of Torgau)

Get pleasure from a break on the late-Gothic St. Mary’s Church courting to the twelfth century. That is the place you can see the tombstone of Katharina Luther. Lucas Cranach’s well-known portray, “The Fourteen Holy Helpers hangs right here.

For lunch, we suggest the Herr Käthe Restaurant at Katharinenstrasse 4, close to the Katarina Luther Stube and the Priesterhaus. Billed as probably the greatest eating places in Torgau, you’ll discover scrumptious menu choices. If the climate is sweet, be sure that to eat of their courtyard across the again. It’s so fairly and the meals is scrumptious.

Go to Historic Hartenfels Citadel And First Protestant Church In Torgau

You gained’t wish to miss seeing the oldest surviving German fortress of the Renaissance interval. Hartenfels Castle nonetheless has residing bears within the moat! The outside spiral staircase often known as the Große Wendelstein is a must-see engineering marvel with no inside assist column!

You can even go to an necessary church at Hartenfels Citadel. Martin Luther consecrated the fortress chapel in 1544 making the Torgau Citadel Chapel the very first Protestant church on the earth.

Soldaten an der Elbe Monument (Troopers on the Elbe)

Ensure that to take a peek on the monument commemorating the assembly of the Russian and American Troops, simply outdoors the fortress on the Elbe River. On April 25, 1945 Soviet and US forces met in Torgau, marking the top of World Battle II in Europe. To commemorate this momentous event, Torgau constructed a big monument alongside the Elbe River. Seeing the East Meets West Hyperlink Up Memorial Park (often known as the Monument of Encounter) in individual is sort of awe-inspiring.

Household-Pleasant Saxony Highlights In Dresden Day 6

Dresden is the well-known capital of Saxony, recognized for its beautiful baroque structure, historic landmarks, and artwork treasures. Throughout the sixteenth century, Dresden was the house of the Electors and Kings of Saxony. Tour many spectacular buildings constructed throughout the Renaissance and Baroque period to point out off the area’s prosperity.

Dresden skilled a Golden Age within the late 18th and early nineteenth centuries beneath the reign of Frederick Augustus I. Throughout these years, the town grew to become much more ornate because the rulers grew to become enthralled with Versailles and constructed much more elaborate buildings.

Sadly, Dresden suffered horribly in February, 1945. Allied bombers destroyed many of the stunning and historic downtown space throughout firebomb assaults in WW2. Guides clarify that the bombing of well-preserved Dresden was particularly controversial.

Thanks to an enormous fundraising marketing campaign, most of the historic buildings in Dresden have been rebuilt so it’s doable to see what the town appeared like earlier than WW2.

Spend Days 5-7 Exploring Dresden, Star of Household Pleasant Saxony

I like to recommend staying three nights in Dresden. We stayed on the artwork resort Penck. This resort will be described as a bit risque by American requirements. A unadorned, anatomically appropriate male statue stands proudly on the resort roof, and Penck’s trendy artwork is displayed all through the whole resort. That stated, it’s a very enjoyable resort. I will surely keep right here with my children — however you’ll must do what feels proper to you.

It’s solely proper to spend a day wandering round downtown Dresden. There’s sufficient there to maintain you occupied for greater than at some point as you are taking within the historic buildings, the retailers, and the eating places. Take advantage of your time!  Nonetheless, needless to say reconstruction continues to be ongoing. Your loved ones should return when rebuilding efforts are lastly accomplished.

Residenzschloss – The Dresden Royal Palace

You positively don’t wish to miss the Historisches Grünes Gewölbe (Historic Inexperienced Vault) or the Türckische Cammer (Turkish Chamber) reveals. The Inexperienced Vault and the basement rooms had been the one a part of the palace that weren’t destroyed within the struggle. The treasures your loved ones can see within the Royal Palace Museum are actually magnificent.

Furstenzüg Is The Procession of Princes Mural

Any day besides Tuesday, eat on the the Anna Restaurant contained in the Royal Palace courtyard. It’s a beautiful place to take pleasure in a scrumptious meal whilst you take within the detailed sgraffito paintings on the surface of the palace buildings. If the climate is sweet, eat outdoors within the courtyard. (If it’s not good, inside can be very cute.)

Day 6: Discover Extra Dresden Household Sights As we speak

One other noteworthy factor to do in Dresden features a go to to the Bundeswehr Navy Historical past Museum. This museum, which is situated on a German navy base, takes an attention-grabbing strategy to the topic of struggle. Make sure you take alongside a Picture ID in case it’s requested.

In case you don’t have a automotive, you’ll both must take a taxi or navigate public transportation to get to the museum. It’s not tough to take the streetcar however you’ll have to switch. Teenagers might desire visiting Mondays after dinner, as a result of the museum is open to 9pm. (The hours Tuesday to Sunday are 10am to 6pm; closed Wednesday.) Discover extra details about the Military History Museum right here.

Afternoon Elbe River Sightseeing Cruise, Enjoyable For All Ages

No go to to Dresden is full with out exploring the Elbe River. A ship experience on the Elbe is the right method to see the beautiful panorama, vineyards, and castles round Dresden. We took a one-way journey from Pillnitz to Dresden, however there are many choices for round-trip cruises departing from Dresden. The final boats depart at 5pm, so make a reservation and have enjoyable on the water. The Weiße Flotte Sachsen GmbH firm has been cruising the Elbe since 1836.

