Usedom – the famous island at the Baltic Sea – is located in the north-easternmost tip of Germany. It has been one of Germany’s top travel destinations for years, but why? In summer, it is probably the 40-kilometre-long fine sandy beach that attracts numerous travelers. It is not only the longest beach in Germany but also one of the most beautiful ones. As early as the 19th century, the imperial family came here to relax, and certainly not without reason.

But what makes Usedom so attractive in winter? Imagine a walk on the beach at sunrise – glistening golden light slowly rising and bathing everything around you in a magical fairy-tale world. A winter morning by the sea here on Usedom – believe me, it will touch your heart! Usedom in winter is simply infinitely beautiful and also surprisingly diverse: significantly less hustle and bustle than in other seasons, lots of nature, great wellness hotels and a relaxed atmosphere that is perfect for a short break or a long weekend.

In this post, I would like to tell you a little more about our time on the island of Usedom, which we spent here in January, and I will introduce you to five wellness hotels. Of course, you will also find my personal tips for things to do in winter as well as information on the best sights on Usedom.

Usedom in winter – a wellness oasis

Why is Usedom an ideal destination in winter?

Oh yes, walks on the beach on Usedom in winter are truly magical, especially in the morning. The day starts much later than in summer, so you don’t have to get up so early to watch the sun rise over the sea. If you are lucky, as we were, winter will have decorated the Baltic Sea with ice floes, making the atmosphere even more enchanting. The tranquillity and endless expanse are simply magical. January is particularly quiet as it is not yet the school holidays.

Many popular restaurants – which are crowded in the summer season – can be visited spontaneously often even without prior reservation. What I particularly liked: most of the high-quality wellness hotels, located directly on the Baltic Sea, offer attractive prices at the beginning of the year. And without a doubt, a visit to the sauna is much more enjoyable in winter than in summer – sometimes even with a view of the icy sea!

In short: Usedom in winter is ideal for a long weekend or a short break.

The best wellness hotels in Usedom

We tested five different wellness hotels in Usedom – here is my personal rating:

Seetelhotel Ahlbecker Hof

General: The historic 5-star grand hotel (built in 1890) is located in Ahlbeck directly on the historic pier and captivates with its classic charm. The interior is very cozy and high-quality. My personal highlight is the fireplace room next to the lobby – coffee and cake by the fireplace. Simply wonderful!

Rooms: ☆ (4/5)

Historic ambience with chandeliers and cosy seating area, often with sea views. Perfect for lovers of classic hotels, but may seem a little old-fashioned to others.

Wellness & spa: ☆ (4/5)

The hotel has a large indoor pool and a versatile sauna area. High-quality treatments are offered in the Thai-inspired wellness area – the facial massage was particularly relaxing.

Breakfast & restaurants: (5/5)

There are four restaurants in total. The breakfast buffet is extremely varied, with an à la carte selection available until 12 noon – ideal for leisurely winter brunches. My highlight was the Thai restaurant Suan Thai – authentic cuisine, great design and excellent service.

Ideal for: couples, lovers of tradition

Double room price: from approx. 120,- EUR including breakfast

Strandhotel Ostseeblick

General: This quietly located hotel is in Heringsdorf, with a direct view of the beach. The Heringsdorf pier is within easy walking distance.

Rooms: (5/5)

Modern and very cosy at the same time. We stayed in the Panorama Master Suite – light-flooded, high-quality, with a wide view of the Baltic Sea. Definitely a wow room!

Wellness & spa: ☆ (4/5)

The multi-award-winning spa area is modern but rather compact. It has a panoramic indoor pool (unfortunately, this was under renovation during our stay).

Breakfast & Restaurants: ☆½ (4.5/5)

Very good breakfast buffet. Stylish hotel bar with a focus on cocktails and wines. The restaurant offers creative reinterpretations of regional cuisine, with a changing daily menu.

Ideal for: couples, connoisseurs

Double room price: from approx. 150,- EUR including breakfast

Steigenberger Grandhotel & Spa Heringsdorf

General: This modern hotel is located directly on the promenade. Despite its size, it offers a pleasant solution: it comprises several smaller buildings instead of one huge structure, which fits in very well architecturally with the imperial spas.

Rooms: ☆ (4/5)

Friendly rooms with a nautical and beach theme, many with balconies.

Wellness & spa: (5/5)

The wellness area is the largest of the five hotels at approx. 1,900 m² and is spread over two floors. It includes a heated outdoor pool for lap swimming, even in winter. There is also an indoor pool with massage functions, large saunas including a separate ladies’ sauna, and bright treatment rooms offering an extensive range of treatments. Plus: the spa area offers separate times for families with children.

Breakfast & restaurants: ☆ (4/5)

Large breakfast buffet, two restaurants, lounge bar with fireplace and a private spa lounge with light cuisine.

Ideal for: families, couples, groups of friends

Double room price: from approx. 150,- EUR including breakfast (this price is only valid for H Rewards members, but membership is free)

the breeze – Vela Hotels

General: This modern, trendy hotel is located in Ahlbeck, right on the beach promenade. Great: It is particularly dog-friendly, with a dog shop and dog wash. It also has a small café with a shop in the lobby.

Rooms: (5/5)

Studios and apartments with kitchens in a very modern design and plenty of space, some with their own sauna.

Wellness & spa: ☆ (4/5)

You can expect a large indoor pool, a separate children’s pool and a modern sauna area. Highlight: the sauna has a fireplace – absolutely brilliant! The wellness area is quite busy in the afternoons at weekends, but much more relaxed in the mornings.

Breakfast & restaurants: (5/5)

Excellent breakfast buffet with an extremely wide selection, including options for allergy sufferers and those with special dietary requirements. My absolute recommendation is the BRACA restaurant in the evening: Nordic-Mediterranean cuisine with creative combinations. The hotel also has a beautiful outdoor area, with fire pits and radiant heaters in winter.

Ideal for: Families & friends travelling together, travellers with dogs

Double room price: from approx. 140,- EUR including breakfast

Strandhotel Heringsdorf

General: This family-run hotel is located directly on the promenade. Special feature: It has a large, healing saltwater pool – unique on Usedom!

Rooms: ☆ (4/5)

Cosy rooms, many with bathtubs and views. However, the furnishings are somewhat inconsistent, but that is a matter of taste.

Wellness & Spa: (5/5)

I liked the Sindbad thermal baths with their Roman bath character, saunas, indoor pool and treatment rooms. There is also a rooftop wellness area with a panoramic sauna and outdoor jacuzzi with a view of the Baltic Sea (unfortunately, the jacuzzi was closed during our visit). The large heated outdoor pool contains healing salt water and can also be used in winter.

Breakfast & restaurants: ☆ (4/5)

Large breakfast buffet and cosy restaurant with classic cuisine.

Ideal for: Wellness lovers, couples looking for peace and quiet

Double room price: from approx. 120,- EUR including breakfast

Usedom in winter – the best sights & activities

Of course, Usedom has much more to offer in winter than just wellness – you can also enjoy these activities & sights during the cold season

Island safari

Usedom is not just about beaches! The hinterland also offers plenty of space for activities and boasts incredibly beautiful and diverse nature. The south of the island in particular is characterised by small bays and hidden lakes.

In Usedom’s winters, which are less inviting for swimming and sunbathing, you can still explore the most beautiful sides and secret corners of the island, preferably on an island safari. The approximately five-hour trip is led by a guide and is peppered with interesting information. Our guide shared her extensive knowledge of the flora and fauna as well as the island itself with us. We were surprised at how many animals we were able to observe during our trip, even in the middle of winter. Among them were birds of prey, deer, foxes and beavers.

Of course, a safari also includes a hearty picnic. We enjoyed all kinds of hearty treats, hot soup, mulled wine and tea by a frozen lake. What a peaceful idyll!

Walk through the ‘Kaiserbäder’

As already mentioned, the imperial family used to enjoy spending the summer months here. The nobility also favoured the island, which gradually led to the development of its characteristic spa architecture. The most popular seaside resorts were Bansin, Ahlbeck and Heringsdorf – now known as the ‘Kaiserbäder’ (imperial spas). They definitely belong on the list of Usedom’s most beautiful sights.

A well-developed beach promenade connects the three imperial spas and even leads to Świnoujście in Poland. At 12 kilometres, it is the longest beach promenade in Europe. Its image is characterised by beautiful houses and villas as well as the typical piers. Just let yourself drift and be enchanted by the impressive architecture.

Tip: If you want something a little more exciting, I recommend the Kaiserbäder-Erlebnispfad app. Blue signs along the way offer in-depth content and QR codes for digital experiences – a kind of individual, self-guided discovery tour.

