Whether you’re a history buff, a lover of fine porcelain, or simply seeking a picturesque escape, Meissen, Germany promises an unforgettable German adventure. You definitely want to add this historic city to your Germany bucket list – especially if you’re also visiting Dresden and Leipzig. Here are 5 things to do when you take a trip to Meissen Germany!
1. Stop in at the Tourist Information Center
We think it’s always a good idea to stop at tourist information centers when you arrive in a new town. Not only can you gather brochures and information about the city, but they often have free and clean toilets you can use as well.
2. Tour the Meissen Porcelain Factory
Meissen is internationally recognized as the birthplace of European porcelain thanks to Augustus the Strong’s, Elector of Saxony, obsession with Chinese porcelain. Turns out, Chinese porcelain was expensive to buy so Augustus the Strong wanted to make it himself.
After years of trial and error, alchemist Johann Friedrich Bottger and physicist Ehrenfried Walther von Tschirnhaus figured out how to make porcelain inside the Albrechtsburg Castle in Meissen. Meissen Porcelain was founded in the early 1700s, and Meissen has been a famous porcelain manufactory ever since.
Visitors are invited to explore the Porcelain Factory, eat at its restaurant, tour the museum and more. You can spend an entire day learning about the manufacture of porcelain here – and it is so much more interesting than I thought it would be!
The Meissen Porcelain Factory Museum features beautiful examples of porcelain made during their 300 years of history. Visiting the museum is included with your tour ticket so make sure to leave enough time to see the museum!
3. Paint Your Own Souvenir Mug at Meissen Porcelain Factory
While you’re at Meissen Porcelain, make sure to paint your own mug! I think this is one of the best souvenirs you can have from an area so famous for the manufacture of porcelain. It’s a fun process and you’ll look forward to getting the mug in the mail when you get home.
4. Ride the Panorama Lift (Panorama Aufzug)
For an easy assent to the Burgberg, take the Panorama Lift! It’s quick and cheap! Plus it has great views. You’ll go up 33 meters in under a minute and save yourself some steps.
5. Albrechtsburg Castle
Perched on the hill overlooking the Elbe River and the town, Albrechtsburg Castle is an architectural gem and one of Germany’s oldest castles. In fact, it’s said to be THE oldest German castle built for residential purposes. The Albrechtsburg Castle was started in 929 at the order of King Henry I and it became the official royal seat of the electorate of Saxony in 1423. You must explore the 1000+ year old castle in the town considered the “cradle of Saxony.”
It was home to the House of Wettin, the ruling family of Saxony. You’ll love the intricately painted walls and ceilings in the beautiful rooms, stunning views of Meissen, and a museum where you can learn more about making porcelain in an interactive exhibit.
We really enjoyed the Histo-pad at the Albrechtsburg Castle too. This augmented reality shows what the castle was like in 3D.
