elbe christmas market cruise

Christmas on the Elbe

BERLIN TEGEL - MAGDEBURG - LUTHERSTADT WITTENBERG - MEISSEN - DRESDEN

Embark on a cruise along the Elbe this Christmas. You will pass through tremendous cities such as Berlin with its numerous Christmas markets, and Dresden where you will be able to attend an unforgettable Christmas Mass. You will also be surprised by the charming cities of Magdeburg, Wittenberg or Meissen which are dotted with the most authentic Christmas markets.

CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS

Celebrate Christmas during an unforgettable cruise full of joyful, enchanting surprises.

• A true festival of colors and fragrances
• Discover the oldest christmas markets in Germany
• Closing symphony with the music of Johann Sebastian Bach at the Dresden Frauenkirche
• Midnight Mass in Dresden (1-2)
• Christmas present
• Christmas Eve dinner (including wine)

THE CROISIEUROPE DIFFERENCE

• All meals included - DRINKS INCLUDED with meals and at the bar
• Refined French cuisine - Gala dinner and evening - Welcome cocktail
• Free Wi-Fi onboard
• Headsets are included for excursions
• Official welcome from the captain and crew
• Onboard activities
• Travel assistance and repatriation insurance
• All port fees included

Passengers are welcome to board our ship at 6:00 p.m. After comfortably settling into your cabins, we'll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail before dinner.

Join us for a tour of Berlin to catch a glimpse of all the must-see sites and visit the city's Christmas market. In the afternoon, join us for a tour of Cecilienhof Palace. After the end of World War II in Europe, the Potsdam Conference - attended by Stalin, Churchill and Truman - was held in the palace.

We'll spend the morning cruising the river. This afternoon, take a guided tour of Magdeburg. Enjoy some free time on your own at the local Christmas market before returning to the ship.

Join us for a visit of Lutherstadt Wittenberg. We'll discover the city center and its noble Renaissance-style houses. We'll return to the ship, and the afternoon will be spent cruising to Meissen. Tonight will be our gala dinner and evening. Our ship will cruise through the night.

We'll leave on a guided tour of Meissen, famous for its trademark porcelain. We'll then spend some time browsing the magnificent Christmas market in the old town. We'll return to the ship and spend the afternoon cruising to Dresden. This evening, revel in our festive Christmas Eve dinner on board. Midnight Mass will be celebrated in Dresden(1-2).

Christmas day services will take place at the Dresden Frauenkirche for those who would like to attend. The afternoon will be dedicated to a tour of Dresden on foot. Tonight, we'll enjoy a symphony of the music of Johann Sebastian Bach at the Dresden Frauenkirche.

Enjoy one last buffet breakfast on board before disembarking at 9:00 a.m. End of our services.

Sales Useful info

Included : What you need to know before your departure

Not included Useful info

• Child discount (2-9 years) : - 20%

Shore Excursions

Mandatory information

Formalities Some administrative formalities to take into account in order to prepare your trip

For navigational safety reasons, the company and the captain are the only authorized persons who can modify the cruise itinerary.

(1) Midnight Mass will be held in German and may take place at another location depending on availability.

(2) Transfer to the church only proposed in case the boat is not moored near the place of worship and is available for an extra fee (€25 per person to be booked and paid for on board).

(3) Recommendation: Arrival D1 in Berlin (BER) before 5pm; departure D7 from Berlin (BER) after 3pm.

Alcohol can be harmful to your health. Please drink in moderation.

Christmas on the Elbe (port-to-port cruise)

BERLIN TEGEL - MAGDEBURG - LUTHERSTADT WITTENBERG - MEISSEN - DRESDEN

Embark on a cruise along the Elbe this Christmas. You will pass through tremendous cities such as Berlin with its numerous Christmas markets, and Dresden where you will be able to attend an unforgettable Christmas Mass. You will also be surprised by the charming cities of Magdeburg, Wittenberg or Meissen which are dotted with the most authentic Christmas markets.

CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS

Celebrate Christmas during an unforgettable cruise full of joyful, enchanting surprises.

• A true festival of colors and fragrances
• Discover the oldest christmas markets in Germany (1)
• Closing symphony with the music of Johann Sebastian Bach at the Dresden Frauenkirche
• Midnight Mass in Dresden (2-3)
• Christmas present
• Christmas Eve dinner (including wine)

THE CROISIEUROPE DIFFERENCE

• All meals included - DRINKS INCLUDED with meals and at the bar
• Refined French cuisine - Gala dinner and evening - Welcome cocktail
• Free Wi-Fi onboard
• Headsets are included for excursions
• Official welcome from the captain and crew
• Onboard activities
• Travel assistance and repatriation insurance
• All port fees included

Passengers are welcome to board our ship at 6:00 p.m. After comfortably settling into your cabins, we'll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail before dinner.

