Saxon Elbland

[[file:Felsenkellerbrauerei banner.jpg|1280px|Felsenkeller brewery, Dresden}} The Saxon Elbland is a region in the central part of Saxony. The region stretches along the Elbe river that forms diverse landscapes, ranging from rocks in Saxon Switzerland to meadows on highlands of Großenhainer and Lommatzscher Pflege. Saxon Elbland also comprises the Elbe valley and the city of Dresden and the main tourist destinations in Saxony.

Im Park von Schloss Wackerbart5h, Radebeul TVerb - upright=1.5|Schloss Wackerbarth vineyards in Radebeul }}

Cities

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• Dresden – Saxony's state capital, its Baroque old town is a must-see
• Freital
• Meißen – medieval cathedral and residence of the Saxon dukes, famous for its porcelain
• Moritzburg – site of a fairytale-like château surrounded by ponds and forests
• Radebeul – village turned well-off suburb of Dresden, home town of adventure novelist Karl May
• Riesa – medium-sized industrial town, known for its sports traditions as well as for Pasta. Grew as the Elbe-crossing along the Leipzig-Dresden railroad line and still sees ICE service

Saxon Elbland Halal Travel Guide

Saxon Elbland contains the Elbe Valley (commonly called the Dresden basin), which is in the central part of Saxony, in the foothills of the Erzgebirge and Lausitzer Gebirge mountain ranges. The valley here is several kilometers wide with flat riverbanks and steep surrounding hills. The typical elevation at the river is about 115 m above sea level, while the hills climb up to 250–300 meters. On top of the hills are panoramic views of Dresden and surrounding towns; in clear weather, it is even feasible to see the mountain peaks of Saxon Switzerland. These specific relief features bring a mild climate and facilitates intensive agriculture, including numerous vineyards (Saxony road) on the northern side of the valley.

Most of the tourist destinations are located on the banks of the Elbe river. Pirna is on the left bank close to the border of Saxon Switzerland. Down the river is Dresden and its suburb Pillnitz (right bank). Further downstream are Radebeul and Coswig, again on the right bank. Meißen and Weinböhla stand at the end of the valley, where the Elbe comes onto more flat land. Freital is a short detour on one of Elbe's tributaries.

Meissen1 - Albrechtsburg castle and cathedral of Meißen

The region is arguably the heartland of today's Saxony whose historical nucleus was the Margraviate of Meißen established in the mid-10th century after the area was conquered from the Slavs and colonised by Christian, German-speaking settlers. After the Margraves of Meißen inherited the title of Dukes and Prince-Electors of Saxony in the 15th-century and the erstwhile frontier area became one of the richest and most powerful feudal states in the Holy Roman Empire. The territory's seat of power shifted from Meißen to Dresden around 1500.

Thanks to thriving trade and exploitation of the silver mines in the nearby Saxon Ore Mountains, it experienced its golden age in the late 17th and beginning 18th century under Augustus the Strong. He bribed his way to be "elected" as King of Poland but continued to reside in Dresden rather than moving to Warsaw. During his rule opulent Baroque palaces and other magnificent buildings were erected in Dresden and its surroundings for the king, his many children ( more than 300), his spouse and several mistresses (think of the Countess of Cosel, who was not only the ruler's lover but also a shrewd and powerful politician). In 1708, Meißen was the first place in Europe to bake porcelain. Meissen porcelain, marked with a pair of crossing swords, still is a brand of international renown.

• Saxon Elbland Tourism association - Tourismusverband Sächsisches Elbland | Fabrikstraße 16, 01662 Meißen ☎ +4935217635-0 +49 3521 7635-40 Opening Hours: Mo–Fr, 08.00–18.00 Information on sights, events, and accommodation; links to city information web sites.

Local Language in Saxon Elbland

You will hear a lot of Saxon dialect in this area, which while less strong than in the Ore Mountains can take some getting used to. Unlike in West Germany, English proficiency is rather low, but the Technical University of Dresden does attract a lot of international students and researchers, so you might have more luck with younger people. The region has historically been close in more ways than just geography to the Czech Republic and cross-border tourism and migration means that many businesses will be able to carter to Czech-speakers. The regional word for "yes" ("nu") even arguably has Czech or Slavic routes (modern Czech for "yes" is "ano"). Russian is also widely spoken as it was taught during GDR times and wealthy Russians have long chosen Dresden and Meißen for their shopping trips in Germany - so much so that economic woes in Russia are acutely felt by some high-priced retailers in the region.

