Surrounded by the eastern Erzgebirge ("ore mountains"), the sandstone cliffs of Saxon Switzerland and the Lusatian hills, Dresden is ideally situated for excursions into beautiful countryside.Meissen
The world-famous Meissen porcelain factory has been producing masterpieces since it was first founded in 1710. The Renaissance Albrechtsburg Castle, with its stone spiral staircase, is Germany's earliest example of a castle built purely as a residence, rather than a fortress. Beneath the hill on which the castle sits is the old quarter with its market square and beautiful town hall.Moritzburg Palace
Set in a landscape of idyllic lakes is Moritzburg Palace and its baroque hunting lodge, one of Europe's loveliest moated palaces. Rüdenhof, the last home of Käthe Kollwitz, has an exhibition of works and personal documents relating to this famous German artist and sculptor. The annual stallion parade at the well-known Moritzburg stud is a very popular event.Radebeul
The "villa town" of Radebeul exudes an almost mediterranean atmosphere with its vineyards around the historical Hoflössnitz wine-growing estate and Wackerbarth stately home with its famous landmark, Belvedere Palace. The Karl May Museum in the home of this best-selling author takes visitors back to the days of the "Wild West". From Radebeul, a steam-powered narrow-gauge railway runs through the picturesque lake-studded countryside to Moritzburg, a journey of around 30 minutes.