Join us for an optional tour of Berlin to catch a glimpse of all the must-see sites and visit the city's Christmas market. In the afternoon, join us for an optional tour of Cecilienhof Palace. After the end of World War II in Europe, the Potsdam Conference - attended by Stalin, Churchill and Truman - was held in the palace.

We'll spend the morning cruising the river. This afternoon, take an optional guided tour of Magdeburg. Enjoy some free time on your own at the local Christmas market before returning to the ship.

Join us for an optional visit of Lutherstadt Wittenberg. We'll discover the city center and its noble Renaissance-style houses. We'll return to the ship, and the afternoon will be spent cruising to Meissen. Tonight will be our gala dinner and evening. Our ship will cruise through the night.

We'll leave on an optional guided tour of Meissen, famous for its trademark porcelain. We'll then spend some time browsing the magnificent Christmas market in the old town. We'll return to the ship and spend the afternoon cruising to Dresden. This evening, revel in our festive Christmas Eve dinner on board. Midnight Mass will be celebrated in Dresden(2-3).

Christmas day services will take place at the Dresden Frauenkirche for those who would like to attend. The afternoon will be dedicated to an optional tour of Dresden on foot. Tonight, we'll enjoy a symphony of the music of Johann Sebastian Bach at the Dresden Frauenkirche.

Enjoy one last buffet breakfast on board before disembarking at 9:00 a.m. End of our services.

Sales Useful info

Included : What you need to know before your departure

Not included Useful info

• Child discount (2-9 years) : - 20%

Shore Excursions

Mandatory information

Formalities Some administrative formalities to take into account in order to prepare your trip

For navigational safety reasons, the company and the captain are the only authorized persons who can modify the cruise itinerary.

(1) Optional excursions.

(2) Midnight Mass will be held in German and may take place at another location depending on availability.

(3) Transfer to the church only proposed in case the boat is not moored near the place of worship and is available for an extra fee (€25 per person to be booked and paid for on board).

(4) Recommendation: Arrival D1 in Berlin (BER) before 5pm; departure D7 from Berlin (BER) after 3pm.

Alcohol can be harmful to your health. Please drink in moderation.

• Expeditions
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Christmas Along the Elbe

• From $3,999
• 7 Guided Tours
• 2 Countries
• Dates & Pricing

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For current fares, please call a viking expert: 1-800-304-9616 or request a quote today., anniversary sale.

*All prices are per person based on double occupancy and reflect our Special Cruise Fare. Strikeout fares reflect our Standard Cruise Fare.

*All prices are per person based on double occupancy and reflect our Special Cruise Fare.

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Viking Inclusive Value

More features, services and excursions included.

One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call

Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)

Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner

24-hour specialty coffees, teas  & bottled water

Port taxes & fees

Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase

Visits to UNESCO Sites

Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances

Your Stateroom Includes:

River-view stateroom

Bottled water replenished daily

110/220 volt outlets

Queen-size Viking Explorer Bed (optional twin-bed configuration) with luxury linens & pillows

Private bathroom with shower, heated floor & anti-fog mirror

Premium Freyja® toiletries

Plush robes & slippers (upon request)

40" or 42" flat-screen Sony® TV with infotainment system featuring Movies On Demand, plus CNBC, CNN, FOX & more

Telephone, safe, refrigerator

Individual climate control

*All amenities on board Viking Longships; amenities vary on other ships.

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2024-2027 RIVER CRUISE AND AIR FARES:  Offer applies to bookings made from August 1-31, 2024. Terms & conditions for select promotions may vary. $25 deposit is applicable to all River itineraries. Special fares plus up to FREE International airfare valid on select departures of Grand European Tour, Lyon Provence & the Rhineland, European Sojourn and Capitals of Eastern Europe, Paris to the Swiss Alps, Cities of Light, London DDAY & Paris, Rhine & Main Explorer. Airfares may vary on other gateways & departures. Airfare does not have to be purchased to get cruise\cruisetour offer. All prices are in US dollars and for US residents only. Additional restrictions may apply. 2024 : Pay in full by August 31, 2024 or at time of booking if within 120 days of departure. 2025 : Pay in full by September 30, 2024. 2026 : Pay in full by March 31, 2025. 2027 : Pay in full by November 30, 2025. Offers expires August 31, 2024.

