The Top 8 Things to See and Do in Meissen, Germany

Meissen | © Trude55 / Pixabay

25 February 2018

The 1000-year-old city of Meissen, perched on the banks of the River Elbe, is an incredibly beautiful sight. Here, the broody hilltop Albrechtsburg Castle towers over a picturesque Old Town, mile after mile of rolling vineyards, and a gorgeous river valley. Let’s plan a memorable getaway to the city of music, porcelain, and superb architecture.

Albrechtsburg Castle

The hilltop Albrechtsburg Castle is often referred to as Germany’s oldest castle, as the existence of its fortifications can be traced back to the 900s, though the castle itself was built in the 15th century. Experts agree that its spectacular Gothic architecture is not just a specimen of artistic brilliance but also a structure much ahead of its time. After all, its cellular vaulting, regal staircase tower, and arched windows lend the castle the kind of class that wasn’t common in the period to which it belongs. The castle is accessible by foot or the super-fast Panoramaaufzug Burgberg.

Domplatz 1, 01662 Meißen, Germany, +49 (0) 3521 47070

Albrechtsburg Castle | © danielbahrmann / Pixabay

Porcelain Manufactory

Since the early 18th century, the city of Meissen has almost been synonymous with porcelain manufacture. Porcelain Manufactory is a tribute to the rich porcelain heritage of the city and the amazing workmanship of its natives. In this establishment, visitors get to learn how delicate porcelain items are created and laboriously hand-painted. In the adjoining Neoclassical museum, you can admire a breathtaking collection of porcelain items made over the centuries.

Talstraße 9, 01662 Meißen, Germany, +49 (0) 3521 468208

Meissen Porcelain | © artur63 / Pixabay

City Museum (Stadtmuseum)

The City Museum, housed in a former Franciscan monastery, walks visitors through the evolution of Meissen over 1,000 years. Here, you can delve deep into the history of the city and learn about its porcelain heritage, the construction of the city cathedral and Meissen’s social, economic, and religious developments over the centuries. This information is accompanied by an assortment of interesting exhibits, including the largest and oldest wine press of Saxony and sewing machines, porcelain, bicycles, pistols, and more, all belonging to various eras.

Heinrichsplatz 3, 01662 Meißen, Germany, +49 (0) 3521 458857

Meissen Cathedral (Dom Zu Meissen)

Cathedral

Map View

Meissen Cathedral | © Ulrike Lehmann / Wikimedia Commons

Meissen Cathedral, adjacent to the castle, is deemed to be a classic and stunning specimen of Gothic architecture. This cathedral, built between 1260 and 1410, has been preserved in its near-original medieval condition. When you visit, take special note of the massive 13th-century polychrome statues of Holy Roman Emperor Otto I and his wife, Adelaide of Burgundy, and the Protestant pulpit.

Rathaus

Standing proud in Meissen’s bustling market square, the town hall (Rathaus) is a pleasure for the eyes. It has a series of three gorgeous dormers adorning a very steep saddle roof. It houses a traditional German restaurant on the ground floor.

Markt 1, 01662 Meißen, Germany, +49 (0) 3521 4670

Meissen Rathaus | © Zinneke / Wikimedia Commons

Thürmer Pianoforte Museum

Museum

Map View

If you are musically inclined, and especially if you are into pianos, don’t miss the Thürmer Pianoforte Museum. The museum belongs to the famous piano manufacturing company, Ferdinand Thürmer, and traces the history and evolution of the company as well as the musical instrument. Piano concerts are regularly hosted here.

Meißner Fummel

You can’t leave Meissen without trying the city’s famous delicacy, Fummel, best enjoyed with coffee. It is basically a puffed-up, fragile pastry, dusted with sugar and with a rich filling of – air!

Schloss Proschwitz

Meissen is one of the most important hubs of wine production in Saxony, making wine-tasting the most popular tourist activity in town. While there are endless excellent taverns and wineries in Meissen, Schloss Proschwitz deserves special mention. It is the oldest private winery in Saxony and has been delighting wine connoisseurs since the 12th century. Here, visitors get to enjoy incredible views of the castle, the cathedral and the Elbe River, while sipping a glass or two of refreshing wine. You can also purchase your favorite wine to take home.

Heiliger Grund 2, 01665 Meißen, Germany, +49 (0) 3521 40600

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