Treetop walk

The Usedom treetop walk leads up to 23 metres above the tops of beech and pine trees. An impressive experience in itself, it offers a special highlight: a fantastic panoramic view of the imperial spas and the Baltic Sea. Absolutely fantastic! Even in winter, a walk high up among the trees is very appealing. Beautifully designed with illuminated animal figures from the forest, the treetop walk on Usedom is definitely one of the most recommended sights.

Marc O’Polo Strandcasino

This historic building is not a casino, but was formerly a venue for concerts and entertainment. The Marc O’Polo Strandcasino is a very popular meeting place, and not just in winter on Usedom. It is located on the Heringsdorf beach promenade and now houses a concept store with a clothing shop on the ground floor and two adjoining restaurants on the upper floor: the Michelin-starred restaurant The O’Room with only a few seats and the cosy O’ne with super delicious dishes and snacks. Even at the latter, the dishes on offer are incredibly high quality and special – but at normal, affordable prices!

A must-try on Usedom, whether for shopping or dining – preferably both :).

Cycling on Usedom

If you are one of the hardy types, you might consider exploring the beauty of Usedom by bike in winter. This is of course possible and has its own special charm. The island is ideal for cycling tours, as it has a network of well-developed cycle paths covering around 200 kilometres.

You don’t even need to bring your own bike, as there are numerous rental stations. Please note: opening hours may be reduced in winter. It is best to enquire by telephone.

Winter beach festival in Ahlbeck

One of the highlights of winter on Usedom is the annual beach festival. It takes place in January on Ahlbeck beach. The programme includes the beach chair world championships and, of course, ice bathing. We were there to cheer on the brave ice bathers. It’s incredible how naturally the daredevils jump into the ice-cold sea – as if it were nothing. Since this year the Baltic Sea was covered with a layer of ice within a few days, a large hole had to be dug in the ice beforehand. In the evening, there was a spectacular fire show. It’s a special experience that you shouldn’t miss if you’re on Usedom in January.

Winter break on Usedom – my summary

I have to admit: our trip to Usedom in winter was a dream come true. The breathtaking view of the frozen sea and the overwhelming walks on the beach at sunrise alone were worth the trip. Never in my life have I seen the Baltic Sea like this – so enchantingly beautiful! Enriched by stays in top wellness hotels, where we could then thaw out in the cosy warmth of a sauna or by the fireplace, we wanted for nothing.

I can therefore highly recommend this experience! I hope you find the right wellness hotel for you to make your time on the beautiful island of Usedom in winter as pleasant as possible.

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Most people are probably familiar with Stuttgart as the capital of the south-west German state of Baden-Württemberg and the headquarters of the Mercedes Benz and Porsche car brands. Students and football fans are also likely to be familiar with the city’s name. But what many people don’t know is that Stuttgart has so much more to offer – from beautiful parks, castles and lakes to an impressive city centre. 

And: Stuttgart is sooo incredibly green!

Stuttgart really surprised me and I can only recommend that you come and see for yourself. In this post with my Stuttgart insider tips for a perfect weekend, you can find out about the best spots in advance. Of course, as usual, I’ve also included some insider tips. At the end of the post you will find a map on which I have marked them all for you.

The → EmiLu Design Hotel in Stuttgart is a very beautiful and unique hotel with the perfect location in Stuttgart’s city center – many places and restaurants are within walking distance, and the subway station is only a few minutes away. I also really liked the breakfast at the hotel!

My map with the best sights in Stuttgart:

My tips for a perfect weekend in Stuttgart

The ‘car city’ Stuttgart

Mercedes-Benz Museum

I would like to start my Stuttgart insider tips for a perfect weekend with a must on your Stuttgart bucket list – the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Bad Cannstatt. The modern interactive exhibition on the development of the automobile is absolutely fascinating, and not just for car fans. You embark on a journey through different eras of mobility history. Did you know that Carl Benz developed the first motorised car in Germany in 1885? A really exciting museum that I can only recommend…

Porsche Museum

If you’re interested in cars, the Porsche Museum might also be part of your must-see programme for a perfect weekend in Stuttgart. The focus here is clearly on the Porsche car brand. You will also be impressed by the modern design of the exhibition, which provides interesting insights into the history of sports cars. The Porsche Museum is only about 20 minutes by car from the Mercedes-Benz Museum, so you can easily combine your visits.

Discover the South of Stuttgart

Walk to the Karlshöhe

Off we go into Stuttgart’s greenery! An absolute highlight of my Stuttgart insider tips is the 344 metre high Karlshöhe. Originally used as a quarry in the Middle Ages, today it offers us a peaceful, green retreat with vineyards, gardens and parks. You can catch a picturesque view of Stuttgart from almost anywhere, as the city lies in a basin. The so-called basin feeling creates a very special atmosphere. Vines and city views combine to create a perfect mix. And of course you will also find a beer garden in this idyllic setting. At Tschechen & Söhne, you can enjoy beer or wine with tarte flambée, including a great view of the city.

Zacke ride & panoramic walk

Anyone visiting Stuttgart cannot avoid taking a ride on the popular ‘Zacke’ rack railway. We decided to take the train from Marienplatz to the Haigst stop, as our destination was a small park on Santiago-de-Chile-Square, from where you can also admire the city panorama.

TV Tower Stuttgart

The best view of the city is definitely from the Stuttgart TV tower – the oldest TV tower in the world, by the way! We reached it on foot from the park. As a well-known Stuttgart landmark, it is the symbol of the city and an icon for the locals. You can see the 217 metre high tower from almost anywhere in the city. When the weather is nice, the viewing platform, where there is also a small café, is open. I was overwhelmed by the breathtaking view that stretched out before me – you should definitely not miss out on this experience. On some days, you can see as far as the Swabian Alb and the Black Forest. Admission costs 12.50 euros per person.

Hop-on-Hop-off Bus

Hop-on hop-off tours are an excellent way to explore a city’s most popular sights in comfort, especially for weekend visitors. This option is also available in Stuttgart, which is why it should not be missing from my insider tips. 

They offer three routes:

• Green tour – city tour with television tower, viewpoints, Stäffele, funicular railway and rack railway
• Blue tour – via Stuttgart city centre towards the Neckar, with museums and a short detour into the vineyards
• Wine route – through Stuttgart’s wonderful wine landscape, highly recommended, but only runs at weekends and on public holidays

Tip: A hop-on hop-off tour is the perfect way to start the weekend ahead and is a good choice if the weather is unpleasant.

Grabkapelle (Burial Chapel) on the Württemberg

If you’re looking for a top sunset spot above the vineyards, this is the place for you. This place in Stuttgart is almost magical and should therefore not be missing from my Stuttgart insider tips.

We took a romantic walk through the green vines to the chapel. It sits so peacefully on the hill that you get the impression it is watching over the city.

You can easily reach the chapel by bus, and at weekends you can also take the hop-on hop-off wine tour.

Break stops:

• Rotenberger Weingärtle: Swabian wines await you with local cuisine and a picturesque view of the valley.
• 1819 Bistro: This small wine bar is located directly below the chapel.

Alternatively: Bring a picnic blanket and your own snacks – this is not only permitted, but also very popular.

Experience the Stuttgart city center

Stuttgart’s city centre is surprising, varied and colourful. From historic to modern – from the impressive Schlossplatz with the New Palace to Königstraße (the longest, continuous pedestrian shopping zone in Europe) – Stuttgart definitely has charm.

Stuttgart market hall

The huge Markthalle Stuttgart is located in the heart of the city. It is THE hub for fresh food and delicacies. Regional and international delicacies make the market hall a culinary hotspot for foodies. It is definitely worth a visit, especially as you will pass it at least once during your stroll through the city.

Markets

Stuttgart is known for its markets and flea markets. One of the oldest flea markets in Germany can be found on Karlsplatz at the weekend.

It’s great fun to stroll between the cute stalls, try something delicious here and there and, of course, look for souvenirs.

Neues Schloss

Stuttgart’s New Palace is located on Schlossplatz, right in the city centre. The former baroque residence is another of the city’s landmarks and is definitely one of my Stuttgart insider tips. Take a stroll across the square, past the Victory Column and pretty fountains, and let yourself be inspired by the great photo spots. Incidentally, its imposing architecture was modelled on the Palace of Versailles in France.

City Library Stuttgart

Another architectural highlight is Stuttgart’s city library. It is already known as an Instagram hotspot and you should definitely see its impressive interior design for yourself. Minimalist in design, with staircases connecting the individual levels, the entire library is located in a single, huge light room. You could practically see every book from a corresponding point in the room. Visually, the interior design of the city library reminds me of the popular series ‘Severance’. From the top level, you can access a viewing platform from which you have a wonderful view of the city. Entry is free of charge.