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Christmas on the Elbe

• River Cruise
• Partially Guided
• Christmas & New Year

• Board our ship and meet the crew at 6:00 p.m.
• Tour Berlin and its festive Christmas market
• Explore Cecilienhof Palace, site of the Potsdam Conference
• Visit Lutherstadt Wittenberg and Meissen's markets
• Attend Christmas services at Dresden Frauenkirche
• Introduction
• Day 1 20 December: BERLIN TEGEL(3)
• Day 2 21 December: BERLIN TEGEL
• Day 3 22 December: MAGDEBURG
• Day 4 23 December: LUTHERSTADT WITTENBERG
• Day 5 24 December: MEISSEN - DRESDEN
• Day 6 25 December: DRESDEN
• Day 7 26 December: DRESDEN(3)

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CroisiEurope River Cruises

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When river cruising was a privilege for the wealthy, CroisiEurope developed an affordable cruising concept offering the best value in river cruises at great prices, and appealing to every traveler. This was possible thanks to our involvement in all the steps: from the simple idea to the...

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• Tour Operator CroisiEurope River Cruises 4.3
• Rebecca · 5th July 2024 relaxing and even if I am the only English speaking person in the whole ship, the Guide translated it for me and the... Show more
• Janice · 3rd July 2024 The food was generally excellent; the exception being the German meal. The bratwurst and knackwurst were overcooked... Show more
• Richard · 24th June 2024 Our Rhine, Moselle and Mainz cruise was outstanding. It was just 6+ days long but hit the highlights we wanted to... Show more

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• Upcoming departures
• December 2024
• Friday 20 Dec, 2024 Thursday 26 Dec, 2024 English MS Elbe Princesse €1,863 Classic Version View this tour

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• For any tour departing before 20th December 2024 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after 20th December 2024, a minimum payment of 30% is required to confirm your booking with CroisiEurope River Cruises. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 120 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
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19 Stunning Dresden Landmarks You Cannot Miss

• David Angel

Get your bearings with our quick guide to the Dresden landmarks you simply cannot miss…

Dresden – the Florence on the Elbe – has been one of the most beautiful cities in Europe since its 18 th -century Baroque heyday. Its skyline of domes, towers and palaces is breathtaking, one of the most famous sights in Germany.

In this quick, easy guide to the best Dresden landmarks I’ll help you get your bearings by showing you the best places to see around the city. We begin in the historic centre (Altstadt) of Dresden, before moving across the river to Neustadt and out into the suburbs of the city.

Table of Contents

Dresden Landmarks – Quick Tips

Many of the most famous landmarks in Dresden are concentrated in a small area between the River Elbe and the Altmarkt.

The main sights – Frauenkirche, the Zwinger and Royal Palaces – are within a few minutes’ walk of each other in the Altstadt. You could explore this by yourself, or take a guided walking tour to learn more about the city.

Seeing all of these Dresden landmarks would take you at least three days by public transport. The Dresden hop-on-hop-off bus tour takes you around all the sights I’ve listed except Pillnitz and Moritzburg, in a 2-hour circuit. There is also a 2-day option if you need more time.

Frauenkirche

The Frauenkirche was the last piece in the jigsaw, the final element of the beautiful Baroque ‘Florence on the Elbe’ destroyed by Allied bombs in 1945 to be rebuilt.

The Protestant Church of Our Lady, with its distinctive bell-shaped dome, was finally completed in 2005. It’s one of the most beautiful churches in Europe, a light, soaring edifice, the emphasis on height rather than length or width.

The church was originally built by George Bähr, a carpenter-turned -architect, and completed by the 1740s. As well as visiting the church, I also recommend climbing the dome for the outstanding views of the city and River Elbe.

See Also: Frauenkirche Dresden – How To Visit And What To See

Dresden Royal Palace Residenzschloss)

The restored Royal Palace – also sometimes called Dresden Castle – has enough within its walls to keep you occupied for the best part of a day.

The fortified Castle dated back to the 13 th century, but it became a royal residence, home to princes, then the powerful Electors of Saxony.  Much of it was built in the Renaissance period (mid-16 th century), and restored in a similar style around the turn of the 20 th century.

