Tag: Weekend Getaway

Holland’s Maldivian Water Villas at Oasis Punt-West Hotel & Beach Resort

Punt-West Hotel & Beachresort, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Ouddorp

In the middle of the nature reserve “De Punt” on the Grevelingenmeer is the modern Oasis Punt-West Hotel & Beach Resort, which we reached after a good 3-hour drive from Cologne.

The only five-year-old facility in Ouddorp in the south of Holland (near Renesse) is located directly on the Grevelingenmeer inland waterway.

The sea may not be as clear as the crystal blue water in the Maldives, but the villas and studios are located directly on the water! Most of them even have their own beach.

Instead of the Mediterranean palm trees, you look out over the bright green dune grass from the terrace or the panoramic windows.

Punt-West Hotel & Beachresort, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Ouddorp

Oasis Punt-West Hotel & Beach Resort 

We were able to enjoy the wonderful view of the place directly upon arrival in our modern “Hotelstudio Waterfront” for 2-persons. On the ground floor, there is a small kitchenette and living room. From the couch, you can always watch the sea drifting through the wide, panoramic windows.

On the first floor, you reach the bedroom and bathroom, where well-scented Rituals products await you! My personal highlight was, of course, the terrace directly above the sea and the quietness in the resort that makes one really relax.

Also, during breakfast and/or in the restaurant, one always has a direct view of the wide sea!

At the reception, in the restaurant building, you can also rent a SUP or bike.

Punt-West Hotel & Beachresort, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Ouddorp
Punt-West Hotel & Beachresort, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Ouddorp
Punt-West Hotel & Beachresort, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Ouddorp
Punt-West Hotel & Beachresort, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Ouddorp
Punt-West Hotel & Beachresort, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Ouddorp

For your information:

The stairs to the first floor are a bit steep. We always carried Chuck, our Frenchie, upstairs, as he could not walk up them alone. Even for older people who find it difficult to climb the stairs, it is better to choose another type of accommodation in the resort.

The fitted kitchen has a microwave but no stove. You should bring your own salt, pepper, oil etc. if you want to prepare something.

There is no partition wall between the terraces of the studios. If both studios are occupied, you end up sitting very close together on the terrace. Dogs, for example, can run over to the neighbours quickly.

Conclusion

We absolutely enjoyed the peace and quiet and the location. Our Hotelstudio is offered on the website for about 350€/night, including breakfast, which is, of course, an exclusive price.

Therefore, the price-performance ratio did not fit 100% for me, as the equipment of the hotel studio is very ordinary. However, I did look at some villas from the outside, which were very ornate! Especially as a big family or a group of friends, one can have a great time here!

Punt-West Hotel & Beachresort, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Ouddorp
Punt-West Hotel & Beachresort, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Ouddorp

Things to do

  • Beach Time
    • Not far from the resort (about 15 minutes walk) is the 18km long coastal beach. Even during Corpus Christi, there was hardly anything going on here, and we could really enjoy the absolute silence! I definitely recommend a walk to the lighthouse and a romantic picnic at sunset. If during the day the weather is halfway ok, you can expect a beautiful sunset!
  • Bicycle Tour
    • An absolute must in Holland is of course to explore the area by bike. You have a great landscape all around, which you can explore by bike.
  • Brouwersdam
    • Whoever arrives early in the morning by car or camper has a great first-row seat at the sea to watch the kite surfers. Unfortunately, you don’t get breakfast here, but there are plenty of public houses on the Dam!

If you do not want to spend a day at the sea, you can be in Rotterdam or The Hague in less than an hour.

Punt-West Hotel & Beachresort, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Ouddorp
Punt-West Hotel & Beachresort, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Ouddorp
Punt-West Hotel & Beachresort, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Ouddorp
Punt-West Hotel & Beachresort, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Ouddorp
Punt-West Hotel & Beachresort, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Ouddorp
Punt-West Hotel & Beachresort, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Ouddorp

Holidays on the Moselle – The Perfect Weekend

Mosel, Moselschleife, Landal GreenPark, Moselle, Deutschland,

The Moselle, also known as one of the most impressive river landscapes in Europe, is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Germany. It’s a site that both the younger and older generations can enjoy!

