Although I was born and raised in the United States, I still feel very German. Both of my maternal Grandparents immigrated from Germany and raised me with their traditions, culture, and language. Despite my closeness with their home country, I had only visited once in my life and while I desired to return, the opportunity never presented itself. Thus, when I received an invitation from AirBerlin to experience Germany with them — on my Grandmother’s 80th Birthday no less — I could not have been more excited!
The trip began with an unforgettable flight via AirBerlin’s brand-new business class from New York City to Berlin. It was without a doubt the most luxurious plane ride I have ever taken. It is very rare that I am sad when a plane lands, but this time was definitely an exception. From the airport, I quickly departed for the train station for my two-hour ride to Dresden, the city my trip would officially begin in.
My grandmother warned me that I would fall in love with Dresden and she was right, as I was swept off my feet in seconds! In order to become familiarized with the city, AirBerlin provided me and the rest of the group with a guided tour through Dresden’s centuries old cobblestone streets. Unfortunately, we were a week too early to see the Christmas Markets open, however it was impossible to not get caught up in the infectious spirit of the holiday season that was already all around us. The Dresden Christmas Markets happen to be the oldest in all of Germany, dating back to the 15th Century.
During World War II, Dresden suffered major destruction to its magnificent buildings. Even though it has since been rebuilt, it is still possible to this day to see the damaging effects of this hideous part of our history. Nonetheless, when traveling in Dresden be prepared to be in absolute awe of its human-made beauty.
Dinner was held at the unforgettable Pulverturm restaurant courtesy of Dresden Marketing. If you should find yourself in Dresden, this place cannot be missed. While the Saxonian food is superb, what really sets it apart from the rest is its ambiance. Housed in the original walls of the “Pulverturm,” which was once one of the most important buildings in all of Saxony, dining in this restaurant is truly like taking a step back in time.
Could you think of a better way to end your first night in Germany than with a slice of delicious apfelkuchen?
Great photos!
Thank you!
Very excited for your next post! And how would you rate the food at Pulverturm?
Superb, as mentioned in the post! 🙂 It was really, really good!!!
Although I was only there for a few hours on my way back from Berlin, I fell in love with Dresden! It had been on my radar since reading Slaughterhouse Five in high school, so seeing the church with the few original bricks was definitely memorable. Can’t wait to hear more!
Isn’t Dresden just amazing? Ugh! I want to go back for at least a week!
I’ve been living in Germany for 3 years now but I haven’t been to Dresden yet! I have to go this year!
Looking forward to reading your German adventures!
xx,
E.
http://www.theslowpace.com
You MUST go, you will absolutely LOVE it! Please let me know when you go!!! XO
You can tell your grandma that I fell in love with Dresden as well! I mean, it´s very hard not to have feelings for a place like that one! The architecture, the details, the cobblestone streets they all add to my brand new infatuation with this place! And I am really amazed because I never felt very attracted to any part of Germany at all!
You and I are sooo alike!!! Love it!
While not as closely linked to Germany as you are, my mom has a very German maiden name and most of her side of the family came from Germany whenever they first made their way to the US. I fell in love with Germany the first (and only) time I went, and I’m determined to return. Beautiful pics as always!
Fingers crossed you can return! I want to go back again this time with Lucas. I wish that I could go back with my Grandparents, but they are too old to travel now. Thank you for your kind words re: my pics.
Wow, I want to go on a photography tour with you 🙂
Awww you’re so sweet!
I have never really thought about Dresden as one of the places in Germany I’d like to go, but it sounds like I should reconsider that. It looks beautiful, and I can only imagine those cobblestone streets with the Christmas Markets going on!
You and R would LOVE it!!!!!
love your photos! and I’m drooling over that dessert 😉
Thank you!!! Yes, it was amazing!
Like Julia I have read Slaughterhouse Five and loved it, so I have always wanted to visit the city. This feeling has been intensified by your beautiful pictures. I will definitely visit someday.
I would not call this a hideous part of our history though. We were just trying to win the war as quickly as possible. The faster the war ends the less casualties on both sides. It may have been a mistake to bomb Dresden as the military importance of the city was questionable, but it was a war we never wanted and was brought to us by Hitler and Tojo. Japan bombed us and then Germany declared war on us. It is regrettable though that such a beautiful city was perhaps needlessly destroyed.
Oooh sorry you totally misunderstood what I meant by “hideous part of our history”. I was referring to what Hitler was doing, not to what the Americans did. I apologize if that was unclear. My Grandfather was able to escape Germany, by joining the US Military, so I was not criticizing them in any way!!!
I hope you can visit Dredsen one day soon, I know you’ll fall in love with it.
Sorry I misunderstood 🙂
love the pic’s would love to go
Thank you and I hope you can make it there soon!
I took German all through high school and college, yet I’ve only been to Germany for one day. ONE! I would love to go back and practice my language skills, though I’m sure I’ve lost most of it. 🙂
Oh gosh, you sooo need to go back then!!! Where was that 1 day spent? I bet you’d be surprised how quickly the German would come back to you if you spent a week there.