From the outside, its most prominent feature is the Haussmannsturm, the tower which you can climb during the warmer months of the year. The inner courtyard with its many frescoes is also well worth seeing.  The Stallhof courtyard next door plays host to the superb Dresden Medieval Christmas Market every winter.

Inside, the Royal Palace has several museums – the Historic and New Green Vaults, the Parade Rooms, the Armoury and the outstanding Cabinet of Prints and Drawings.  

Dresden Catholic Cathedral (Hofkirche)

This stunning Baroque church is one of the most striking elements of the famous Dresden skyline, its elegant tower soaring above the Elbe next to the tower of the Royal Palace.

It’s known by several different names. It was built as a Court Church (Hofkirche) for the ruling Electors of Saxony. But it was later elevated to Cathedral (Kathedrale) status.It is dedicated to the Holy Trinity, but often referred to by its Latin name, Sanctissimae Trinitatis.

The church was designed by Roman architect Gaetano Chiaveri, and is one of the most exuberant Dresden Baroque buildings outside. The statues on the balustrades are of various European saints.

The interior is barer and more restrained, the side chapels separated from the nave of the church by an aisle. The crypt contains many tombs of the Wettin dynasty, including the heart of Augustus the Strong.

See Also: Churches in Dresden – 6 Outstanding Churches To Visit

Zwinger Palace

The Dresden Zwinger is a vast palace complex on the edge of Dresden’s historic centre, close to the Semper Opera House and Royal Palace. Originally built for Augustus the Strong, it’s now home to one of the best museums in Dresden, and one of the great art galleries of Europe.

Much of Baroque Dresden was completed in the 20 years or so after the death of Augustus the Strong, so this was one of its great buildings that he got to see and appreciate. The Palace is built around a vast courtyard (under long-term restoration when I visited), with each section elaborately decorated with statues. You can walk along some of the galleries and enjoy them up close.

The Zwinger Palace houses three museums, which can easily take up the best part of a day. Take a look at my guide to visiting Dresden Old Masters Gallery – this outstanding art museum covers an amazing range of Italian, German, Dutch and Spanish Masters from the 15 th to 18 th centuries.

The Zwinger ticket also entitles you to entry to the Porcelain Collection and Mathematics and Physics Salon – the latter containing an incredible collection of early scientific instruments.

Dresden’s Semper Opera House is magnificent. Much as you’d expect from a city with such an ensemble of outstanding buildings. It sits close to the Elbe riverfront, on the spacious Theaterplatz square,  very close to the Semper wing of the Zwinger Palace that houses the Old Masters Gallery. The Catholic Cathedral is on the other side of the street.

The bronze statue in front of the Opera House is of King Johann, the penultimate King of Saxony, who reigned from 1854 to 1873. It was during his reign (1871) that Saxony was incorporated into the German Empire.

The Opera House was originally completed in 1841, then rebuilt in 1878 following a fire in 1869. It’s a stunning mixture of Renaissance and Baroque Revival, with some touches reminiscent of Ancient Greece too.

You can visit the Semperoper on a guided tour in English or German – just click on the link to book.

The Dresden State Art Collection’s modern works can be seen in the superb Albertinum Gallery which overlooks the Brühlsche Terrasse. The Renaissance Revival building was completed in the 1880s, and its post-war reconstruction was finished by 1953.

The Albertinum houses the New Masters Gallery, which covers a vast range from Romanticism to Impressionism to contemporary. At the time of writing the Gallery is hoisting a Caspar David Friedrich retrospective. You’ll also find works by the likes of Monet, van Gogh, Gauguin, Picasso and Kokoschka.

The Albertinum is also home to the Collection’s Sculpture Gallery.

Canalettoblick (Canaletto View)

This viewpoint on the right bank of the Elbe is the vantage point of court painter Bernardo Bellotto for his famous Dresden From Below the Augustus Bridge painting.

You cannot miss the location, marked by an empty picture frame, perfect for you to frame the view for yourself or shoot a selfie with the backdrop.

If you’re wondering why it’s called Canaletto View, Bellotto was the nephew – and a pupil – of the famous Venetian artist Canaletto (Giovanni Antonio Canal). He used the Canaletto name during his time is Dresden (and later Warsaw) in what could be called brand appropriation. Canaletto himself may never have set foot in what is now Germany – most of his work was done in Venice, Rome, London and around England.

The original painting can be seen across the river in the Old Masters Gallery in the Zwinger Palace.