Idyllic wine villages, a multitude of hiking trails with a view of the stunning vineyards, wineries and countless rustic restaurants with a great selection of wines, as well as the tasty home-style cooking and the varied sports programme make for an unforgettable short trip to the Moselle! Of course, I have summarized exactly what you can do on a weekend or a long weekend like Whitsun or Corpus Christi, so you don’t miss out on anything.

Mosel, Moselschleife, Landal GreenPark, Moselle, Deutschland,

Where to stay?

The Landal GreenPark Mont Royal really lives up to its motto “My holiday in the countryside”.  The holiday park surrounded by forest with its contemporary-style architecture really did it for us! We, obviously, went to the open holiday park Landal GreenPark Mont Royal over Whitsuntide, but we didn’t have any great expectations, as holiday parks often get old.

Mosel, Moselschleife, Landal GreenPark, Moselle, Deutschland,

When entering our modern 6-bed house, I had to pause for a while and think about our Tiny House in Estonia, our apartment in Australia, and the Nordic interior decoration! The stylish furnishing with sophisticated interior design is simply impressive. Also, the houses in the park are very much the “Insta Houses.” Extremely photogenic!

The accommodations are not just a pretty sight, they have almost everything that you‘ll need! Many even have a Nespresso machine. You can find out more about this before your arrival. Think about the kitchen basics like salt, pepper, oil, and an outdoor grill!

If you are missing anything, you can always ask at the reception desk. The friendly, courteous staff will be happy to help you! A walk to the reception is always worthwhile, as there are goats, a restaurant, a miniature golf course, and a playground to look out for.

We spent a lot of time at our house. In the mornings, we had big breakfasts on the terrace, sometimes indoors, and in the evenings we saw beautiful sunsets with a glass of wine and a round of wizard.

But there are a lot of leisure activities in the surroundings that you can go for!

Mosel, Moselschleife, Landal GreenPark, Moselle, Deutschland,
Mosel, Moselschleife, Landal GreenPark, Moselle, Deutschland,
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is DSC02536-scaled.jpg
Mosel, Moselschleife, Landal GreenPark, Moselle, Deutschland,
Mosel, Moselschleife, Landal GreenPark, Moselle, Deutschland,
Mosel, Moselschleife, Landal GreenPark, Moselle, Deutschland,
Mosel, Moselschleife, Landal GreenPark, Moselle, Deutschland,
Mosel, Moselschleife, Landal GreenPark, Moselle, Deutschland,
Mosel, Moselschleife, Landal GreenPark, Moselle, Deutschland,

What to do?

Hiking Trails:

Kröv -Traben – Trarbach

On our first day on the Moselle, we set off with the dogs from our house in the Landal Mont Royal Park in Kröv to Traben-Trarbach.

The approx. 4.5km long hike offers great views and promises some exciting surprises along the way!

It takes only 5 minutes to cross the former fortress of Mont Royal and through the walls of the fortress to the forest paths that lead you directly to the gliding airfield “Mont Royal”. Here, one can watch how several gliders take off! It was a real highlight of the trip for me, as I‘ve never seen how it works. Those who want can also have something to eat or drink in the appendant inn.

From here, we continue to Traben-Trarbach. After another 15 minutes through the forest, you will be surprised with a wonderful view over a Moselle valley, followed by numerous vineyards and a great view of the village of Traben-Trarbach.

After the approx. one-hour hike, we treated ourselves to a delicious wine spritzer right on the Moselle.

Mosel, Moselschleife, Landal GreenPark, Moselle, Deutschland,
Mosel, Moselschleife, Landal GreenPark, Moselle, Deutschland,
Mosel, Moselschleife, Landal GreenPark, Moselle, Deutschland,

Calmont Klettersteig

The Calmont Klettersteig was one of my most adventurous experiences; not only because I flew my drone into a tree, but also because of its narrow paths.