Summer Highlight: Max Eyth Lake

If you plan your visit to Stuttgart during the summer months, I can give you a real insider tip for a relaxing day trip: Max Eyth Lake is located a little outside the city, but is easy to reach by train. Here you can swim, relax and have a picnic. You can also enjoy a picturesque view of the surrounding vineyards. The network of paths around the lake is ideal for walking, cycling or inline skating. You can even hire a pedalo, rowing boat or electric boat to take a trip on the lake from 12.00 noon. We opted for a leisurely pedalo tour in glorious sunshine.

Stäffele Tour – Stuttgarts charming stairways

‘Stäffele’ is Swabian for stairs. There are more than 400 idyllic stairways in Stuttgart, which connect the Kessel and Halbhöhe districts and are known as the city’s trademark. Although they are sometimes somewhat hidden, they are peppered with top views. In the past, the steps were used by winegrowers, but today they make perfect walking paths. They are simply ideal for getting to know Stuttgart away from the tourist spots, which is why I have added them to my Stuttgart insider tips. Incidentally, Stuttgart locals also like to use the stairs to reach destinations within the city more quickly.

Highlight Route:

easy with great views:

Marienplatz → Eugensplatz (Pause mit Eis) → Uhlandshöhe → Stadtbibliothek
Alternatively: Feuersee → Karlshöhe – with a great wine atmosphere & snack with a view

Tips:

• Make sure you wear comfortable shoes!
• We recommend taking enough water with you – especially in summer!
• Guided tours are also possible (some with wine tasting).

Restaurant tips in Stuttgart

Rotenberger Weingärtle

This restaurant is perfect after a visit to the burial chapel. Enjoy some local food and wine while you wait for the sun to set. If the sky is overcast, you can still enjoy the marvellous view of the vines.

1819 Bistro

The small wine bar is located below the burial chapel and is ideal for a glass of wine after a walk, right next to the vines.

The Nosh

The Nosh is located in the heart of Stuttgart. The restaurant offers international dishes in an all-day brunch concept. My recommendation: French toast & chicken bao bun – unusual and delicious.

Sitt Wein

The modern wine bar really surprised me, because here you can get more than 100 types of wine at the touch of a button. Chic ambience and really good wines. It’s best to try several varieties in small quantities.

Das Lehen

A rustic restaurant with classic Swabian dishes awaits you. Enjoy Maultaschen, Spätzle & Co. in a cosy atmosphere.

Stuttgart insider tips for a perfect weekend – My résumé

I’ll be blunt: my first visit to Stuttgart was fabulous! Crowned by perfect weather with blue skies, I experienced a weekend full of variety and surprises. I was most impressed by the multitude of parks, gardens and vineyards that bathe the city in a fabulous green colour. But even if the weather isn’t so nice, you can still spend an entertaining weekend in Stuttgart.

I hope my Stuttgart insider tips have given you a little impression of this great city, and maybe they’ve even spurred you on to visit Stuttgart yourself. I would be delighted.

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The legendary Meissen porcelain is not only known as “White Gold” in Germany, but is also known around the world for its valuable and exquisite handicrafts. Whether plate, vase or sculpture, all unique Meissen pieces have their origins in the Saxon cultural city of Meissen and are still produced nowadays with the same attention to detail as over 300 years ago.

Guests get an exclusive look behind the scenes during a VIP day at the Meissen Theme World!

We tested the experience for you and in this article you will find out whether it’s worth it!

The “White Gold” …

The history of the Meissen porcelain manufactory dates back to 1710 and was founded by Augustus the Strong, the art-loving Elector of Saxony. He was so enchanted by the beauty of Chinese porcelain that he hired the alchemist and chemist Johann Friedrich Böttger to create gold so that the Elector could continue to finance his passion for collecting porcelain. After several years of miserable attempts, Böttger, together with the mathematician and physicist Ehrenfried Walther von Tschirnhaus, the mining official Gottfried Pabst von Ohain and local miners, came up with a better solution: they uncovered the precious secret of porcelain production. Böttger and the research group thus created “White Gold” from Saxon white kaolin! This was not only the birth of European porcelain, but Meissen porcelain was already setting new standards in terms of craftsmanship and perfection in porcelain production and processing back in the days. To ensure this special quality and artistry, a brand symbol was soon established as a mark of authenticity, which still exists today: The famous crossed swords, which are borrowed from the Electoral Saxon coat of arms.

Today, Meissen stands for the fusion of art, tradition and craftsmanship that began over 300 years ago. During our visit, we were able to experience this at first hand:

An exclusive look behind the scenes at the Meissen porcelain manufactory

The special thing about this customized day is that it can be designed entirely according to your wishes. No matter whether you prefer to look over the shoulders of the master artisans or become artistically active yourself. And of course you get access to secret places that are not open to the public.

As the tour can be conducted in various languages, including English, Japanese and Chinese, it is also a unique experience for international guests.

Behind The Scenes Manufactory Tour

During the private VIP reception, we were first offered a welcome drink – served in style, of course, in champagne cups made from Meissen porcelain.

I was most looking forward to gain a behind the scenes insight into the production of the artworks. Where does the “White Gold” come from, what is it made of and what makes these fine pieces so unique and valuable?

All these questions will be answered during the private Behind The Scenes Manufactory Tour, an exclusive insight into the historic workshops of the Meissen porcelain manufactory.

The journey from the mine to the unique Meissen piece…

It all begins with the extraction of white kaolin from the company’s own mine in Saxony. It is the smallest mine in Europe and is operated by just two miners! The fine kaolin powder for the Meissen manufactory has been mined in Seilitz since 1764. This is characterized by its unique purity and is the reason for the remarkably radiant white color of Meissen porcelain. We then experience the processing of the liquid porcelain mass. It is incredible to feel with your own hands how the fine kaolin powder trickles through your fingers and blends into a soft mass in the water. After the kaolin has been washed out, the so-called “kaolin milk” is placed in a basin for several weeks, in which the kaolin settles and is mixed with other finely ground raw materials to produce the liquid porcelain paste.

300 years of manual work

Then we enter the hallowed halls of production. Anyone expecting assembly lines and modern machines here is far from the truth. Instead, we experience how the tradition of original production is preserved and carried out by hand. The porcelain passes through various stages to be created to perfection by artisans. Casting in the plaster molds alone is an art in itself, followed by assembling the individual pieces into a complete object: this is done thanks to a craft that can hardly be found anywhere else in the world, as it is very complex, requires special skills and years of experience: During the embossing process, the various individual parts of an artwork are assembled by hand using liquid porcelain paste in a delicate way so that in the end the figure appears to be made from a single piece and all the parts merge together seamlessly. Small details such as flowers or other decorations are formed piece by piece by hand and then garnished onto the figurine.

Finest brushwork

I could have watched the incredibly talented painters for hours. Every brushstroke is perfect. This guarantees that the different designs, even though they are hand-painted, look uniform in the end. Depending on the piece, a painter may spend several days or even weeks on just one work of art. Even the crossed swords, the trademark and seal of quality of the porcelain, are drawn by hand on each individual piece. A job that can and may only be carried out by certain painters.

The secrets of the archive of the molds

My personal highlight of the Behind The Scenes Manufactory Tour was the visit to the historical mold archive, where almost 800,000 plaster molds have been sorted, archived and stored since the 18th century. This means that it is possible to reproduce the image of many porcelain works at any time, even if they were designed over 100 years ago. One of the oldest molds is the figure of St. Peter from 1736!

New & Top Secret

We then took an exclusive look at project development and visited the sculptor Max Hagstotz in his studio, where he works on new and top-secret projects and carefully designs the sculptures for new forms. It was incredibly impressive to see this up close. Max Hagstotz is the artist who spent 15 months creating the bust of Marilyn Monroe for the Meissen x Michael Moebius “Legends Blowing Bubbles – Collection”. The beautiful end result, into which so much effort and detailed dedication has gone, is shown below.

The new sculptures are of course top secret, and as some of the porcelain pieces have not yet been officially released, I can’t show you any other photos from the studio unfortunately. You have to visit yourself  to see more

Culinary delights

After the impressive Behind The Scenes Manufactory Tour, a break of a special kind awaited us: each VIP tour includes an exclusive meal in a unique setting – served on the finest Meissen porcelain. Anything from two to seven courses is possible here, and the chef also tailors the menu to the visitors’ preferences. Traditional dishes from Saxony are particularly popular, which are prepared and served in a modern way and with a “certain something”. We also opted for three courses from Saxon cuisine. The finest Saxon wines are carefully selected to accompany them. The location of the fine dining can be chosen depending on the weather and your preference. We opted for the museum’s clock cabinet, where Meissen porcelain from the last three centuries is on display. An exquisite and unforgettable experience with delicious food and a unique ambience.