Fürstenzug (Procession of Princes)

Dresden’s Augustusstrasse is one of the most beautiful streets in Europe . It runs from the Neumarkt square (and Frauenkirche) to the Cathoilic Cathderal, passing part of the Roiyal Palace along the way.

The views along the street are pretty special, but the main reason to walk this way is the Fürstenzug, or Procession of Princes. It’s a 102-metre long mural depicting the history of the House of Wettin, the rulers of Saxony for centuries.

The original artwork was a sgraffito on the wall, but its condition soon deteriorated due to the weather. So it was re-worked, with around 24,000 Meissen porcelain tiles covering the original artwork. Augustus the Strong, Saxony’s Mr Extravagant, would have been immensely proud.

Kreuzkirche (Holy Cross Church)

The Kreuzkirche is one of the most prominent Dresden landmarks, overlooking the Altmarkt square where the popular Striezelmarkt Christmas market is held each year.

The church is the sixth on the site, the building restored (like the rest of the centre of the city) after the destruction of the February 1945 bombings. What you see today is a restoration of the late Baroque church, with some Neoclassical and Art Nouveau elements. The austere interior is striking – it’s just a pity that they don’t allow photographs of it!

Despite these multiple destructions, the church choir (Dresdner Kreuzchor) has been flourishing since 1371. There’s a wonderful group of statues outside the church, including one modern choirboy in modern dress.

You can see this world-famous choir sing twice a week at the church – at the 5.00 pm Vespers service on Saturdays, and at the 9.30 Sunday morning service. Check the Kreuzchor website for performance dates and concerts elsewhere.

I also recommend climbing the tower of the Kreuzkirche as the views of Dresden – especially the Frauenkirche, a few streets to the north – are fantastic.

Goldener Reiter Statue (Golden Horseman)

Augustus the Strong was the man who began turning Dresden into a Baroque beauty with a hoard of artistic treasures. He was Elector of Saxony and King of Poland, and this statue of him was completed in 1736, three years after his death.

This is no run-of-the-mill equestrian statue. Every square millimetre of it is covered in gold leaf, so it glitters brightly even on the dullest of Dresden winter days.

It’s just across the river from the Zwinger Palace and Semperoper, on Neustädter Markt (New Town Market). It’s a short walk or tram ride across the Augustus Bridge. And from there, it’s only a short walk around the corner to the Canalettoblick (see above).

One of the most remarkable buildings in Dresden, Yenidze would probably look more at home on the shores of the Bosphorus rather than the left bank of the River Elbe.

From a distance it looks like a magnificent mosque. But as you approach it becomes apparent that the building has a secular use. It was built in the 1880s as a tobacco factory. But a mosque-like building just downstream from the Baroque monuments of Dresden did not go down well with the city’s establishment – who excluded its architect, Martin Hammitzsch, from Dresden’s chamber of architects.

Yenidze was partly built for advertising purposes – an image of the building featured on the Salem Aleikum brand of cigarettes produced there.,

The building is now used as for office space and there’s also a restaurant in the dome.

Getting there: Trams 4,6 and 11 stop at Dresden-Kongresszentrum, a two-minute walk away.

Military History Museum

This excellent museum (also sometimes called the Museum of the German Armed Forces) is in the Albertstadt district of Dresden, to the north of the Neustadt.

It’s housed in a former arsenal built in the 19 th century. The modern arrowhead structure was added by Daniel Libeskind (architect of the superb Jewish Museum in Berlin) in 2011.

The Museum has an enormous collection of military memorabilia and vehicles. But its main focus is on the impact of war on people, whether soldiers or civilians, perpetrators or victims.

Note that the Museum is open every day except Wednesday.

Getting there: Tram 7 or 8 to Stauffenbergallee

Kunsthof Passage

For a very different side to Dresden from its Baroque splendours and museums, head across the river to this network of courtyards in Dresden Neustadt.

You can enter the Kunsthof Passage (the name means ‘art courtyards’) via either Alaunstrasse or Görlitzer Strasse. Each of the courtyards has a theme – one is Nature, with monkeys and a giraffe sculpture adorning the wall.

Another theme is Metamorphosis – this is the much-photographed blue wall (see above) with its collection of pipes. Go there when it rains, when the pipes become musical instruments.

Other than that, there are numerous cafes, restaurants, bars and boutique shops within the courtyards. And the surrounding area is also well worth a look too.

Getting there: trams 7 and 8 stop at nearby Louisenstrasse, and tram 13 stops at Alaunplatz – both are within a 5-minute walk of the courtyards.