So much fun traveling with you. You truly capture all aspects of the places you visit. Looking forward to day 2 🙂
Awww you’re so sweet, that means a lot to me! Day 2 to come soon!!
What a beautiful city, I miss Germany a whole lot. I never had the chance to visit Dresden though (we lived in the Southern part of Germany). It looks like I missed out by not visiting!
You definitely need to go back to visit Dresden!!! How sad you missed it, but I haven’t seen much of the States and I’ve lived here my whole life.
Stunning! Germany is one place in Europe that never really caught my interest until lately (crazy, I know). We are planning on spending some time this spring to travel around it though- definitely going to add Dresden to the list!
Yay, so glad you’re adding it to the list!!! You’ll LOVE it!
Fabulous photos! Makes me want to go there asap!
I hope you can! 🙂
Your photos are simply amazing! I love old building and the all the charm and character that they have. They connect us and give us insight into the past. Thanks for stopping by YUMMommy!
I agree completely re: old buildings. So happy you like my photos!!!
I don’t know what that dessert is, but I want some of it now! My parents loved Dresden. I want to go to Germany on my next trip to Europe.
Oooh it’s THE dessert in Germany! I’m so glad you’re parents loved Dresden too.
So very glad I found your blog! Jealous of your travels and love your beautiful photography. I’m excited to follow along!
Awww I’m glad you found it too, welcome!!! Thank you X a million for your kind words!
There’s really nothing better than a luxurious flight experience… because when they are bad, they are REALLY terrible. Glad to hear about AirBerlin!
The Style Scribe
Couldn’t agree more and AirBerlin is AWESOME!
It’s posts like these that get me more and more pumped to visit Germany later this year! As always, thanks for sharing 🙂
Happy travels!
Awww so happy to hear that you found this inspiring for your trip! You’ll love Germany!
The snaps shared are Awesome. Like your blog and useful information shared through it. Like to become your follower. Keep sharing. Thank you.
Thank you so much for your kind words, I really do you hope you come back again!
Your photos are awesome. The spirit of Dresden in every picture. Congrats and greetings from Dresden.
Wow thank you so much, you have no idea how much that means to me!!! Dresden is such a magical place! You’re lucky you get to call it home.
Gorgeous pics!
Thank you!!!
Great pictures, Dresden looks like a lovely place. I often find that Germany is so full of character and great design in it’s architecture.
I’ve never flown Air Berlin. I’d love to hear more as to why you loved the in-flight experience so much.
I will talk about it more in a later post for sure! I agree re: your thoughts on Germany!
I went to Dresden (twice) in 2005 because it was so enchanting! Love it there. I can only imagine how glorious it would be around Christmastime. My fave pic has to be the one of you reflecting in the Christmas ornament. Beautiful photos as always. x
Haha I love that you went twice back to back, I would so do that as well!!! You must return during the Holidays, it’s simply magical!
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Wow. I’ve said it before but you REALLY need to do a coffee table book with your photos. Anyone who isn’t interested in travel would be after seeing these. What an adorable town and AMAZING restaurant. I’m hoping to get to Germany myself next year, I might have to make some room for Dresden. It looks like a fairy tale city.
Seriously, you have no idea how much that means to me when you say that!!! I can’t even imagine having a coffee table book with my photos. What a dream! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your kind words. I hope that you can find room for Dresden. I know you would absolutely fall head over heels in love with it.
Andi, thank you so much for always inspiring me to travel to new places! Adding Dresden to the list, as well as AirBerlin too!!!
You’re beyond welcome!!! You’ll love both, I promise!
Fell in love with Dresden in 1999, only now getting to go back this May. I am so looking forward to it all over again.
How exciting! May is just around the corner. Have the best time!!!
Faced with photos and views like these, how can anyone dislike Dresden? Nope, not me! I would’ve liked another 1-2 days to go through Dresden in a slower manner than a mere daytrip from Berlin. Thanks for your post, Andi!
Hahaha! I think it would be impossible to not like Dresden really. Yes, I only spent 2 days there and that simply was not enough!!!
oh so beautiful , hope one day visit this country I love so much
Thank you!!! Fingers crossed you make it there soon!
Now, you have made me want to go there!
Yay! 🙂
Berlin has got to be one of my favorite international cities. It’s one of those “something or everyone” destinations, and I’d love to go back during Christmastime at some point! I’ve never been to Dresden, but I’ve also never been to a German city I didn’t love so I’m sure I’d dig it, too. Having spent 14 months living on either side of Germany–to the west in Holland and the north in Denmark–I found myself there a lot.
I liked Berlin, but I loved Dresden! Germany is just so magical during the holidays!!! You’re really lucky that you used to travel to Germany often!
I’m a big fan of your blog and I just love your Germany posts!
Thank you!