Don’t worry! It is not really dangerous. Height may be an issue because the path next to the hiking trail dips into a steep slope. However, after the 3 kilometers and 400 meters of altitude difference, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking view over the Mosel loop! If you don’t like to go that far, you can stop after 5-10 minutes and enjoy the view from there.

By the way, the Calmont is known as the steepest vineyard in Europe! So, do not forget to put on non-slip hiking boots.

Mosel, Moselschleife, Landal GreenPark, Moselle, Deutschland,

Bernkastel-Kues

In the many stories that I read, Bernkastel-Kues was named the most beautiful town on the Moselle. I can only confirm this! Especially breathtaking were the historic market place and the beautiful half-timbered facades that the romantic old town boasts. Here, you will find many cafés, restaurants and shops.

A little tip: Try to come here on a Friday or during the week. On weekends and public holidays, it can get quite crowded.

Mosel, Moselschleife, Landal GreenPark, Moselle, Deutschland,

Abenteuer Pur:

Pure Adventure

The Moselle Adventure Forest is only 5 minutes walk from the Landal GreenPark Mont Royal. Unfortunately, it was closed during our visit, but it impressed me so much that I have to tell you about it! I have seen some climbing parks in the past, but I have never seen anything like it!

Mosel, Moselschleife, Landal GreenPark, Moselle, Deutschland,

Hanging Rope Bridge Geierlay

Have your ever had the chance to go over a hanging rope bridge? So if you are around, don’t forget to check it out! The 360m long bridge is for nobody with fear of heights! Crossing the bridge is a real adventure! But for now, check the website to see when you can cross it and from which direction. Due to corona measures you cannot cross it at any time as usual.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B46vxCjqjnb/

TOP 10 things to do in Budapest

I never thought that I could experience the beauty of two unique cities in one place. 48 hours in Budapest felt like Paris and Berlin at the same time. Majestic buildings like in Paris and hip pubs, vintage shops and street art like in Berlin are no rarity in Budapest. Honestly, some European capitals should beware of this modern Hungarian capital. The wide avenues, the coffee house culture and the wonderful Danube entices one to take a city trip!

I’ve compiled, just for you, the best tips when in Budapest:

– Visit Fisherman’s Bastion

Fisherman’s Bastion is located in the older part of Budapest, also known as Buda. On one side of the Danube is Buda, and on the other side is Pest. The Fisherman’s Bastion, however, cannot be overlooked by the sights of Pest!

From the seven fabulous white towers, you can take a panoramic view of the whole city. This historical monument was my personal highlight of the trip, as the place is simply picturesque. For unique pictures, you should be there before the first tourist buses arrive at 9 am. Otherwise, you can visit Fisherman’s Bastion 24 hours except for the towers, which close at the 21st hour.

Many ways lead to the Fisherman’s Bastion, of course, but I recommend you to walk from the city to the castle hill if the weather is good.

– Cross Széchenyi Chain Bridge

On the way to the Fisherman’s Bastion, you’ll definitely cross the Chain Bridge. On foot, you have the opportunity to make several stops, take a deep breath, and simply enjoy the view over the Danube.

– Danube River Cruise

Another highlight was the evening cruise over the Danube. A boat trip there is best done in the evening after dusk. The illuminated panorama can be especially enjoyed with a romantic glass of wine or even beer.

Usually, the 48h ticket costs between 8€ and 10€ per person. So, you could also take a day trip the next day with the same ticket.

– Discover the Third Biggest Parliament Building in the World

The impressive parliament building in Budapest is definitely a must-watch. The gargantuan structure can be seen from far away. You can see it particularly well from the Fisherman’s Bastion or while on a tour of the Danube. Of course, you can also take a tour inside the third largest parliament in the world.

– On the Top of St. Stephen’s Basilica

From the highest church of Budapest, 96 meters above, you can get a scenic, bird’s-eye view of the city for just 200 HUF. The domes inside the St. Stephen’s Basilica reminded me a little bit of the Vatican City in Rome.

– Watch the Sunset at a Rooftop Bar

A very special and unique rooftop bar can be found on the luxurious shopping street, Andrássy út, in the middle of the city centre. From a transparent igloo, you can watch the sunset with a delicious drink in hand or Swiss cheese fondue.