Grosser Garten

The Grosser Garten (Great Garden) is by far Dresden’s largest park. It’s just over 1 km east of the city centre and Hauptbahnhof (main station), and stretches for another kilometre into the Dresden suburbs.

It was originally laid out as a Baroque garden after its foundation in 1676. Its focal point is the Palace, with a series of three ponds nearby. There are also some fine fountains and several playgrounds. And a beautiful steam train runs through the park between late March and late October.

Dresden Zoo – a great day out for families – occupies one corner of the Garden. And you may well pass the Rudolf-Harbig-Stadion, home to FC Dynamo Dresden, on your way to the Garden.

Getting there : trams 1,2,4 or 10 to Dresden Comenius Platz for the Palace, and the same trams and number 12 to Strassburger Platz for the miniature railway. Buses 62 and 68 stop outside the Zoo entrance.

Elbe Castles (Elbschlösser)

The three Elbe Castles, on a hill overlooking the river, are a fine sight, especially from the other side. They sit in a row together, and make a seriously impressive introduction to the city if you approach on a cruise along the river.

As you view them from across the river, the first castle on the left is Schloss Albrechtsberg . This Neoclassical pile was built in 1854 above vineyards already planted for Prince Albrecht of Prussia. It’s now home to a high-end gastronomy school and is also used as an events venue.

Next door, Lingnerschloss was originally known as Villa Stockhausen, and was also built by Albrecht of Prussia. It was later taken over by Karl August Lingner, who made his fortune from the Odol mouthwash and founded the Dresden Hygiene Museum. It’s now a popular restaurant with outstanding terrace views.

The third of the Elbe Palaces is the Gothic Revival Schloss Eckberg .  It was built for the businessman Johann Daniel Souchay between 1859 and 1861. It’s now a Hotel with a restaurant.

Blaues Wonder Bridge (Loschwitz Bridge)

This popular bridge – linking the suburbs of Blasewitz and Loschwitz – is widely known as the Blue Wonder.  

The cantilever bridge doesn’t just connect two suburbs, it also takes you back over a hundred years. In the early 20 th century Loschwitz Dresden was one of the most exclusive city suburbs in Europe. It’s full of amazing neo-Gothic, Art Nouveau and Functionalist villas from the mid-19 th century to the 1930s.

It also has two superb funicular railways which take you to the top of the hill for awesome views over the Bridge, river and city.  One of them, the Suspension Railway, is one of the oldest of its kind left in the world.

Schloss Moritzburg

This lavish 18 th -century castle is barely 5 miles (8 km) from the centre of Dresden, but feels a world away.  One of the best day trips from Dresden , it’s a great place to spend an afternoon and get a taste of the country for a few hours.

The Castle – built by Augustus the Strong – is on an artificial island on a lake surrounded by forest. It’s a magnificent sight, even from half a mile away at the top of the hill in the village of Moritzburg.

It’s one of the most recognisable – and beautiful – castles in Germany, with its four distinctive corner towers.  And inside, as you’d expect from Augustus, there’s some seriously ostentatious décor, including gilded leather wallpaper!

Getting there: Bus 477 from Dresden Neustadt

Schloss Pillnitz

Schloss Pillnitz was the summer residence of Elector Augustus the Strong, built around 1720 by Matthäus Daniel Pöppelmann, architect of the Zwinger Palace.

The name usually refers to the Wasserpalais (Riverside Palace), but there are also two other palaces, a Baroque Garden and a public park at the site.

The New Palace houses the Castle Museum, dedicated to the history of Pillnitz. The Riverside Palace and Hillside Palace (Bergpalais) are home to the Decorative Arts Museum of the Dresden State Art Collection.

Boat cruises from Dresden to Pillnitz are a great way to see the city, and also the Elbe River landscape. This cruise from Dresden to Pillnitz takes you past the three Elbe Castles and the Blue Wonder Bridge before stopping at Pillnitz and returning.

Hauptbahnhof – Main Train Station

I decided to include Dresden’s main station as one of the city’s major landmarks as I saw more of it than any other. I stayed at a hotel across the tram tracks from the station, with a view of it from the lounge. It’s especially impressive when subtly lit at night.

The station was originally built in 1898, after which it was known as Böhmischer Bahnhof. Trains ran from there to, as its name suggests, Bohemia (now part of the Czech Republic) – indeed they still run to Prague to this day.

It had to be rebuilt after the destruction of 1945, and this reconstruction ran on into the new millennium. The station has some beautiful high-roofed halls, and a triple-section Teflon roof over the platforms designed by Lord Foster (of Gherkin and Millennium Bridge fame).