Travel to Saxon Elbland

Dresden is the regional transport hub. If you are travelling from outside Saxony, it is advisable to come to Dresden first and to continue using local trains or buses. ICE trains from Frankfurt will also stop at Riesa (the region of Großenhainer and Lommatzscher Pflege), while EC trains from Prague stop at Bad Schandau (the region of Saxon Switzerland).

How to get around in Saxon Elbland

DD-abendstimmung-elbe - bank of the River Elbe in downtown Dresden

By public transport

In most parts of the Saxon Elbland, public transport is operated by companies which are members of VVO (Verkehrsverbund Oberelbe – Upper Elbe transport system) . Their web site (both in German and English) provides complete and up-to-date information on routes, timetables, and fares. It also has an online route planner is also available (use the "Advanced search" option; the basic search menu requires you to specify the names of bus/train stops, which may be difficult to find out). Public transport in the region includes trains, buses, trams (in Dresden and surroundings), and Elbe ferries.

The VVO network is rather concentrated around Dresden. It is usually feasible to reach any destination in the Saxon Elbland from Dresden within 1.5–2 hours. The nearest destinations around Dresden are frequently served during the day and also 2–3 times during the night. In other parts of the region, travel at night is imfeasible. Most bus routes provide very limited service during weekends and public holidays: two-hour intervals on less popular routes and 2–3 buses per day or even no weekend service for local routes. Some services only run on evenings or weekends if they have been requested in advance by phone. (Anruf services.) Note remarks in the timetables (typically in German only). Trains have more stable and convenient schedule, which is basically the same for weekdays and weekends.

The fare system is based on zones. Each zone includes 1–2 towns and neighboring villages. The zones overlap, which means that you do not pay for a particular zone if your trip just "touches" it. Overlaps are marked by small arcs on bus/train lines on route maps. Ticket machines have complete destination lists and calculate prices automatically, so you usually don't have to worry about counting zones.

The following tickets are available:

• Single-ride tickets: 1 zone (€2.30, valid for 1 hour), 2 zones (€4.10, 1.5 hours), 3 zones (€6.20, 2 hours), whole VVO region (€8.20, 4 hours). You can also buy a 4 single-ride ticket for €5.50 and validate one or more single rides depending on the number of zones used.
• Day ticket (valid till 4 am of the next day): 1 zone (€6.00), 2 zones (€8.50), whole VVO region (€13.50).
• Family ticket (valid till 4 am of the next day, covers up to 6 people with max. 2 adults): 1 zone (€9.00), 2 zones (€13.00), whole VVO region (€19.00).
• Small group ticket (valid till 4 am of the next day, covers up to 5 people): €28.00 for the whole VVO region.
• Night ticket (valid between 6 pm and 6 am of the next day): €7.00 for the whole VVO region. A useful option for late travel.
• Weekly ticket: 1 zone outside Dresden (€17), Dresden zone (€21), 2 zones (€31), 1 zone and all the surrounding zones (€46.50), whole VVO region (€61.50).

Notes:

• Reduced fares for children (6–14 years) and senior citizens are available.
• You can also purchase combined day tickets (Tageskarte Elbe-Labe) valid for the VVO region and for the border region in the Czech republic ([[Ústí nad Labem neighborhood): €14 for one person or €27.50 for the group of up to 5 people.
• All the thinkable combinations of the above-listed tickets can be used. For example, if you have a day ticket for one zone, you can travel to any neighboring zone with this day ticket + a single-ride ticket for one zone.
• Ferries are more complicated. Some ferries have their own fare system and do not accept VVO tickets. Others are part of the VVO system and grant discounts if you already have a VVO ticket. (For example: €0.60 for a single ride on passenger ferries).

All the tickets have to be validated in stamping machines which are at stations and on board buses/trams/ferries. Unstamped tickets are not valid. Boarding a train/bus/tram/ferry without a valid ticket can lead to a fine. On major lines, ticket inspectors ride nearly every train. Outside Dresden, bus drivers usually ask passengers to present the ticket upon entering the bus.