The Meissen Porcelain Museum

We didn’t want to miss out on a guided tour of the museum in Meissen theme world. It is impressive to see how much history is behind every piece. During our private VIP tour, we were shown very special treasures with a unique background story. Such as the porcelain zoo of Augustus the Strong, consisting of huge animal figures.

On request, it is also possible to visit the museum’s archive exclusively, as only a small part of the museum’s treasures are on display in the museum – otherwise the number of exhibits would exceed the scope of the exhibition. Many treasures therefore remain hidden from regular visitors, but can be discovered during the special tour.

Do It Yourself Meissen Mug

One of the highlights of the VIP tour for me was painting my own mug from Meissen porcelain! What looks so easy when watching the master porcelain painters actually requires a lot of practice. Nevertheless, it was great to try it out for myself and thanks to the guidance of an experienced painter, the underglaze paint was easy to apply. The cobalt blue initially appears as a shade of gray on the porcelain, which is still porous, and transforms into the typical Meissen shade of blue after firing and develops its full luminosity. As soon as our cups are glazed and fired, they are sent to us by post and are then a very special memento of our day at the Meissen World of Experience.

Meissen porcelain VIP Shopping

Another exclusive part of the experience is VIP shopping in the Meissen Theme World. Here you can choose from numerous porcelain pieces – including limited editions and rare collector’s items that are only available here! In a private and elegant setting, surrounded by impressive pieces, we were advised by an expert who gave us an insight into the history and special features of each piece.

After experiencing the production process, I appreciate the unique craftsmanship of Meissen even more. We experienced first-hand how much time and effort goes into each masterpiece. I was particularly impressed by one of the latest designs from the Meissen porcelain manufactory: The bust of Marilyn Monroe for the MEISSEN x Michael Moebius “Legends Blowing Bubbles – Collection”, which was created based on the well-known painting by the Saxon artist Michael Möbius. The result is unique and once again demonstrates the fine craftsmanship of the Meissen porcelain manufactory. The Marilyn busts are strictly limited and can be purchased on request.

Résumé of our exclusive tour at Meissen theme world

What a unique experience! Meissen porcelain not only enchants with its delicate beauty, but especially with its deep roots in history and tradition. The special insight behind the scenes of the Meissen porcelain manufactory during the exclusive tour was the most interactive and individual tour I have ever experienced. We experienced numerous highlights that normally remain hidden!

The exclusive and completely individually designed program of Meissen theme world is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a world that combines tradition, pleasure and luxury in an unparalleled way. It is an absolute must for anyone who is looking for something special and appreciates artistic craftsmanship.

The exclusive tours can only be booked on request by emailing tourismus@meissen.com and are individually arranged for each guest. 

→ All information about Meissen theme world can be found here!

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Our travels usually take us all around the globe. This time, however, we went to Phantasialand in Germany between Cologne and Bonn. We are big fans of rollercoasters and Phantasialand has often been recommended to us as the best theme park in Germany and even in Europe! That’s why we finally wanted to see this world of adventure for ourselves. In this post, you will find out how we liked Phantasialand and whether it’s worth a visit!

Phantasialand – a unique theme park in Europe

Even at first glance, Phantasialand is more than just an amusement park. With its six detailed themed worlds, it attracts visitors from all over the world and takes them on an adventure around the globe and even through time! The activities are the ideal mix of action and fun, offering something for adrenaline junkies and families alike. Each world is designed to transport its visitors to a completely different environment – be it Africa in “Deep in Africa” or the ancient Middle Ages in the “Mystery” world. The attention to detail in the design of each area ensures that you no longer feel like you are in Germany, but as if you have traveled through space and time.

The Hotel Charles Lindbergh – Sleep in a roller coaster

One of the most unique experiences that Phantasialand offers is the opportunity to spend the night right next to a rollercoaster. The three adventure hotels in the park offer direct access to the attractions and each hotel has its own unique theme and is therefore perfectly integrated into the respective theme world. The newest of these, the Hotel Charles Lindbergh, is located in the Rookburgh theme world and is completely dedicated to the theme of flying.

The special airship cabins

There are no regular rooms at the Hotel Charles Lindbergh; instead, you sleep in vintage-style airship cabins. They are not very big, but super cozy and offer everything you need for a comfortable stay, including two single beds and a private bathroom with shower. A special feature is that the F.L.Y. roller coaster whizzes right past the window, which provides an extra thrill, especially when you experience the speed and the “flying” visitors so close. But don’t worry, you won’t wake up in the morning to screaming rollercoaster fans: the last ride of F.L.Y. is around 7:30 – 7:40 pm and the silence lasts until 10 am the next morning when the rides reopen. I slept really well in our cabin and woke up feeling relaxed the next day.

The fact that guests at Phantasialand can sleep SO close to and in the middle of the park is unique! In other parks, the hotels are usually located outside the grounds and you often have to plan for a shuttle ride. This is an absolutely unique selling point at Phantasialand!

Benefits for hotel guests

Hotel guests also receive some exclusive benefits: Every guest receives a Fast Pass for the F.L.Y. roller coaster every day, so they don’t have to queue for the popular roller coaster. The stay also includes breakfast and a three-course dinner menu in the Uhrwerk experience restaurant. This really blew me away, especially the burger and the Poké Bowl were incredibly tasty!

In the evening, guests can relax in Bar 1919, which is also decorated in a vintage 1920s style, and sample unique cocktails and numerous international craft beers. In addition, hotel guests have exclusive access to the Rookburgh theme world after the park closes. During an evening stroll, you can see the world in a completely different light thanks to the lighting and feel like you’re on a movie set.

It would have been great if guests could also benefit from exclusive early access to attractions, but unfortunately this was not the case.

Six Theme Worlds in Phantasialand

Phantasialand has a total of six themed worlds, which take visitors to different places around the world and let them travel through time. But what is unique here is that the worlds and their attractions are perfectly linked to each other and merge seamlessly. At least one attraction winds its way through each world. It leads over and under the walkways, restaurants and other facilities. I have never experienced this in any other theme park and it is unique to Phantasialand. In addition, every detail is perfectly coordinated with each world: This starts with the restaurants with “local” food and drinks, the outfits of the staff, the music, … as a visitor you feel completely transported to another reality.

My favorite theme worlds & attractions

Deep in Africa

The ‘Deep in Africa’ theme world transports you directly to the African continent. You can stroll through an exotic landscape and experience the fast-paced Black Mamba rollercoaster, which races at high speed through and over the African town and past waterfalls. The Deep in Africa Adventure Trail also offers a unique climbing and adventure trail for all ages with suspension bridges, slides and more.

Mystery

The Mystery theme world takes its visitors back to a time long past: the Middle Age. It is home to the Taron roller coaster, a multi-launch coaster that accelerates several times and flies through the entire world. For me, it was not only the most intense roller coaster in Phantasialand, but also the most adrenaline-filled ride I have ever experienced! We seem to fly past medieval buildings and a basalt mountain range and my heart was pounding as we got off. You have to experience it for yourself to understand what I mean.

The other attractions in Mystery are also great: like the River Quest water ride – the highest white-water rafting ride in the world, which provides a nice cool-down on hot days.

China Town

China Town takes its visitors on a journey to Asia without leaving Germany. The authentically designed buildings, the detailed decorations and the Asian food offerings completely immersed me in another world, so much so that I almost forgot we were still in Europe. The focus of this world is less on roller coasters and much more on immersing yourself in the Far East.

Rookburgh

Rookburgh is the latest addition to Phantasialand and is completely dedicated to the theme of flying. It is part of the “Berlin” theme world in the style of the 1920s. The F.L.Y. roller coaster is a unique attraction in the world, which changes to a lying position shortly after take-off, giving you the feeling of really flying. Afterwards, the roller coaster whizzes through the Charles Lindbergh Hotel, where we spent the night, and past visitors on the sidewalks. A unique experience! I flew with F.L.Y. three times, but I have to admit that I felt a bit dizzy afterwards.

Fantasy

Fantasy is ideal for families with small children. The themed world offers relaxing rides, climbing opportunities and the picturesque Mondsee lake, on which you can take a pedalo ride. It is a peaceful retreat that stimulates the imagination of the youngest visitors and gives them space to playfully explore the surroundings.

How much is the entrance fee for Phantasialand and how good is the price-performance ratio?