A Memorable Meal In A Gunpowder Tower At Pulvertum

Make sure you eat as soon as on the Pulvertum Restaurant. A pulvertum is a gunpowder tower and that’s precisely the place you’ll eat. This distinctive setting presents Saxon specialties like Suckling Pig and Sauerbraten. Children love the actually enjoyable eating expertise, medieval decor and dwell musicians. In case you’re feeling actually courageous, benefit from the “Condemned Man’s Final Meal” served within the dungeon. The Pulvertum is open day by day from 11am to 1am. Though the restaurant seats 400 individuals, you would possibly wish to make a reservation anyway.

On The seventh Day In Saxony With Children, Tour Lovely Meissen

Meissen is an enthralling metropolis recognized for its medieval structure and the long-lasting Meissen Porcelain Manufactory. Guests can actually tour the porcelain manufacturing facility and go to the Albrechtsburg Citadel. Many households will simply take pleasure in wandering by means of one other effectively preserved, Saxon medieval city filled with slender streets and historic buildings.

The very best a part of this itinerary is that, from Dresden, it’s a straightforward 35-minute prepare experience out to Meissen. When you’re there, stroll round and luxuriate in all the beautiful websites this superb city presents.

Based in 1807, Meissen Porcelain was the primary European manufacturing facility to make true porcelain within the Chinese language method. You’ll wish to discover the Meissen Manufacturing unit, Porcelain Museum and reward store. They’re situated at Talstraße 9 and are open day by day from 9am to 5pm or 6 pm relying on the season.

We additionally extremely suggest making your personal distinctive Meissen mug. For 69 Euros, you possibly can paint a porcelain mug which Meissen will fireplace and mail to your hom.! This can be a actually enjoyable expertise for youths and adults alike. Your customized mugs make priceless presents or souvenirs.

Tour Albrechtsburg Citadel And Meissen Cathedral

Perched on a hill overlooking Meissen, Albrechtsburg Citadel was constructed within the fifteenth century and is claimed to be Germany’s first fortress. It has served because the residence of the Home of Wettin, the ruling household of Saxony. (It was additionally as soon as the setting of the Meissen Porcelain Manufacturing unit.) The fortress presents beautiful views of Meissen, many medieval artifacts, and exquisite rooms which you could stroll by means of.

Children will benefit from the interactive HistoPad desk that makes use of augmented actuality to point out how the rooms have modified over time and what used to occur inside them. You’ll discover the Albrechtsburg Castle at Domplatz 1 and it’s open day by day from 10 am to six pm.

Close by is the Meissen Cathedral, formally often known as the Cathedral Church of St. John and St. Donatus. It was completed within the thirteenth century, making it one of many oldest cathedrals in Germany. On a perch overlooking the Elbe River, the Cathedral options an altarpiece by Lucas Cranach and a powerful Prince’s Chapel.

Household owned and operated since 1873, Vincenz Richter Restaurant (reservations) is situated in an historic clothmaker’s guild home that dates way back to 1523. This pretty restaurant is at the moment run by the sixth technology. Whereas most companies had been expropriated by the East Germans to grow to be authorities property, by some means, the house owners of Vincenz Richter had been capable of preserve their restaurant privately owned. The constructing is stuffed with attention-grabbing antiques and is claimed to be one of the romantic eating places in all of Germany. You’ll discover Vincenz Richter on the base of the Meissen Cathedral. They open for dinner Tuesday to Saturday; lunch solely Sunday and each meals on weekends.

Previous City Of Meissen Is Image Good

Meissen’s historic heart is a pleasant place to wander by means of slender cobblestone streets lined with well-preserved medieval buildings. The Market Sq. (Markt) is the center of the outdated city and options colourful Renaissance-style homes, an attractive City Corridor, and an enthralling ambiance. The sq. is residence to a full of life weekly market the place guests can discover native produce and crafts.

Schloss Proschwitz – Citadel & Vinoteque

For enjoyable views of the city of Meissen, wander round this beautiful property open day by day from 11am to 6pm. Moreover, strive among the scrumptious wines at Proschwitz Citadel. Meissen has an 850-year custom of winemaking. Make sure you pattern a number of of the scrumptious, high-quality wines on the oldest non-public winery in Saxony.

All alongside the Saxon Wine Route, guests can discover the vineyards, go to native wineries for tastings, and benefit from the scenic great thing about the wine-growing panorama.

What are you and your loved ones most excited to see once you go to Saxony? This seven-day family-friendly Saxony itinerary is simply the tip of the iceberg. There are such a lot of extra issues to do on this stunning German state. I can’t wait to return!

The Former Japanese Germany Affords Households Extra European Tradition

And in case you’re serious about touring extra of the previous East Germany, think about the college city of Rostock and the household points of interest of the state of Mecklenburg- Vorpommern.

Creator Michelle Marine is the creator behind Simplify, Live, Love. She relies in Iowa and enjoys any alternative to go to Europe, particularly Germany the place she spent many childhood years along with her household. The town of Leipzig and the state of Saxony sponsored her go to to the world. Michelle says “Many because of all concerned for an outstanding press journey! All opinions are mine.”