The 360 Bar really offers a 360-degree view of Budapest.

– Vintage Shopping in Budapest

Almost everywhere in Budapest, you can find vintage design and second-hand shops. Many are located in the Jewish quarter. Be sure to check out Retrock and Szputnyik D20. Don’t forget (!) the shops are also open on Sundays.

– Explore the Jewish Quarter

Speaking of the Jewish quarter, don’t just explore the vintage shops, but also the street art, trendy cafes, and delicious restaurants. It’s the place to be in for hipsters! The restaurant Mazel Tov or Twenty Six is remarkably delectable.

– Eat Local Food

I still remember eating the mouth-watering goulash dishes with pleasure. The hearty Hungarian cuisine is a MUST during your time in Budapest. Langos with garlic cream and cheese can be found on almost every corner. For the sweet hunger, I recommend Kürtőskalács – a chimney cake made from sweet yeast and then spun around a truncated cone-shaped baking material.

– Stay at Radisson Blu in Budapest

Right in the middle of it all, you’ll be staying at the newly renovated and modern Radisson Blu Béke Hotel. The main train station is only 300m away, and only 500m away is the famous Boulevard Andrássy with all the famous shops!

In the spacious rooms, we could relax wonderfully after a long day in the city. The beds are super comfortable.

The Nespresso machine in the room and the extensive breakfast buffet are not the only things we can eat in the morning. My tip? An omelette with everything and cheese!

How to Get Around?

In Budapest, you can reach all the tourist hot spots on foot. So, you can see more, of course! If you need to go faster, I recommend the taxi app “Bolt” or the app “Lime” for the e-scooters.

Übernachten wie Bill Clinton oder Ana Johnson im Steigenberger Grandhotel & Spa Petersberg

Steigenberger, Petersberg, Das Steigenberger Grandhotel & Spa auf dem Petersberg, Fasten Ur Seatbelts

The Steigenberger Grandhotel & Spa on the Petersberg has been known for years as the former guest house of the Federal Government. In the middle of the Siebengebirge, not only celebrities like Bill Clinton or Nelson Mandela were once guests here, but recently the successful blogger Ana Johnson too! Last weekend we were able to get an impression of the exclusive hotel on the Petersberg, which only recently reopened after two years of renovation.

Steigenberger, Petersberg, Das Steigenberger Grandhotel & Spa auf dem Petersberg, Fasten Ur Seatbelts

The Hotel

Before I tell you about the 103 stylishly furnished rooms and the 9 spacious suites, I don’t want to miss out on depicting the idyllic scenery on our approach to the Petersberg. Already from here you have an enormous view of nature and the Rhine Valley.

Once you arrive at the top, you can feel the peculiarity of the hotel at first hand. You don’t just drive along the entrance to an exclusive five-star hotel, but a castle-like building that receives you accordingly.

Under a bright blue sky, we could check-in directly in our Rheinblick Suite. By the way, here, the name stands for its true meaning. For me, the view was particularly so special, because I could also see my home from up there.

In our spacious room, we missed out on nothing. Also, our French Bulldog, Chuck, enjoyed the spacious area very much.

Pure relaxation is offered by the very comfortable box springboard and the pillow menu. But if you need even more relaxation, you can visit the modern spa area. My absolute favourite was the fitness room with the latest Technogym equipment.

All sports fans can, of course, relax directly in the sauna, the indoor pool, or simply in the relaxation room with a view of the Rhine.

Steigenberger, Petersberg, Das Steigenberger Grandhotel & Spa auf dem Petersberg, Fasten Ur Seatbelts

Steigenberger, Petersberg, Das Steigenberger Grandhotel & Spa auf dem Petersberg, Fasten Ur Seatbelts

Steigenberger, Petersberg, Das Steigenberger Grandhotel & Spa auf dem Petersberg, Fasten Ur Seatbelts

Steigenberger, Petersberg, Das Steigenberger Grandhotel & Spa auf dem Petersberg, Fasten Ur Seatbelts

Restaurant

Absolute relaxation, can, of course, never be complete without a special kitchen. Already in the morning, you get everything your heart desires with a great view on the Rhine. In summer, you can sit on a beautiful outdoor terrace and savour the fresh delicacies.