Ticket prices vary depending on the day of the visit, the time between the desired date and the contingent. However, tickets can of course be purchased spontaneously online – if still available. Phantasialand is open one hour longer every day until August 31 – until 7:00 pm!

→ You can find the online ticket shop with a calendar and price overview here!

And the price-performance ratio? I think just over 50 euros per person is a reasonable price for a theme park of this size, because you can spend the whole day in the theme park and still discover something new every time. In addition to the attractions, there is a great all-round experience with shows, music, immersion in different worlds and gastronomic highlights from all over the world.

Pregnant women or people with disabilities, as well as their companions, receive special prices or free admission. → You can find the exact regulations here!

If you compare the price across Europe, Phantasialand is unbeatable in terms of value for money. In comparison, we paid almost €100 per person for admission to Disneyland Paris in the summer and the attractions at Phantasialand are far more varied!

An overnight stay in the unique Hotel Charles Lindbergh is already available for €399 for two people per night. This price includes two day tickets per person for Phantasialand, breakfast, a three-course dinner and fast passes for the F.L.Y. roller coaster. In combination with the incomparable experience of sleeping right next to a rollercoaster, this is a great offer and a super gift idea for a special occasion!

→ You can book your stay here!

My tip for a visit to Phantasialand – the QuickPass

For some attractions, it is worth buying a QuickPass, which allows you to ride some of the most popular attractions without queuing. It is particularly worthwhile at weekends or during the vacation season when the park is very busy. The regular QuickPass costs 10 euros for two tickets and 20 euros for the QuickPass Plus, which is also valid for Taron and the Black Mamba.

Incidentally, some attractions are completely excluded from the QuickPass. → You can find an overview here on the Phantasialand website

The Fast Pass for the popular attraction F.L.Y. is not available for purchase, it is exclusively for guests of the Charles Lindbergh Hotel.

For whom is Phantasialand the right choice?

I was absolutely thrilled with Phantasialand! The theme park is unbeatable, especially for adults and older children aged 12 and over. Unlike many other parks, there are not just one or two adrenaline-filled rollercoasters here, but a whole range of them! Of course, there are also great attractions for small children, but couples, friends and families with older children will have the best time at Phantasialand and enjoy an unforgettable time!

Extra tip for families: I think it’s a great idea that parents with small children who are not allowed on all rides only have to queue once and wait in line. This way, one parent can wait comfortably in a restaurant with the little ones and the second parent receives a special “baby switch” ticket for the second person after the regular waiting time, so they don’t have to queue again!

Opening hours at Phantasialand

Phantasialand is open daily from 9 am, but the rides do not start until 10 am. The regular closing time is 6 pm – or 7 pm in summer between June 6 and August 31. However, the closing time does not mean that the park closes punctually at this time, but that visitors can queue at an attraction at 6 pm (or 7 pm in summer) at the latest. The park closes around 30-45 minutes later.

Find all official updates and park info on the Phantasialand website

My résumé of our visit to Phantasialand

Phantasialand offers an incomparable mix of thrills, adventure, relaxation and gastronomy, embedded in a world of fantasy and journeys around the globe and through time. With its attention to detail and immersive visitor experience, it is rightly at the top of the list of theme parks in Germany and Europe. Whether you’re looking for thrills, want to immerse yourself in other cultures or simply want to spend an unforgettable day with friends or family – Phantasialand will enchant you and is guaranteed to make you scream (I’m just saying Taron, Black Mamba or F.L.Y. ) Especially with the combination of the overnight stay at the Charles Lindbergh Adventure Hotel, our visit to Phantasialand was an unforgettable experience, which I would definitely like to repeat again!

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For me, it is one of the most beautiful places in Germany – a vacation at Lake Tegernsee simply leaves nothing to be desired and offers unique activities for all ages. Whether you are looking for wellness, nature or a family vacation – in this article I will give you my tips for your vacation at Lake Tegernsee, including the most beautiful places, activities and restaurant tips.

At the end of this article you will find a map with the most beautiful places on Lake Tegernsee!

What is the best time to travel to Lake Tegernsee?

A trip to Lake Tegernsee can be beautiful all year round. The choice of the ideal travel time therefore depends largely on what you want to experience during your vacation:

Cross-country skiing, skiing, sledding, wellness, hiking, sailing, SUPing, boating, taking a horse-drawn carriage ride, swimming, celebrating at the lake festivals around Lake Tegernsee or simply enjoying nature and having a good time.

In this post, however, I’m focusing particularly on spring, which is my favorite time to visit Lake Tegernsee. From the end of March to the end of May, you have a pretty good guarantee of good weather, but at the same time you avoid the crowds of tourists during the summer vacations.

PS: Autumn at Lake Tegernsee is also worth a trip, I haven’t experienced it for myself yet, but it has been recommended to me many times – so see you next September!

How many days are ideal for your Tegernsee vacation?

Basically, Lake Tegernsee and its surroundings have so much to offer that you can easily spend ten days or two weeks here – especially if you want to take it easy and plan a lot of relaxation. However, if this is beyond your time frame, then 5-7 days is a good amount of days to experience the most beautiful places and activities around Lake Tegernsee.

What is the best way to travel to Lake Tegernsee?

Although it may sound tempting at first to travel to Lake Tegernsee by car, I recommend taking the train and public transport instead. Traveling by train is especially relaxed: From Munich, the Bayerische Regiobahn (BRB) runs hourly to Gmund and the town of Tegernsee. From here, the bus or the lake ships are ideal options. Both journeys are included in the Tegernsee Card. You can find more information about the Tegernsee Card in the next section.

During your vacation, bikes, the bus and the boat shuttle are the ideal modes of transport to get from A to B.

Packing Essentials for your Tegernsee vacation:

• a reusable water bottle – the tap water at Tegernsee, as well as everywhere else in Germany, is of excellent drinking quality. So you can save on plastic bottles.
• a thin rain jacket & sweater – even if it is warm and sunny in the valley, the temperatures on the mountain are usually cooler and windier. There is often even snow on the summit until well into May.
• good hiking boots – good footwear is essential for hiking on Lake Tegernsee. The most beautiful hiking routes are away from paved roads. Especially in spring, the mountain routes are often slippery due to residual snow and meltwater.
• Sun protection – the sun is particularly intense in the mountains, so to protect your skin from UV radiation, a hat, sunglasses and sun cream with a high SPF offer good protection.
• The Tegernsee Card – This discount card gives you a discount or even free entry to numerous partners. You will receive it free of charge with your stay at participating Tegernsee Card accommodations.

→ Book the best accommodations at Tegernsee here!

The best activities for your Tegernsee vacation

A boat trip on Lake Tegernsee

The Tegernsee boats are not only ideal as a way of transportation, but also for a tour around the lake. It’s like a hop-on hop-off bus on the water. There is a small and a large round trip. On a nice day, you can take a seat on the sun deck and watch the mountain panorama and the villages pass by.

→ Here you can find the current departures & routes

Walk through the village of Tegernsee

You can spend a relaxing afternoon in the village of Tegernsee. Stroll along the lakeside promenade, browse through the small stores or enjoy an ice cream and the fantastic view over the lake.

My tips for the town of Tegernsee:

• The → Olaf Gulbransson Museum – Marvel at the artistic legacy of the exceptional Norwegian illustrator Olaf Gulbransson as well as impressive special exhibitions. Until the end of July 2024, the museum shows a collection of unique works by the internationally admired artist Gerhard Richter
• Minigolf – in Tegernsee you will find the most beautiful minigolf course on the lake, with a total of 18 different courses. It is open until 8 pm and you get a 50% discount with the Tegenrsee Card.
• The Eismanufaktur Tegernsee serves delicious homemade ice cream
• The Schlosswirtschaft restaurant is located directly on the lake and is perfect for a cool drink in the sun or a great dinner

Take the “Wallbergbahn” cable car up the Wallberg

You can’t miss this hike during your vacation at Lake Tegernsee:

The “Wallbergbahn” cable car takes you from the village of Rottach-Egern to the summit of the Wallberg at an altitude of 1722 meters. After a relaxing ride with a great view, it’s best to walk to the small summit chapel, which offers a fantastic panorama of the entire Tegernsee. Afterwards, you can go on numerous short to long hikes. For example, up to the Setzberg (approx. 1.5 hours round trip) or just a short hike to the “Altes Wallberghaus” for a leisurely stop. It is even possible to hike back down to the valley.

However, be sure to check my packing list for your Tegernsee vacation to make sure you have the necessary equipment for your hike. During our visit in May, there was still a lot of melting snow on the summit, which made the paths very slippery in many places. Some hikers with simple sneakers unfortunately had to turn back.