Famous Landmarks In Dresden – Final Thoughts

I hope you have enjoyed my guide to the top Dresden landmarks helpful, and that it has given you some inspiration to see them for yourself.

It’s a fascinating city, well worth a few days of your time. If you only have one day in Dresden, I’d urge you to see at least the Frauenkirche , the Brühlsche Terrasse, the Fürstenzug, the Catholic Cathedral, and the Zwinger and the Royal Palace precincts. And don’t miss the view from the Carolabrücke of the city skyline.

We were fortunate to have an extended stay in Dresden, which enabled us to explore the city in great depth. There are some amazing day trips from Dresden , including the Bastei Bridge (in the Saxon Switzerland National Park), Meissen, Pirna and Leipzig.

I also recommend more of the city’s excellent Museums. If you’re interested in the Cold War and recent German history, don’t miss the Stasi Museum Dresden , in the prison run by the dreaded East German secret police.

Finally, if you’re looking to travel more widely around the region, check out my guide to the best places to visit in eastern Germany , which also includes the Harz Mountains, Baltic coast, Thuringia and the new World Heritage Site at Schwerin.

Red Square Christmas Market, Moscow

On a few occasions, I had the opportunity to spend winter in Moscow (check out here the top places to see in Moscow ). Winter in Moscow may sound daunting for some. It is cold, yes, -20C is not a walk in the park for most. But there are attractions to keep you warm, like having some mulled wine at the biggest Moscow Christmas market. On my winter trips to the Russian capital, I visited the Red Square Christmas Market on several occasions and will tell you more about it this interesting event that usually starts in mid-November and end early February.

I’m a fan of Christmas markets myself, and I’ve been known to travel to Germany, where you find some of the best Christmas markets in Europe , just to enjoy them, or even the ones in London . So finding this one at the end of January was a pleasant surprise.

But why is this Christmas market still open so late in January, when in the rest of Europe they close before the New Year? The reason for that is that are Russian Orthodox Christians , and the Orthodox celebrate “Christmas” on 7th January. That’s when they have their holidays, and many businesses close for a whole week. And since the Russian winter is not only heavy, but long, it makes sense to keep the market open until later.

The Red Square Christmas market is set around one of Moscow’s largest ice rinks and also has an amusement park for children. The market itself is not so big, considering the vastness of Red Square. Thank goodness size doesn’t always matter, especially when you are surrounded by the imposing walls of the Kremlin , the colourful St Basil’s Basilica and the G.U.M. shopping centre.

All stalls are already open very early in the morning, so you could have a good cup of coffee and stroll in the snow. This Christmas market is perfect to buy typical Russian souvenirs, like the babushka – those dolls with many others inside.

So, if you’re looking for a different Christmas market experience for this year, why not consider the beautiful and utterly Russian Red Square Christmas market? Just make sure you’re warm enough, as temperatures can plummet to -25!

This season, the Red Square Christmas Market will be shorter than usual, opening from December 18th to January 10th, 2022.

Pedro has travelled to almost 120 countries and has made his nest in London. He has also lived in Spain, Australia, the US, Georgia and Turkey. A former hotel management professional, he loves exploring local cultures, is now learning his 8th language and has a soft spot for the Middle East and the CIS countries.

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What to expect from celebrating Christmas in Moscow

October 4, 2018 by Karen Turner 3 Comments

Last year was a magical Christmas.  Jacob and I visited our dear friend Nikita in Moscow.   Celebrating Christmas in Moscow was magical and one of my favorite parts of spending the holiday season in Russia meant that we got to visit some of the Christmas markets in Moscow, including the Red Square Christmas Market.  Keep reading for tips for attending the Christmas markets in Moscow.

• 0.1 Which Christmas in Moscow!?
• 0.2 Avoiding the crowds during Christmas in Moscow
• 0.3.1 Souvenirs worth getting from the Christmas Market
• 1 Have you experienced Christmas in Moscow?

Which Christmas in Moscow!?

Whether you’re visiting during Western Christmas or Orthodox Christmas, you’re in luck: You’ll be able to experience a bit of Christmas spirit in Russia. Although Christmas is celebrated in Russia according to the Orthodox calendar, you’ll still find Christmas decorations set up in December in time for Christmas in Western Europe.   These decoration will be up through January, which is when Orthodox Christmas occurs.

