Places to visit around Dresden

1. Things to know before arriving in Dresden
2. How to get to Dresden
3. Public transport in Dresden – How to get around Dresden
4. Cost of living in Dresden
5. Saving money in Dresden
6. Accommodation for students in Dresden
7. Neighbourhoods of Dresden - the most important districts of Dresden
8. Nightlife in Dresden - A guide to nightclubs and going out in Dresden
9. Typical Dresden Cuisine
10. What to do in Dresden
11. Places to visit around Dresden
12. Dresden in 3 days - What to see in Dresden in 3 days

By now, you should have a good overview of the city of Dresden, but what about the surroundings? It's time to check what kind of activities you can do outside the city centre, are you ready?

First of all, you need to know that the Free State has a lot to offer in terms of landscape. Since the capital is more or less located in the middle of Saxony, it’s a perfect starting point for trips and excursions. And as the rides by train for students are free, you can discover a lot of new places.

Other cities

Leipzig

Leipzig is the biggest city of the Free State of Saxony and it is one of the fastest growing towns in Germany. In the last 4 years, Leipzig became more and more famous among young people, as the city offers cheap rents and a lot of things to do. It is also a very hip city with an alternative and creative environment.

In the past, all students wanted to enjoy the “big city life” in the capital, but nowadays it is almost impossible to get a room there. So they needed another option. That is why you often hear the slogan “Leipzig is the new Berlin”. And that's true: the city centre is amazing with all its monuments and has nothing less than its "big sister" Berlin. You should visit the "Monument to the Battle of the Nations", which is probably the most known in Leipzig.

The city is also really green with a lot of parks and lakes; nightlife is excellent too and not that expensive like in other German cities. It’s absolutely worth visiting!

Görlitz

This city is the most eastern one in the whole of Germany: what's special about it is that one part of the city is located in Germany, Görlitz... the other is located in Poland, Zgorzelec.

The city offers a lot of cultural and architectural monuments and a walk through the historical old town is always a good idea. The particular cityscape made Görlitz a popular filming location, which is why it is also called "Görliwood". My advice is to go over the bridge to reach the polish part of the town and try the pierogis, the typical Polish dish with a refreshing Tyskie (typical Polish beer).

Prague

The capital of the Czech Republic is only 2 hours away from Dresden: don't miss the opportunity to travel to a different country! There are buses a few times a day going for €5 each way. The "City of a Hundred Towers" is famous for its Old Town Square with colourful Baroque buildings, gothic churches and, of course, the famous Charles bridge. Czech Republic is also popular for its cheap and tasty beer; try the Budweiser and the Staropramen and of course the garlic soup (the best!) and the Bohemian dumplings to Szegediner goulash (you will die!).

Mountains

Erzgebirge

This mountainous region (Ore Mountains) is one of the most famous region of Saxony. If you love hiking, climbing, winter sports or just being surrounded by nature, this place is perfect for you. Of course, you have to choose where to go because the mountains are huge and they also reach the other side of the border, the Czech's one. Bus 398, for example, firstly goes to Stollberg (Germany) while the last stop is Teplice (Czech Republic). Inside Germany, the bus is free for students, to the last station it’s around €4. For further information and other destinations click here.

Sächsische Schweiz

Saxon Switzerland is called the German part of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains in Saxony. The landscape is characterized by bizarre rock formations and a huge national park. Like Ore Mountains, this area is very popular, but more for climbing and outside sports during spring and summertime. The mountains also have a lot of hidden and beautiful places, like castles and palaces. A must-see is Königstein Fortress, one of the largest mountain fortresses in Europe. To discover how to get there from the city, check the same link as before. I would recommend to go by steamboat. It takes a little bit more but it is an amazing experience and the surrounding nature is breathtaking.

Swimming areas

Ottendorf Okrilla

This actually is a gravel-pit filled up with water to refresh in the hot summer times. It is also the closest one to the city centre and you can reach it easily by bike, in about 35 to 40 minutes. If you don’t have a bicycle, look for friends with a car.

Steina

This quarry is especially popular among people who like action. The rocky cliffs are up to 10 meters high. You can reach this wonderful place by train, it takes more or less one hour.

Waldbad Weixdorf

It is a natural swimming pool in the middle of the wood. There you not only can swim, but also play volleyball, take a walk through the wood, or have a snack at the small kiosk. Getting there is super easy: can go by bike or with tram number 7, Weixdorf is at the end of the route. Adults pay €3 while students €1.70.

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