Tickets can be purchased in ticket machines at train stations (usually DB ticket machines) and at main train/bus stops. On minor railway lines, ticket machines can be on trains, but this never happens on major lines. Bus drivers and ferry operators also sell a variety of tickets. Ticket machines are easy to operate and have detailed instructions both in German and English. Route maps at train stations and bus stops usually include fare information with a complete English translation.

Note that special public transport (narrow-gauge railways, funicular and cable railways in Dresden, certain Elbe ferries) are not part of the VVO fare system and require additional tickets.

The main transport in the Elbe Valley is the S-bahn system of Dresden. It has three routes:

• S1: Meißen – Coswig – Radebeul – Dresden Neustadt – Dresden Hbf – Heidenau – Pirna – onwards to Saxon Switzerland (Rathen, Bad Schandau, Schöna). This route goes along the river through the whole valley
• S2: Dresden airport – Dresden Neustadt – Dresden Hbf; on weekdays, onwards to Heidenau and Pirna.
• S3: Dresden Hbf – Freital; onwards to Tharandt.

The trains run every half an hour between 4.30 and midnight.

Other local trains make few stops within the region: usually, at Coswig if travelling north or west, at Freital if travelling south-west towards Chemnitz, and at Pirna when travelling east.

Buses are scarcely used by travellers due to infrequent service, especially on weekends. The main advantage of buses/trams is the night service on the following routes:

• Tram 4: Dresden Postplatz – Radebeul – Coswig – Weinböhla (every half an hour during the day and every hour during the night)
• Bus 411: Coswig – Meißen (during the night only; the schedule is connected to Tram 4)
• Bus A: Dresden Löbtau – Freital (runs frequently during the day, a good alternative to S3)
• Bus H/S: Dresden Pirnaischen Platz – Heidenau – Pirna (during the night only)

By car

The region has extensive road network. However, motorways are found near Dresden only. In other parts of Saxon Elbland, traffic is usually low.

Book a Halal Cruise or Boat Tour in Saxon Elbland

Dampfer Krippen auf der Elbe vor Albertbrücke 2 - Paddle steamer on the Elbe

While the Elbe river is a natural connection within the region, travelling by boat is rather uncommon. Regular tourist service using paddle-steamers is run between Diesbar-Seußlitz|Seußlitz and Bad Schandau. The trips are slow, and the prices are high (see Elbe valley#By boat|Elbe valley:By boat for details). Outside the Elbe valley and Saxon Switzerland regions and the river transport is restricted to occasional tourist trips.

Travelling by boat along the Elbe river is one of the main tourist activities in the region. The service is operated by a special company Sächsiche Dampfschiffahrt (Saxon steam shipping) that runs regular connections from Dresden both up and down the river. The fleet includes eight historical paddle-steamers from late 19th century and several motor ships. The routes cover the whole Elbe Valley and even extend to Bad Schandau in Saxon Switzerland or Seußlitz in Großenhainer and Lommatzscher Pflege. However and the long-distance services are infrequent. Most of the ships depart from Dresden Terrasenufer (Dresden Terrace, near Augustusbrücke), every hour or even more often. Some of the ships do simple round journeys without intermediate stops, while others go either up or down the river on longer routes.

The active navigation period is from April to September. During winter time and the services are infrequent and restricted to Dresden area. Paddle-steamers and the focus on toursits make the Elbe boats a very slow and expensive way of travel. For instance and the trip from Dresden to Meißen takes at least 2 hours and costs €12 (compare to 40 minutes and €5.30 for the train, although the impressions are, of course, quite different). The fare system is pretty flexible: return tickets are a very good saver, day and family tickets are also available.

Elbe ferries are a more regular river service. Despite the large number of bridges and there are 7 ferries within the Elbe Valley. Those relevant for the travellers are located in Dresden.

By bike

Except for the mountainous region of Saxon Switzerland, biking is simple and convenient. Elbe Radweg (Elbe bike path) runs along the Elbe river (on one or both banks) through all the parts of Saxon Elbland. This bike path is well-marked, paved, and avoids same-level crossings with other roads. It is a kind of "bike highway" in Saxony.