Rent your own boat

Feel like James Bond and glide across the blue waters of Lake Tegernsee in your own boat. One of the highlights of our Tegernsee vacation was renting an electric boat from one of the many boat rentals that are open when the weather is nice. We opted for the Reiffenstuel boat rental in Rottach-Egern as it was close to our hotel. However, you can hire boats in any town.

You don’t need a license for the electric boats and you can also rent rowing boats or pedal boats, which are much cheaper. In summer, you can jump straight into the water from the pedal boats to refresh yourself in the cool water.

Enjoy an iodine-sulphur bath

In Bad Wiessee on Lake Tegernsee you will find a brand new bathhouse where guests can bath in a very special healing water: deep black iodine-sulphur water from two natural springs, which are located directly at the health center.

I tested the bath for the first time in my life and was amazed: due to the high concentration of iodine and sulphur in the water, the water cannot be let into pools (the water would destroy the pumps too quickly). Instead, the healing bath is enjoyed in bathtubs. 20 minutes in the tub is enough to feel the healing effect, after which you rest for another 20-30 minutes wrapped in a blanket. Although the water smells a little strange at first due to the sulphur content, the feeling on the skin is unique. After just one application, my skin was as soft as butter. Experts recommend three treatments per week as a cure – ideal during your vacation at Lake Tegernsee. The natural water heals skin conditions such as neurodermatitis or eczema and can also be inhaled in an adapted form to relieve hay fever and other breathing problems.

Alpaca hike

Now the best for last: our alpaca hike was the best activity during our vacation at Lake Tegernsee. The Alpakahof Tegernsee is located in Kreuth / Oberhof and is run by a young passionate local. She knows all the details about alpacas and introduced us to the animals before we went for a walk with the alpacas. We went through the forest and past a river in which the fluffy alpacas love to bath. The stroll is not only a highlight for families, but was also an absolutely relaxing and unforgettable experience for us.

The easiest way to book your preferred date is to contact Karin in advance → via the contact form on her website or → Instagram. She offers both group hikes and private walks.

More tips for the Tegernsee…

… which we unfortunately didn’t manage to do this time, but would like to do next time:

• a bike tour around the lake
• the hike to the Tegernseer Hütte at 1,650m, which is located between the Roßstein and the Buchstein and is open from the beginning of May to the beginning of November

Accommodation recommendation for your vacation at Lake Tegernsee

We stayed at the → Parkhotel Egerner Höfe during our entire trip and were absolutely happy with this choice. The hotel offers the following benefits:

• a park in the inner courtyard with a view over the mountain panorama
• a modern and at the same time cozy ambience
• a large wellness area – the “Mangfall Spa” on 1,500m² with a pool, which is also partly outdoors, a huge sauna area with various saunas, steam baths and ice room, spa treatments
• great restaurants and an extensive breakfast buffet until 11am
• a great location in Rottach-Egern, just a few minutes’ walk from the lake and great restaurants

→ Book your stay at the Parkhotel Egerner Höfe here!

Restaurant tips on Lake Tegernsee:

• Restaurant Schlosswirtschaft in Tegernsee – located directly on the lake with a great view, ideal for cool drinks in the afternoon or a delicious dinner
• Restaurant → Kirschner Stuben in Rottach-Egern – cozy restaurant with a great terrace and garden lounge for relaxing in the sun. The prices are high, but the quality of the food is incredibly good.
• Käfer’s Gut Kaltenbrunn beer garden & restaurant in Gmund – ideal for a lunch break after a boat trip or bike tour with a great view over the lake. The restaurant with terrace is very high quality and in the separate beer garden you can order cheaper food and drinks by self-service.
• Altes Wallberghaus on the Wallberg – ideal for a stop-off during a hike on the Wallberg. The terrace offers plenty of space for sunbathing and enjoying the view over the mountains.

Schlosswirtschaft

Kirschner Stuben

Altes Wallberghaus

Käfer Gut Kaltenbrunn

My map with the best activities and restaurants at lake Tegernsee

I hope this post with my tips for your vacation at Lake Tegernsee will help you plan your own trip so that you don’t miss out on any of the best activities and have an absolutely fantastic stay. I’m sure you’ll fall in love with Lake Tegernsee just as much as I did.

→ For more information & trips for your trip to lake Tegernsee make sure to check out their official website: → Tegernsee.com

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We often travel around the world to marvel at impressive landscapes and destinations. And that although we can also find fantastic destinations on our doorstep. Therefore, I have made it my mission to explore my home Saxony – one of the 16 states in Germany. These are my personal highlights in Saxony that you should not miss!

Map with the best highlights in Saxony:

The best highlights & destinations in Saxony

The Saxon Switzerland

Whether it’s extended hikes or picnics at sunset, the Saxon Switzerland National Park is rightly one of the absolute highlights in Saxony.

These are the spots you should not miss in Saxon Switzerland:

The Bastei Bridge

The Bastei Bridge is the most famous spot in the entire national park and although a walk across the more than 170 year old stone bridge is beautiful, it is especially the view of the bridge itself which always takes my breath away!

This is how you find my favorite viewpoint on the Bastei Bridge:

From the parking lot at the Bastei you follow the signs on the hiking trails not to Bastei, but about 5-10 minutes in the direction of the Schwedenlöcher, until you reach a sign with “Viewpoint”. If you follow this branch, you will reach a viewing platform which unfortunately does not look onto the bridge. When you are in front of the platform, you will see a small path on your left that leads into the forest, which is signposted as a climbing path. Behind the small fence you follow the path for a few minutes until you arrive directly at this point! Attention – there is NO barrier here, so this viewpoint is not suitable if you are traveling with children or dogs. Please don’t go too close to the precipice and pack everything you brought with you – there are no trash cans here.

Book the best activities in the area here:

The Upper Sluice Gorge (Obere Schleuse)

Did you know that you can go boating on the border between Germany and the Czech Republic? Welcome to the mystical Kirnitzschtalklamm – an absolute insider’s tip in Saxon Switzerland and especially in autumn simply fantastic!

You can reach the boat station “Obere Schleuse” after a relaxing 45-minute hike from the small town of Sebnitz in Saxony. A boat ride takes about 25 minutes and costs 8€ per adult or 13€ round trip. However, I recommend you get off at the other end of the crossing and walk back to the parking lot on the beautiful hiking trail for about 45-50 minutes.

Boats leave every 20 minutes, daily from 9:30am – 4pm, but only between Easter and the end of October. Alternatively, you can cross the gorge outside of the opening hours for free on a hiking trail along the water!

Other highlights in the Saxon Switzerland are:

• Schrammsteinaussicht
• The Kleine Winterberg & Idagrotte
• The Lilienstein during Sunset

Palaces & Castles in Saxony

Saxony is also known as the “land of castles”. This is due to the fact that there are more than 3,000 castles, fortresses, manors, palaces and palaces to explore throughout the Free State. Of course, it is impossible to visit ALL of them, so here are my favorites of the most beautiful castles and palaces in Saxony:

The Albrechtsburg Castle in Meißen

Pillnitz Palace is my favorite palace in Dresden and can best and most beautifully be reached from the old town by an Elbe river steamer across the Elbe.

It served as a pleasure palace and summer residence of the king in the 17th century until the beginning of the 20th century.
The architectural style is clearly different from that of other castles. Pliinitz Castle has some Asian features and is decorated with tropical, oriental & Asian details. The king wanted to have “something different” here to enjoy the sunny days.

Already during his reign, there were lots of potted plants from all over the world in the gardens, which were brought back from the colonies and during trips to Germany at that time. It is unbelievable to think that many plants today still date from that time – such as the giant camellia, which can be circled on stairs when in bloom.

A tour of the interior of the castle is also highly recommended, as you are transported back to a pompous time long gone.

Hubertusburg Castle

The castle is located in the small town of Wermsdorf about 1h drive from the center of Dresden. Therefore, it is left out by many tourists, although it is the largest hunting lodge in Germany.

August the Strong and later his son used this large castle as a residence during the hunting season.

In a very nice exhibition of the Dresden State Art Collections, it is shown how splendidly the rulers resided at that time, until the castle was plundered by the Prussians during the Seven Years War in the 18th century. The only room that was spared during the raid was the castle chapel, which still shines in its former glory.

Waldenburg Castle

The small and lesser-known Waldenburg Castle is an insider’s tip and is worth a trip from Chemnitz. Since only a few visitors “get lost” in the dreamy village of Waldenburg, you will most likely be alone in the castle. The history of Waldenburg Castle goes back to the 12th century. Over the centuries, it was destroyed and expanded again and again, until it finally attained its present beauty in the 19th century.

