White gold and the cradle of Saxony
Meissen's alleyways and buildings are steeped in over 1,000 years of history: After the foundation of the margraviate in 929, the town on the Elbe became the residence of the Saxon electors in 1423 and has been regarded as the cradle of Saxony ever since. A magnificent duo on the castle hill recalls these times and shapes the silhouette of the city: the high Gothic hall building of Meissen Cathedral preserves the spirit of the Middle Ages in moments of devotion, at concerts or in encounters with Cranach, Dürer and the Naumburg Master. Germany's first castle is enthroned in the immediate vicinity: the imposing Albrechtsburg. It rises majestically with a view of the Elbe and captivates visitors from afar. On interactive tours, you can find out how Albrechtsburg Castle developed from a wooden fortress into an architectural masterpiece and became the birthplace of Saxony. It was also in this magnificent building that Augustus the Strong launched a project close to his heart in 1708: With the first European porcelain manufactory, the “white gold” was to be brought into the aristocratic houses of the world and out into the world. Even today, the Meissen porcelain manufactory stands for filigree craftsmanship at the highest level. Its centuries-old tradition can be experienced at first hand in the manufactory's show workshop and in the Meissen Porcelain Foundation Museum.
Festivities and frolicking
A stroll through the romantic old town of Meißen offers an insight into the fine arts in studios and galleries. Culinary culture is served up in numerous cafés, restaurants and wine taverns. Here, exquisite wines from the region are served with traditional delicacies such as Meissen country pork or - to accompany the “Schälchen Heeßen” in the café - Eierschecke and Stollen. In the shop window of Konditorei Zieger, strollers can discover the powdered-sugar Meissen Fummel. These are not fancy clothes, but fragile hollow pastries that August once had baked to check the fitness of his (always tipsy) messenger to drive. Throughout the year, Meissen serves as a backdrop for a variety of cultural events and festivals: the Literature Festival, for example, transforms the city into a single reading stage, the Long Night brings the city's art, culture and architecture to life, and at Saxony's largest wine festival, tens of thousands of people enjoy celebrating the fine wines of the local winegrowers.
Relaxation and adventure
Anyone who has had enough of the hustle and bustle of the old town will quickly find a quiet spot: The Elbe flows through the middle of Meissen, its green meadows perfect for relaxing. To its right, the Saxon vineyards and wineries stretch out, inviting you to enjoy the finest active pleasures. On the left side of the river Elbe, picturesque valleys unfold their original natural beauty, which can be explored on idyllic hikes and cycle tours. Some of the tours lead to the Elbe cycle path, which, like the Elbe itself, runs through the city. And those who prefer to be out and about on the water can take a traditional paddle steamer trip along the Elbe and enjoy the river landscape. Right here, between river fun and wine idyll, old town romance and nature experience, lies the timeless beauty of Meissen.
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Meissen, the picturesque town on the Elbe, owes its founding to Henry I, who had a castle built high above the river in 929. The Albrechtsburg Castle is considered the oldest castle in Germany and still dominates the landscape today. The porcelain town of Meissen captivates with its majestic presence, Mediterranean flair, and medieval roots. It is not without reason that it is considered one of Germany's most romantic cities. In 1423, Meissen became the residence of the Saxon Electors and has since been considered the cradle of Saxony. The cathedral preserves the spirit of the Middle Ages and shapes the city's skyline – along with the imposing Albrechtsburg Castle, considered Germany's first castle. The first European porcelain manufactory once moved into its halls, and from there, the "white gold" was exported to the world. Even today, the porcelain manufactory stands for craftsmanship of the highest quality. In Meissen, you can experience it up close. Meissen's lively old town invites you to stroll through its galleries and shops. Cozy cafés, restaurants, and wine bars serve regional wines and traditional delicacies. Those who've had enough of the hustle and bustle of the old town can relax by the Elbe: To their right, picturesque vineyards stretch out, complete with inviting wineries. On the left bank, unspoiled natural beauty unfolds, ideal for hiking and cycling. Some of these tours lead directly to the Elbe Cycle Path, which runs through the heart of Meissen. Those who prefer to travel by water can take a traditional steamboat cruise along the Elbe and enjoy the scenery. Right here, between riverside fun and idyllic wineries, the romantic old town and nature experiences, lies the timeless beauty of Meissen. Numerous events and festivals make Meissen a lively meeting place.
