Germany | That's How We Travel

Dresden, Germany

Dresden, Germany, is a great day trip from Prague, Czech Republic, as it is just a 2-hour train ride. This formerly East Germany city, was nearly totally destroyed during World War II. Several destroyed buildings like Katholische Hofkirche, a catholic church, chronical their reconstruction in exhibits. Since those years, and especially after the reunification of Germany in 1990, the City has rebuilt itself into a thriving economy. The main historic buildings, museums, and restaurants are all within walking distance of the train station. There are many things we did not see due to our short stay. If you love museums and history, you can easily spend a couple more days here. With our limited time, listed below are the places we visited.

Things To-Do

Note: This Germany page has Dresden only because, well, that's the only City we have visited so far. Of course, we will add to it when our travels bring us back to this region.

Dresden Kreuzkirche "Holy Cross Church": This late Baroque style Lutheran Church has a great viewing platform for a panoramic view of the City. (photo right). This Church has been destroyed and rebuilt a number of times over the centuries since it was first built in 12th Century, including a fire that gutted it in the late 19th Century. The Church's remarkable history is symbolic of Dresden's resilience through the Centuries.

Frauenkirche "Our Lady's Church": This church sits in the center of beautiful Neumarkt square (photo right). In ruins for nearly 50 years after Dresden came under attack in 1945, reconstruction was finally completed in 2005. Photos of the rubble are often used to exemplify the extent of damage suffered by this City during the war.

Katholische Hofkirche "Dresden Cathedral": This Baroque style cathedral of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Dresden-Meissen was originally built between1738 and 1755. It was badly damaged during air raids of Dresden in February of 1945. Reconstruction occurred in phases with final completion in 1987. Admission is free.

Dresden Zwinger: This gorgeous building complex is filled with museums, art, concert halls, and gardens. As our time was limited we chose just one stop Mathematisch-Physikalischer Salon (see more below). Built in the early 18th Century, the Zwinger grounds also made for a perfect picnic spot for our sack lunch.

Royal Cabinet of Mathematical and Physical Instruments: Located in the Zwinger complex, this museum is perfect for pre-teen to teenage kids that love science, and of course, adults too. Filled with historic clocks and scientific instruments, this museum's fascinating collection includes instruments from the Renaissance.