Russia has a unique history in terms of Christmas as it was banned during the Soviet period.  Officials tried to combine Christmas into New Year’s Eve, which is a popular family holiday in Russia today.  However, in post-Soviet Russia, Christmas is a big deal.  Many tourists come to Moscow as well as other Russian cities to enjoy the festive atmosphere, shop, and take selfies. 

You’ll find Christmas decorations as well as smaller markets all throughout the city.  Each neighborhood typically has a tree as well as some kind of festivities, however the most popular area to visit is along Tverskaya Street.

If you’re planning on visiting Moscow for Christmas, be sure to book your hotel room in Moscow early as this is a popular travel time for Russians.  We waited to book our room until we got the visa documents together  and ended up paying a premium compared to when we first checked prices.

You might be required to have your accommodations booked in order to request a visa.  Some hotels will assist you in getting an invitation letter, if required, for an additional fee.  We stayed at Legendary Historical Hotel Sovietsky , a grand Soviet-era hotel that offered visa assistance.

Not surprisingly, it was chilly in Moscow during Christmas, however the crowds were intense enough that I ended up partially unzipping my jacket!  If you’ll just be enjoying the city center of Moscow, a good pair of boots (or booties) for walking around, a winter jacket, pants (possibly with tight underneath for added warmth), gloves, a hat, and a scarf.  I ended up layering up with a sweater and a t-shirt underneath my jacket.  

Avoiding the crowds during Christmas in Moscow

The period between New Year’s Eve and Orthodox Christmas is one of the busiest times for Moscow.  Many Russians will come to the city center to enjoy the spectacular lights and shop.  

Avoiding the crowds will prove more difficult than you imagine.  We attempted to go to the Red Square a few times, but ended up being frustrated with the crowds.

The Red Square Christmas Market

The Red Square Christmas market has beautifully decorated stalls, multiple selfie spots, children’s rides, and enough stalls to purchase some unique gifts.  It took us about 1-2 hours to browse the market. 

I was a bit put off by how crowded the Red Square Christmas was.  It was a bit chaotic and claustrophobic, however it was definitely worth viewing.  I recommend avoiding wearing backpacks and ensuring that your bag is zips securely as we were warned about pickpockets.

Like Christmas markets elsewhere, you’ll find numerous drinks, including glintwine. Glintwine is the Russian equivalent of gluhwein, a delicious mulled wine made with cloves and oranges.  You’ll also find lots of tea in giant samovars, a great treat during the winter months in Moscow.  Additionally, you’ll find cookies as well as food stands serving typical foods, such as Georgian-style meats. 

Souvenirs worth getting from the Christmas Market

Birch is a typical wood from Russia and it is credited for keeping the Soviet army alive during World War II.  (Its bark can be burned for warmth!) You’ll find numerous stalls selling birch souvenirs, including containers for coffee.  I paid about 7 euros for my birch coffee container.  You’ll also find the famous matryoshka dolls, which originate in Sergiev Posad , a great souvenir from Russia.

Have you experienced Christmas in Moscow?

About Karen Turner

New Yorker–born and raised. Currently living in the Hague, the Netherlands after stints in Paris and Amsterdam. Lover of travel, adventure, nature, city, dresses, and cats.

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Holiday, Winter & Christmas Markets in Idaho: Opening Dates for 2024!

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Wondering when holiday, winter & Christmas markets will be open this year in Idaho ? We’ve done all the research so you don’t have to!

In this post, we’ll be sharing a list of the most popular Christmas & holiday markets in Idaho, along with the opening dates that we know of so far.

We know it isn’t easy to find all this information in one place, so we’ve spent hours assembling all the dates and official websites of various markets to make your trip planning  infinitely  easier.

We hope you find this list helpful!

Idaho Christmas Markets 2024 Opening Dates

In the table below, we’ll be summarizing the known opening dates for some of Idaho’s biggest and best-known Christmas markets and fairs this year.

While we try our best to ensure the information is up-to-date and accurate, we recommend double checking with official sources (like the websites below) before making any plans. Dates and details can change quickly these days, so it’s always better safe than sorry!

As of February 2024, only the dates for some of Idaho’s largest Christmas markets have been announced. We will update this page as we learn more.

But for now, here is a table summarizing the opening dates of 2024 Idaho Christmas markets that we know of so far.

NOTE: We’ve put a lot of time and effort into assembling the information below, so if you are quoting/referencing these details in your own articles and websites, we would greatly appreciate a link back to this page. Thank you for your understanding!

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