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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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

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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