Day Dreaming in Dresden
We all have cities where we find ourselves day dreaming more than usual and while I rarely need any motivation in that department, I’ve found my mind carelessly wandering more than usual as I explore the hidden gems of Dresden. The small but musical German city doesn’t get the same tourist traffic as Berlin or Munich, but there are certain things in Dresden you simply cannot find anywhere else.
Today, I took about a two hour boat ride to Pillnitz Castle and Park where the Saxon royal court spent their summers. During the journey, my focus was constantly being drawn to scenes of local life surrounding the river. It was so refreshing to see that Dresden is not only a tourist destination for foreign travelers but also a weekend getaway for families living in the nearby area. Many people visiting the castle grounds today were Germans from other parts of the country.
Located in the German state of Saxony and officially part of Dresden’s city limits, the Pillnitz Castle showcases Baroque architecture and a mostly English-style garden. Before visiting the Arts and Crafts Museum and the Palace Museum, which are now located within the “Water Palace” and the “Mountain Palace”, I took my time walking through the gardens and was instantly drawn to a picturesque lily pond behind the main grounds.
Feeling like I was in some sort of fairy tale, I continued walking to the central garden where the different palaces and buildings meet. Serving as a major highlight is the famous Pillnitz Camellia (Kamelie) plant. Standing tall, the Japanese tree is expected to be roughly 260 years old and houses 35,000 flowers. Unlike many other flowers, this particular tree blooms in the winter so there is actually a removable clear greenhouse, constructed in 1892, that covers the Camellia during the harsh winter months.
Upon returning from my day along the Elbe River, I took some photographs of the Old City by night. Any avant-garde traveler is bound to appreciate the Renaissance and Baroque style of the buildings and churches in Dresden. Despite undergoing major destruction during World War II, the Old City monuments have been renovated to resemble their original appearance. Restaurants, cafes and boutiques are cleverly situated around the Dresden Frauenkirche Church, the most recognized symbol of the city.
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18 Comments
If i get an opportunity I’ll visit here because these places are looking very amazing to me.Also these photos are fantastic.Thanks for nice post.
Deandre Oscar recently posted..ElInformeDavid.com
Thanks Deandre! I was really impressed with Dresden.
Megan recently posted..Day Dreaming in Dresden
Wow! The fountains and gardens are so beautiful!
Brock – Backpack With Brock recently posted..Exploring Franconia Notch State Park – New Hampshire, USA
I know! I wish it was my backyard.
Megan recently posted..Day Dreaming in Dresden
This is a great post on Dresden! I used to live nearby and only went once! You’re right though, it gets much, much less visitor traffic than other cities in Germany and is historically significant and beautiful. Great post!
Jess | GlobetrotterGirls recently posted..What I Wonder When I Wander: Bottled Up Guilt
Thanks Jess! That’s so cool that you’ve lived in Germany before.
Megan recently posted..Day Dreaming in Dresden
Lovely photos. Dresden is indeed a beautiful city and I am drooling to visit it one day. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Monica Pharrel recently posted..See Kim Kardashian and Entire Family on Today’s Oprah
Glad I could help Monica! You will love it there – especially the castle!
Megan recently posted..5 Finland Fun Facts
Didn’t get to visit here during my trip to Germany, but it sounds lovely! One day…
Bobbi Lee Hitchon recently posted..What I’m thinking Friday, 8 June
I didn’t make it here on my first trip to Germany either. It’s a great city to check out!
Megan recently posted..Local Life Along the Elbe
Dresden is one of my favorite cities in Germany, it’s amazing how quickly it was rebuilt.
Laurel recently posted..Summer Rodelbahn in the Nassfeld: Calling All Adrenalin Junkies
I loved it too Laurel! Really amazing place.
Megan recently posted..Berlin Bike Personalities
Wow, that night shot is stunning! Hadn’t really been interested in visiting Dresden, I guess because I never knew anything about it. This post has completely changed my mind.
Larissa recently posted..Midsummer in Sweden Video || Part One
Thanks Larissa! I never planned on visiting there either but I’m really glad I did.
Megan recently posted..Berlin Bike Personalities
So pretty! Especially that view of it all lit-up at night.
Christine recently posted..Conil de la Frontera; You Surprised Me
Thanks Christine! That shot was actually a result of my camera settings getting mixed up…although I guess it ended up being a good thing!
Megan recently posted..Berlin Bike Personalities
i adore dresden, usually stop there on my way to prague via train from berlin!
nicoleisthenewblack recently posted..Snapshots from Pamplona and the San Fermin Festival
I really loved it too! Wish I had the chance to catch up with you when I was in Berlin
Megan Eileen McDonough recently posted..Cruising along Coastal Corfu