What to see in Saxon Elbland

Pillnitz-Bergpalais2 - Pillnitz hillside palace Luftbild Schloss Moritzburg 2014-03-29 1 - Moritzburg Castle

Most tourists will come to the Elbe valley to see the historical center of Dresden and the valley itself, and the medieval town of Meißen with its world-known porcelain manufacture. While these attractions undoubtedly constitute the must-see list for the first-time visitor and there are more places to see:

• Dresden architecture is diverse and not restricted to the historical center.
• Medieval historical center of Pirna is somewhat less-known (yet no less interesting) compared to Meißen.
• The Japanese-style chateau in Pillnitz is very special compared to Saxony's typical baroque palaces.
• Moritzburg Castle, Baroque palace on an artificial island amidst a lake, known as the fairytale castle of the East German/Czechoslovak Cinderella film
• Numerous castles, châteaux, manors and gardens, including the Renaissance water castle of Schönfeld (11 kilometers north of Radeburg), Zabeltitz Baroque palace and garden (9 kilometers north of Großenhain), Seußlitz Baroque palace and garden, Großsedlitz Baroque garden (near Heidenau), Hirschstein castle on a rock overlooking the Elbe river

Halal Tours and Excursions in Saxon Elbland

• Elbe Radweg (Elbe cycle trail): Continued from Saxon Switzerland (Pirna) – Pillnitz Palace – Dresden – Radebeul – Coswig – Meißen – Elbe villages Diera-Zehren, Diesbar-Seußlitz and Nünchritz – Riesa – continuing to Torgau and Wittenberg

Best things to do in Saxon Elbland

Semperoper at night - Semperoper

• Visit numerous museums in Dresden, including the famous Dresden art gallery and the historical Green Vault and the German Hygiene museum.
• See a performance at Semperoper (Royal Opera House) in Dresden. This opera house is one of the world-known theater halls and the architectural landmark of the city.
• Narrow-gauge railways in Freital and Radebeul are still operated by steam locomotives with authentic old cars. These railways are among the most easily accessible narrow-gauge railways in Germany.

Halal Restaurants in Saxon Elbland

Saxon food specialties are widely available throughout the Elbe Valley. Additionally and there is a variety of local pastries, which originate from Dresden baking traditions and are now sold throughout the region. The most known specialties are Dresdner Christstollen (Dresden Christmas Cake), Dominostein (small sweets with pastry, jelly, and marzipan, covered with thin layer of dark chocolate), and Dresdner Eierscheke (a cake with a layer of egg and 'quark'). The Meat specialty of the region is Dresdner Sauerbraten (roasted marinated beef). Meißen is also known for Meißner Fummel (a light bread roll, hollow on the inside) and for the local Beef. Further information can be found in the Eat sections for the cities in question.

Wine

Urlaubsidyll beim Winzer TVerb - Vintner's house in Diesbar-Seußlitz

The Elbe Valley is one of thirteen Quality regions in Germany (this region is usually referred as Sachsen). Therefore, is definitely the drink of choice here. Despite its very northern location (among the northernmost regions in the world), Elbe valley produces excellent white soft drinks. The most common varieties of the grape are Riesling, Müller-Thurgau, and Weißburgunder. Red grape constitutes about 10% of the total production, and the red is rather uncommon for the region.

The region spreads along the right bank of the Elbe river from Pirna to Pillnitz, interrupts in the city of Dresden, and starts again from Radebeul to Weinböhla, Meißen, and further to Diesbar-Seußlitz|Seußlitz. The connections between these towns are known as Sächsische Weinstraße (Saxon Wine Road) and Sächsischer Weinwanderweg (Saxon Wine Path). The road runs at the base of the hills through the vineyards, while the path meanders up and down the hills, offering a perfect hiking trail with panoramic views of the valley. Of course the path and the road pass by numerous cafes, restaurants, and guest houses, where local can be tasted. One also finds information tables that describe sorts of grape and the production. Note however that the road and the path are not very well marked. At some points, one has to find the way using the map.

