Saxon Switzerland National Park is a wonderful place to experience the beauty of the wilderness with friends or family. The park features a variety of hiking and biking trails that allow groups to interact with nature and explore the park at their own pace. The park is perhaps best known for its unique sandstone mountains, which may make you feel like you have wandered into a mystical landscape from some fairy tale. Thanks to these rock formations, the park is a popular destination for rock climbers who attempt to scale these colossal sandstone pillars. Nature lovers should keep their eyes out for the owl eagle, which are spotted at this park in large numbers.
Nestled in the town of Saxony, the Bad Schandau Elevator is a truss-tower elevator that drives passengers up to an observation deck. Offering serene, panoramic views of the Elbe River and the city of Bad Schandau, the observation tower is a technical monument. Built by Rudolf Sendig, a hotel owner in the city, the tower is linked to a bridge that allows visitors to enter the woods for a stroll. Once at the top, visitors can savor local delicacies served by a few hilltop food stalls. An enclosure housing a lynx is yet another highlight at the top of the tower. A prime attraction of the city, the Bad Schandau Elevator is a treat for both nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.
The somewhat arduous ascent to Fortress Königstein is well worth the effort. The old fortress sits proudly atop a hill some 240 meters (787 feet) above the River Elbe and rewards visitors with fantastic views of the Sächsische Schweiz. The grounds of the fortress houses Europe's biggest open-air military history museum, a fascinating depiction of the development of warfare and the history of the fortress itself.
A fascinating mix of natural beauty and architectural brilliance, Pillnitz Castle is one of Dresden's best attractions. Situated in the middle of an idyllic park on the outskirts of the city, the castle - built by Augustus II the Strong in the 18th-century, was used as a summer residence by the Saxon royal family. The main buildings display an intriguing mix of baroque and Far Eastern architectural styles and now house a collection of 13-20th-century arts and crafts, as well as, a castle museum giving you a peek into the life of the royals that once called Pillnitz Castle their home. A visit to the castle would not be complete without a walk through the gardens and The Palm House, which are full of exotic plants and trees, as well as, a host of red squirrels.
Known as one of the largest railway exhibitions in the world, Eisenbahnwelten im Kurort Rathen was founded in 2007 to bring together railway enthusiasts from around the world. Most of the trains here are of the G gauge category, and these mean machines nestled in a verdant garden is a unique site for most. So if you love trains, then this attraction in Rathen is a must.
Schwedenlöcher is a George between Bastei massif and the Amselgrund near Rathen in Hohnstein, Germany. It is formed by the erosion of the soft sandstone found here. A hike on this route takes you through 700 steps and two ladders with an altitude shift of about 160 meters (524.93 feet) during your journey. The area is known for a few climbing spots too.
Youngsters looking for rock and heavy metal gigs, need not go further than Skullcrusher in Dresden. Complete with stage, back stage and party area, this is the perfect place for attending a live concert. The bar and bar personnel are quite popular, since they offer some of the best drinks in town. There is a special room for performing bands, where they can rest and practice or get ready before giving a hardcore performance. The club also has posters and memorabilia from past performances, and objects on display that give it a dark and mysterious atmosphere. And finally, when they refer to their stage as the "Holy Hell", you know that music is serious business for them. Check website for upcoming shows.
Built in the late 18th century, Kirche Lohmen features a clock spire and is surrounded by lush green trees and gardens. This beautiful stone church features white-colored walls and ceilings with gold ornate interiors.
Although the Museum of Decorative Arts was establish in 1963, it's history dates further back to 1876. Housed within the Schloss Pillnitz, overlooking the River Elbe, this museum displays European decorative artworks that were actually intended to provide inspiration to students of an older fine arts and design school. Several ceramic and iron works, furniture and textiles displayed are actually a part of the original 1876 collection. Apart from these, over the years, the museum has collected more recent artifacts and contemporary artworks as well. Open from May to October, this museum makes for an interesting visit.
Vlhošť is located in the Kokořínsko area of the Czech Republic. It stands at an elevation of 614 meters (2014 feet) and its peak is the highest point in the area. Its name comes from the Czech word for being drenched. The geological core of the mountain is mostly phonolite and sandstone, remnants of ancient volcanic activity. In 1998, its slopes were declared a nature preserve. The rock terraces make it an interesting and fun hike that is indicated by a clearly marked trail.