Home to those who like combining relaxation and exploration during their vacation, the motto of the Erzebirge Mountains is, “unwind today and leave the adventures for tomorrow” — meaning it is the perfect destination for everyone. It is beloved by so many around the world, that it is even being considered as a future UNESCO World Heritage Site.
For lunch, the Erzebirge Mountains Toursim took us to the quirky restaurant inside of the Wolkensteiner Zughotel. For both train enthusiasts and foodies this is a complete dream-come-true, as the surroundings are fascinating and the food is delicious.
After lunch we traveled onwards to the charming city of Annaberg-Buchholz where we visited the Manufaktur der Träume. The Factory of Dreams is the largest and most significant private collections of children’s toys worldwide thanks to Dr. Erika Pohl-Ströher. More than 1,000 objects spanning four centuries are on display. My favorite was the recreation of Noah’s ark.
Before returning to Dresden, we made a quick stop at St. Anne’s Cathedral, which is the largest, true hall church in Saxony. Built in the 15th Century, the architectural style is a mix of the Late Gothic and Renaissance periods. It is considered the heart and soul of the town and it is easy to see why when you walk inside.
Right next to the Cathedral was a Christmas store that we quickly stopped inside. The Erzebirge region is the cradle of German Christmas tradition. Most homes are lovingly decorated over the holiday season and each year families buy new items to add to their growing collection. My favorite thing in the store was a photographer Smoker. The incense Smokers have been a symbol of the German culture since the first one was handcrafted around 1850.
Then it was time to leave the mountains for our final dinner in Dresden. The restaurant we dined in, Speisen & Getränke, has been around for nearly a century. Situated on the Elbe River, in this establishment you can enjoy Saxon specialties or exclusive Italian cuisine with magnificent views. I simply cannot imagine a better location!
Wow – really gorgeous photos! I’ve never been outside of the U.S. but taking a train throughout Europe is definitely on my list – thank you for sharing your amazing travels with us!!
Thank you so much!!! I hope you can cross Europe off your Bucket List soon!
I’ve never heard of the Erzebirge region but it looks beautiful! The train restaurant is so cute.
It’s sooo beautiful! I hope you can go there one day!!!
I just love the Rauschermann figures. The craftsmanship is so impressive and adds so much to the holiday experience in Germany.
Agree 100%!!!
Andi, what a dreamy vacation post. I see you hav e had a great time. And that cake omg yam.
Let me know if you ever come to the capital 😉 xo
I was in the capitol right after Dresden! Shame I didn’t know you were based in Berlin otherwise I would have definitely met up with you. I’ll be back I’m sure though!!!
Some people say food isn’t a highlight of Germany but I totally disagree – I love it! Your dishes here look so yummy
I couldn’t agree with you more and it was super yummy!!!
Gorgeous photos! You’re making me want to go back to Europe!
Thank you so much!!! I hope you can return soon dear! 🙂
Wow, Andi! I miss Germany so much. You are awesome.
Awwwwwww you have no idea how much your comment means to me! XO
Andi, I love your photos! I’ve been to Germany twice and had the pleasure of staying with a young couple in their home in Bavaria. Absolutely LOVED it. I reciprocated by hosting a few young German women in my home in Canada. Wow,your pictures bring back memories! I got my albums out and looked back at those wonderful days in Bavaria! P.S. I’m going to London & Paris in July 2014….any tips? (perhaps you can e-mail me if you have time?) Thanks again for the memories!
I’m so delighted you love my photos and that they brought back wonderful memories, yay! It must have been incredible to do a home stay in Bavaria. I just wrote about my recent trip to London. You should check out my posts. I wrote about Paris I believe about 2 years ago.
Andi, wonderful photos (any photos with you also?) 🙂 Dresden is my favourite city! I went there 5 times already and never got rid of it (I live in Prague so it’s not so difficult).
Did you visit also Prague?
Big hugs!
Oana
Sorry, none with me in Dresden! I have gotten so bad lately of getting my picture taken. I will try better on my next trip! 🙂 I love that you’ve been to Dresden 5X. You’re so lucky!!! I haven’t been to Prague, but I would LOVE to go one day. Hugs back!
Beautiful!
Thank you!