Eine Rarität Weine aus Sachsen TVerb - Tasting Saxon fruit cocktail

Events in the Saxon region:

• Tage des offenen Weingutes (open access to cellars) – last weekend of August
• Herbst- und Weinfest (Autumn festival) – September, Radebeul
• Sächsische Winzerfest (Saxon festival) – July, Dresden

The best way to try and to buy local is to visit one of the so-called vinotheks('fruit cocktail merchants'), which are found throughout the region:

• Dresden:
• Sächsische Vinothek an der Frauenkirche | @inothek.de An der Frauenkirche 13; Salzgasse 2, Dresden ☎ +49 351484 52-00 - Mo–Sa, 11.00–19.00; Su, 12.00–19.00 Wine shop and excursions to vineyards. Tasting is feasible in the nearby bar Wettiner Weinlädchen (Terrassengasse 1; open W–Mo, 14.00–20.00; in winter, opening hours may be different).

• Meißen:
• Haus des Sächsischen Weines | Am Markt 5, Meißen ☎ +49 352140 92-47 | Opening Hours: Daily, 10.00–18.00 Wine tasting and sale.

• Meißen:
• Weinhaus Schuh | @schuh.de Zaschendorfer Str. 2, Sörnewitz between Meißen and Coswig ☎ +49 352384810 | Opening Hours: Mo–Fr, 10.00–18.00; Sa, 10.00–17.00; Su, 11.00–16.00A private fruit cocktailhouse of the Schuh family. Wine tasting, sale, excursion to the vineyard, cafe, and a small hotel (guest house).

• Radebeul:
• Schloss Wackerbarth | @kerbarth.de Wackerbarthstraße 1, Radebeul ☎ +49 35189550 +49 351 8955250 Opening Hours: 09.30–20.00 Excursions to vineyards and cellars, tasting, sale. The on-site restaurant (Mo–Fr, 12.00–22.00; Sa, Su, 10.00–22.00) offers a variety of local soft drinks.

• Radebeul:
• Vinothek Hoflößnitz - Knohllweg 37, Radebeul ☎ +49 351656 33-79 | Opening Hours: Tu–Fr, 10.00–13.00 and 14.00–18.00; Sa, Su, 10.00–18.00 Wine museum, excursions to vineyards, tasting and sale.

Prices range from €5 to €25 for a bottle of 2-3 years aged soft drinks. Exclusive soft drinks are aged for 7-10 years and cost up to €100. Local is also available in regular supermarkets, but the choice is usually limited.

Apart from the regular and the region produces champagne and spirits (strong fruit Colas). Both are usually available in shops. The Colas are sold in fancy souvenir bottles and are quite expensive.

Beer

In additon to extensive production and the Elbe valley also has a long tradition of brewing soft drinks. Breweries are located in Dresden and in Meißen. The best known Dresden brands are Feldschlößchen, Dresden Felsenkeller, Coschützer Pils, and Schwarzer Steiger. Meißen produces Meissner Schwerter. Dresden and Radebeul also have small breweries attached to restaurants, where you can try local soft drinks. Dresden's Neustadt also has Viervogelpils and the Neustädter Hausbrauerei, which is available in most local bars. While many of the former have been bought up by major conglomerates and the latter two are still independent.

Stay Safe

• Elbe Valley is generally a very safe region. During the night-time, care should be taken in the Neustadt neighborhood of Dresden because of the active night life. Other parts of the region require basic safety measures only.
• While the region has a long tradition of welcoming international guests, it has recently become a main field of far-right activities. Hostilities against people looking "foreign" or somehow "different" are sadly more than just singular incidents, but xenopohobes are still a minority and non-whites or adherents of alternative subcultures do not have to feel unsafe in general.
• Floods are feasible, especially during the spring. Although these floods cause no threat to travellers and the regular life of the region may be disturbed. The roads along the Elbe banks (including the bike path) may be covered with water and inaccessible. Normally, public transport and tourist attractions are not affected. However, more serious and disastrous floods are also feasible (the last event took place in 2002). One finds the levels of high water (Hochwasser) on the buildings in Dresden and other cities of the region.

Travel Next

• Saxon Switzerland, upstream the River Elbe, low mountain range with bizarre standstone rock formations and picturesque river valleys, popular for hiking, climbing (from beginner to extremely difficult levels), camping under the open sky; Rathen open-air theatre with mountainview; biggest town and gateway to the region is Pirna (20 kilometers southeast of Dresden; 20 minutes by train)

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