Mystical Ruins in Saxony

The Castle and Abbey Ruin Oybin

A place where time seems to stand still! The castle and monastery ruins in Oybin are an absolute insider tip in Saxony. The ruins from the 12th century are located on the rock Oybin, near the Czech border. Therefore, before visiting, you have to hike a short distance, or take the paid shuttle. But the climb is worth it: the ruins take their visitors back to a bygone era and thanks to the special location on the rock, they also offer impressive views of the valley and the sandstone cliffs.

The Altzella Abbey

In the Middle Ages, the monastery in Altzella was the largest and most powerful in Central Germany. Today only the ruins remind of this magnificent time. The grounds and the garden are very peaceful and especially beautiful in autumn, when the deciduous forest wraps itself in bright colors. The mausoleum, which is located on the site of the former church, was lavishly restored and serves many Saxon rulers from the Wettin family, as a final resting place.

Dresden

The state capital Dresden is the most beautiful city in Saxony – and one of the most beautiful in Germany! Especially the historic Old Town with its gorgeous silhouette is a feast for the eyes at any time of the year!

The center of Dresden was significantly shaped during the reign of August the Strong 1694 -1733. He loved the art, the baroque architectural style and the display of his wealth, which is reflected in many buildings.

For my beautiful hometown, I have written a separate post and you can find my personal highlight in Dresden in this blog post:

→ The best Highlights in Dresden

Book your stay in Dresden for the best price:

Leipzig

Auch Leipzig ist eine Stadt, welche uns immer wieder begeistert. Meiner Meinung nach hat sie besonders in Sachen Gastronomie, Bars und Events deutlich mehr zu bieten als Dresden, weswegen sie besonders bei jungen Menschen beliebt ist!

→ The best places to visit in Leipzig

I hope this post with the most beautiful highlights in Saxony could also inspire you to visit this beautiful and much too underestimated state! If you have any questions, feel free to write me a comment or send me a message on Instagram!

This post has been produced in cooperation with Simply Saxony.

For more information about the State of Saxony and more highlights, visit → simply-saxony.com

Welcome to a real fairytale castle! The castle Schloss Lieser was built in 1884 on the Moselle River. Today it is one of the most romantic hotels in Germany, where you can feel and see the pomp of the 19th century at every corner. In this hotel review, I’ll give you all the details about our stay at Schloss Lieser and whether the hotel is the right choice for you!

My Hotel Review of Schloss Lieser

Location & Arrival

The hotel is located directly on the beautiful Moselle River in the west of Germany. Only about 35 minutes away from Trier or 1 hour 45 minutes from Frankfurt. Since the castle is located in the small sleepy village of Lieser on the Mosel Road, it is best reached by car and is ideal for a weekend getaway or as a stop during a longer road trip through the region.

Surrounded by vineyards and overlooking the Moselle River, it has a very romantic view, which is at its best from spring until the golden autumn. During this time you can also do great hiking or biking in the area. Either to various wineries or to the castles in the region. Also a visit to the suspension bridge Geierlay (about 50 minutes by car) is very worthwhile!

Despite the historic building, the hotel has been modernly renovated and equipped. Thus, under the castle garden is an underground garage for cars, which is not visible to the naked eye. Upon arrival, we are kindly welcomed with a glass of sparkling wine from the region and get a small tour of the castle.

The rooms & suites at Schloss Lieser

Since the architecture of the building was preserved true to the original, no rooms at Hotel Schloss Lieser are alike. Each of them is individually furnished and built.

Introducing them all is beyond the scope of this post, however, we were allowed to take a look at different room categories and here are my favorites:

→ Book your stay at Schloss Lieser now here!

Our room: Deluxe guest room with a Moselle River view

Our room was one of the few corner rooms with one window overlooking the Moselle and a second one overlooking the vineyards and Cottage House.

Like all the rooms, it is decorated in a historic ambiance with beautiful furniture & art. But at the same time very modern with a TV, coffee maker as well as air conditioning. Our bathroom unfortunately had no window, but a large shower and a bathtub. We were welcomed in our room with fruits, sweets and a bottle of sparkling wine from the region.

Guest Rooms in the Cottage House

The castle complex also includes a Cottage House. It is an old stone house with a courtyard and fountain, which today houses an event hall, but also guest rooms. Even though they are not located directly in the castle, these rooms are just as beautifully furnished and have a special advantage: they look directly onto Schloss Lieser! For this reason, this room category also has a special charm and is – besides the guest rooms in the castle – the most affordable option in the hotel.

Emperor Suite

In addition to the rooms, Schloss Lieser also has four junior suites, three suites and ONE very special category, which is undoubtedly the most beautiful in the hotel: The Emperor Suite with three massive rooms and direct views of the Moselle River. The bedroom with a freestanding bed leads into the spacious bathroom, where there is a large whirlpool bathtub for two. But the heart is the living room in a truly royal ambience. There is a sitting area by the fireplace, a large dining table, and a winter garden with another seating area. Unfortunately, the fireplace can not be used due to fire regulations of the heritage building, but still gives the room a beautiful atmosphere.

By the way, the large living room can also be booked separately for meetings or wedding ceremonies.

The concept of Schloss Lieser

Both the building itself, as well as the interior of the hotel Schloss Lieser, have enchanted us directly and made me feel like in a fairytale. Everywhere you can discover beautiful details. For instance, the cozy library with numerous books or even an original chapel, to which guests have access at any time. But not only the ambience in the castle is royal, also the service is first class. The team is international, young and was always extremely accommodating and helpful. In Germany, we have rarely experienced such good service!

The Wine Cellar

Wine plays a major role throughout the Moselle region and is grown as far as the eye can see on the picturesque vineyards. For this reason, Schloss Lieser not only has its own winery, but also a wine cellar in the castle with an extensive collection of local and international wines.

Tip: On weekends, a wine tasting takes place in the wine cellar every Friday and Saturday evening, during which great wines from the region can be tasted. The price is 39,- EUR per person and includes not only the wines but also accompanying snacks. We liked the tasting so much that we directly ordered some bottles for home – maybe also due to the fact that we were already a bit tipsy after six different wines…

Spa & Wellness

The old walls of the hotel even include a wellness area on the ground floor with a large pool and various saunas and steam baths. Ideal to relax a bit in the evening or during a rainy day. There is also a small gym with various equipment.

In addition, there is a small spa area where different massages and cosmetic treatments can be booked. Staying true to the wine motto, I opted for a peeling with grape seeds as well as a grape seed oil massage. It was super relaxing and the perfect way to end our stay.

Breakfast & Restaurant

Culinarily we loved the selection at Schloss Lieser so much that we, during the entire stay, have not even eaten outside the hotel once.

A special highlight was the dinner, … but more on that in a moment!

Orangerie

Breakfast is served in the Orangerie. There is seating indoors, but also on the sun terrace in the summer! A buffet of hot and cold dishes is offered in the restaurant, as well as sparkling wine. Additionally, egg dishes such as omelets or Eggs Benedict can be ordered from the menu. I found it especially great that breakfast was available until 11 am – that way you can sleep in and start the day in a relaxed way.

Restaurant Puricelli

Now to my highlight: In the restaurant Puricelli, everything is just right for a wonderful evening: Both the taste and the ambience as well as the service make the Puricelli first class! The menu changes depending on the season and has strong French influences, but still draws inspiration from international cuisine. As much as possible, the ingredients for the dishes come from the region. Interestingly, there are no set prices per dish on the menu. Instead, you can choose between a 3 to 5 course menu price, while each course can be chosen freely! This means that dessert can also be ordered 5 times if you want For the main courses, there is a choice with meat, a fish variant as well as a vegetarian option. The menu can be additionally accompanied with a wine pairing for each course.

We were so delighted with our dinner at Puricelli that we returned again on the second evening. The prices are quite justified for the quality as well as the size of the dishes – a 5 course menu cost about 90 Euros per person.

Puricelli Bar

The Puricelli Bar is open from 4 pm and offers not only great drinks, but also snacks and main course dishes. So if you just want to have a small meal in the evening without ordering a multi-course menu in the Puricelli restaurant, you can do that here as well. Otherwise it is the perfect place for a “nightcap” in the evening

Résumé of my review of Hotel Schloss Lieser

If you are looking for a very special stay in a royal ambience, you will love Schloss Lieser. Especially for a romantic getaway for two with good wine, food and wellness it is dreamlike. While children are also welcome at the castle, the hotel is designed more for adults.

Despite the pomp, the atmosphere in the hotel is not stiff and put on, because the employees in the hotel are very young and warm and you feel directly welcome as a guest.