At least once you should try the kitchen of the star chef Anthony Sarpong. We were not only impressed by the unique and remarkably delicious dishes, but also by the local wine accompaniment. If you like, you can even visit the winegrowers at the nearby winery the next day, and take back a souvenir with you.

The extremely attractive cuisine is also offered at festivities in the hotel, especially in summer, the hotel hosts a large number of weddings in the beautiful banqueting halls. Here, every bride gets 100%, a fairytale wedding!

Steigenberger, Petersberg, Das Steigenberger Grandhotel & Spa auf dem Petersberg, Fasten Ur Seatbelts

Steigenberger, Petersberg, Das Steigenberger Grandhotel & Spa auf dem Petersberg, Fasten Ur Seatbelts

Steigenberger, Petersberg, Das Steigenberger Grandhotel & Spa auf dem Petersberg, Fasten Ur Seatbelts

Steigenberger, Petersberg, Das Steigenberger Grandhotel & Spa auf dem Petersberg, Fasten Ur Seatbelts

Steigenberger, Petersberg, Das Steigenberger Grandhotel & Spa auf dem Petersberg, Fasten Ur Seatbelts

Location

Only recently, the Lonely Planet ranked the city of Bonn 5th, among the best travel cities in the year 2020. So, if you are planning a city trip to Bonn, you can enjoy the proximity to the centre of Bonn and nature in the Hotel Steigenberger on the Petersberg.

However, it is not a must to leave the Petersberg on a short weekend trip. The Petersberg offers a variety of hiking trails right in front of the door! But if you still want to explore the Siebengebirge, I’d recommend to drive to the parking lot of the Drachenfels and hike from there to the Drachenburg.

On the 30-minute way to the top, you will pass some rustic restaurants, the castle Drachenburg and some donkeys, which make the ascent easier for some.

From Cologne Bonn Airport, it takes only 25 – 35 minutes (depending on the traffic situation) to get to the hotel.

Steigenberger, Petersberg, Das Steigenberger Grandhotel & Spa auf dem Petersberg, Fasten Ur Seatbelts

Conclusion

Do you want to visit this fabulous hotel?

Then have a look at our website. Even if you don’t live far from the Steigenberger Hotel Petersberg like me, it’s still worth escaping everyday life and just relaxing. It was certainly not my last time at the Steigenberger Grandhotel & Spa Petersberg!

Steigenberger, Petersberg, Das Steigenberger Grandhotel & Spa auf dem Petersberg, Fasten Ur Seatbelts

Andermatt – A hidden gem in Switzerland

Radisson Blu Andermatt, Radisson Blu, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Andermatt

Nature and outdoor lovers in Andermatt are like a match made in heaven! I would even call Andermatt in Switzerland an insider tip because it is only a 90-minute drive from Zurich and yet you experience pure nature. Although I was on-site during the summer holidays, I could relax incredibly and was able to roam the small towns without much hustle and bustle. If you are planning a short trip or a longer active holiday in Switzerland, you should not underestimate the beauty of Andermatt.

How to get to Andermatt?

From Zurich Airport you have several options to come to Andermatt. You can either take the train and enjoy just under 3 hours driving through the mountains or rent a rental car and reach Andermatt within 1 ½ hour.

We drove from the airport by train to Andermatt. The train journey is incredibly fast. However, you have to change the train about 3-4 times. When you do arrive in Andermatt, you do not really need a car. You can reach everything on the spot by a train or bike. Inside, everything is within easy walking distance.

What to do?

Andermatt offers so many activities that you will not get bored. We borrowed e-mountain bikes, for a day, from the Mammoth Store directly across from our Radisson Blu hotel.