We had a great weekend at Schloss Lieser, which we enjoyed to the fullest. In combination with exploring the castles and wineries in the area, a bike ride along the Mosel or a visit to the suspension bridge Geierlay, the hotel is a great getaway destination.

→ Book your stay at Schloss Lieser hier!

We had a sponsored stay at Schloss Lieser, but that does not affect my hotel review or opinion of our stay.

Leipzig is the most populous city in Saxony, Germany and is considered hip, young and up-and-coming. Thanks to the large number of sights in Leipzig and many hidden spots, the city is perfect for a weekend trip.

In this article I will tell you what you absolutely must not miss in Leipzig and I will share with you some great hotel, bar and restaurant tips for your visit

As always, at the end of this post you will find a map with all the best places to visit in Leipzig mentioned in the article as well as my Leipzig insider tips.

The best places to visit in Leipzig – including insider tips

The historic center

The old town of Leipzig, located in the center of the city, is one of my favorite areas. During a walk you will come across some of the most beautiful places to visit in Leipzig!

The central square is the Markt Leipzig. On weekends the large square regularly hosts markets, but even when it’s empty it’s still worth a visit as the market is lined with many restaurants, shops and shopping arcades. The highlight, however, is without a doubt, the impressive facade of the old town hall (Altes Rathaus) from the Renaissance period. It was completed in 1556, making it the oldest surviving building on the market square. Today you will find in the building, among other things, the history museum of Leipzig.

Insider tip: If you walk through the corridor of the old town hall, you will reach the Naschmarkt with the beautiful baroque old stock exchange. The inside is less spectacular – it now serves as a concert and festival hall – but from the outside, this lesser-known attraction in Leipzig is a must-see photo opportunity!

At the end of the Naschmarkt is the Mädler-Passage, under which Auerbach’s cellar (Auerbachs Keller) can be found. The cellar vault, from the 16th century, became world famous because it is the scene of the work “Faust” – probably Goethe’s best-known work. The poet, by the way, was himself a student in Leipzig! Today you can still enjoy Saxon specialties as well as wine and beer from Saxony in the historic atmosphere of Auerbachs Keller – ideal for a snack at lunch.

Well-known Leipzig sights in the historic center are also the two main churches: The Nikolai church (Nikolaikirche) – the oldest church in the city – and the historic St. Thomas Church (Thomaskirche), in which Martin Luther already preached. It is also known for the St. Thomas boys choir (Thomanerchor), which has its origins here and was founded in 1212. Johann Sebastian Bach worked as music director in the Thomaskirche and is buried in the nave, which is why the church attracts many visitors.

As you can see, Leipzig has a living history – if you want to delve into it in more detail, I definitely recommend a visit to the City History Museum in the Old Town Hall. This is also a great activity for a rainy day.

The Monument to the Battle of the Nations – The most famous place to visit in Leipzig

Probably the most famous sight in Leipzig is the Monument to the Battle of the Nations (Völkerschlachtdenkmal), which commemorates the battle in October 1813 in which Germans stood on both sides. This battle in Leipzig was a crucial turning point in the wars of liberation against Napoleon, as his troops had to retreat after the defeat.

The monument in Wilhelminian style was inaugurated in 1913 on the centenary of this historic day, precisely at the location in Leipzig where the decisive battle was fought.

From 10 a.m. onwards the interior of the 91 meter high monument can be visited for 8 euros per person. Inside the hall of victory you’ll find huge statues of the so called “death watcher” – it is an impressive atmosphere. In addition, a staircase leads up to the viewing platform, which offers a great view of Leipzig.

Leipzig insider tip: The best view over the city

You can get the best panoramic view of the entire city from the viewing platform of the 142.5 meter high Panorama Tower. When the weather is good you can see not only all of Leipzig’s well-known sights, but also the surrounding area.

Drinks can be ordered at a stand and since you can look in all directions from the viewing platform, the Panorama Tower is probably the best spot to admire the sunset. Admission costs 5,- Euros per person.

Insider tip: The panorama restaurant is only one floor below the viewing platform and offers delicious food. The entire restaurant is glazed all around, so you can enjoy the view in a cozy atmosphere even in bad weather.

A canal ride through the city

My favorite way to explore Leipzig is on the water, because the city is criss-crossed by a 300-kilometer network of canals and rivers and is often referred to as “Little Venice”.

Whether by canoe or on a guided boat trip, the best place to start your canal trip is from the city harbor in Plagwitz. This is where the trips start (and end) or you can rent kayaks. The journey takes you through the former industrial area, which has now been converted into a chic residential area, but also through green city forests and parks. In these moments you completely forget that you are in the middle of a big city.

→ You can use this link to book various boat and canoe tours online in advance. They are usually booked up quickly, especially on weekends and when the weather is good.

Your trip to Leipzig is not complete without a tour on the water, because it shows a completely different and beautiful side of the city.

Artist district in Leipzig

After your cruise ends at the city port, be sure to leave some time to explore the neighborhood – especially if you’re passionate about art. Plagwitz and Lindau are considered hip districts in which “slightly different” sights of Leipzig can be found.

As the name suggests, the cotton spinning mill (Baumwollspinnerei) used to be a site with a huge industrial spinning mill. Today, the large halls primarily serve as studios and galleries for artists. Hall 14 with constantly changing exhibitions is particularly well-known.

The area is very alternative and there is something to discover around every corner – architecture and lifestyle photographers will find many special motifs here.

To experience art up close and interactively, a visit to the Kunstkraftwerk is worthwhile. In the halls, well-known works of art as well as new interpretations are projected onto walls, ceilings and floors while moving to music. As a visitor, you literally immerse yourself in the art. The themes and artists of the shows change at regular intervals, which is why I can recommend to visit more than ones at different times. Entry costs €13 per person.

photos by Benjamin Diedering

The Cospuden Lake

If the weather is good, a trip to the outskirts of Leipzig to the numerous lakes in the Leipzig Neuseenland is a great activity for the day. Especially popular with the people of Leipzig: “Cossi”, the Cospudener See. Due to its size of 400 hectares, as well as the beaches and boat docks, it almost exudes a “sea feeling” in sunny weather. The lake can be navigated with both sailing boats and pedal boats, but is also great for swimming.

A visit is worthwhile all year round: there is always something going on in the restaurants and bars, some of which are even located partial over the water. Offers include summer lounges, mulled wine stands or a great Italian meal.

Incidentally, the sunsets on Lake Cospuden are particularly beautiful – a romantic spectacle that can be admired either from one of the restaurants or from your own picnic blanket. The “Cossi” is not without reason the favorite Place of the people of Leipzig.

photos by Benjamin Diedering

Leipzig restaurant tips & bar recommendations

• Kar-Li – The trendy bar district on Karl-Liebknecht-Straße (hence the name), is very popular with students and young people in the evening.
• The DankBar – A great wine bar with small dishes in a great ambience. The bar is very popular with the people of Leipzig and is almost always full in the evenings, which is why I recommend to make a reservation.
• Bull & Bonito – Hawaiian meets Mediterranean! Sounds interesting, but it’s totally delicious. In addition, the location directly at the Thomaskirche is unbeatable.
• Endless – A great and playful cafe, which is great for breakfast.
• Auerbachs Keller – Although I have already mentioned the historic vaulted cellar earlier in this article, it should not be missing from this list. A must for “first time visitors” in Leipzig!
• Bar Cabana – The rooftop bar on the Innside by Melia Hotel is not at a dizzying height, but it is right in the historic center of Leipzig with a view of the town hall and the Thomaskirche. The atmosphere is particularly beautiful at sunset and in winter when heated bubbles are set up on the roof. A great location for drinks in the evening.

Hotel recommendations in Leipzig

The best hotel location for a short trip to Leipzig is in the center. That’s why we love the → Townhouse Leipzig very much! It is located in a historic building right next to St. Thomas Church, but it was only newly opened. The rooms are individually designed and modern, the team is friendly and the breakfast leaves nothing to be desired.

Another great hotel in the center is the → INNSIDE by Meliá with the aforementioned Rooftop Bar Cabana.

Although I had never seen Leipzig as an excursion or travel destination before, after my first visit I immediately realized why the city is so popular with tourists, students and its residents: It offers the right area with different activities for everyone. Due to the large number of sights in Leipzig and the eventful history, it has a very special charm. We always enjoy coming to Leipzig and I hope that you too will fall in love with the city.

By the way, Leipzig is not only worth a visit in the warm months. Also in autumn and – especially – in the Christmas season, it exudes a great atmosphere, which is worth a visit!

Map with all mentioned places to visit in Leipzig

Read next:

→ My Amalfi coast travel guide

→ The best photo spots in Venice

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