Within less than 2 hours, we drove past the famous Teufelsbrücke to the Göscheneralpsee, a beautiful reservoir that is not so popular, even on Instagram. We also had to drive about 5 minutes of the whole ride the main road. Other than that, you can enjoy the full ride to the fullest at every beautiful place and make pit stops anywhere you want. Take a look at the small lake beyond the campsite. The campsite is about 4km before the Göscheneralpsee. The family-run restaurant right on the Göscheneralpsee is also worth a visit. After a successful trip, we had an Aperol. The return to Andermatt took only 50 minutes.

But you do not have to drive that far to reach about 1800m altitude. The mountain railway in Andermatt drives you directly up to Gütsch and can you get a fantastic view of the Taldörfer and the Alps. At the top, there are numerous hiking routes. We decided to go down the mountain because we really wanted to pet the cows. On our way back to the valley, we made a little stop for a memorable picnic, which we were able to take from the hotel.

Radisson Blu Andermatt, Radisson Blu, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Andermatt

Radisson Blu Andermatt, Radisson Blu, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Andermatt

Radisson Blu Andermatt, Radisson Blu, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Andermatt

Radisson Blu Andermatt, Radisson Blu, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Andermatt

Radisson Blu Andermatt, Radisson Blu, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Andermatt

Radisson Blu Andermatt, Radisson Blu, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Andermatt

Radisson Blu Andermatt, Radisson Blu, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Andermatt

Radisson Blu Andermatt, Radisson Blu, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Andermatt

Radisson Blu Andermatt, Radisson Blu, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Andermatt

Radisson Blu Andermatt, Radisson Blu, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Andermatt

Radisson Blu Andermatt, Radisson Blu, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Andermatt

Where to stay?

Most of you have probably heard of the Chedi Hotel in Andermatt. But it is not the only place to be in Andermatt. Our hotel, the Radisson Blu Hotel Andermatt, was opened at the end of 2018 and is the perfect base for a relaxing or active holiday in the mountains. Here you are ideally kept whether you are enterprising and at the same time would like to use the great fitness and wellness facilities. My personal highlight was the view from the swimming pool and the gym. Also, the fitness equipment is the most modern and latest the market has to offer. The sports offer definitely motivated me to go to the gym every day.

Honestly, that was badly needed because I could not stop myself from eating voraciously at breakfast. Mainly only fresh and local products were offered, which of course I had to try at all costs! On the second day, I restrained myself a bit and prepared a fresh omelette and waffle.

Absolutely impressive is that no palm oil is used in the whole breakfast buffet.

In the evening, in the restaurant, we “Spun” a combination of Italian and Swiss food. There is something for everyone on the map. The spaghetti with truffles or, of course, the main “Surf and Turf” tasted excellent!

In an emergency, the very friendly waiters were always there to give us a tip. I like to pass on an insider tip! Normally I would not have ordered the dessert “Anderwald” before the nut nougat cuts, but I still dream of that refreshing dessert to this date!

Speaking of dreams … After a full day in the fresh air and a short sauna before we went to bed, I slept like a baby in our spacious Scandinavian-style room.

I often think of this great stay even now, because it was a completely perfect holiday for me and, definitely, not for the last time in Andermatt!

Radisson Blu Andermatt, Radisson Blu, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Andermatt

Radisson Blu Andermatt, Radisson Blu, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Andermatt

Radisson Blu Andermatt, Radisson Blu, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Andermatt

Radisson Blu Andermatt, Radisson Blu, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Andermatt

Radisson Blu Andermatt, Radisson Blu, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Andermatt

Radisson Blu Andermatt, Radisson Blu, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Andermatt

Radisson Blu Andermatt, Radisson Blu, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Andermatt

Radisson Blu Andermatt, Radisson Blu, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Andermatt

Radisson Blu Andermatt, Radisson Blu, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Andermatt

Radisson Blu Andermatt, Radisson Blu, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Andermatt

Radisson Blu Andermatt, Radisson Blu, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Andermatt

Radisson Blu Andermatt, Radisson Blu, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Andermatt

Radisson Blu Andermatt, Radisson Blu, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Andermatt

Radisson Blu Andermatt, Radisson Blu, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Andermatt

Radisson Blu Andermatt, Radisson Blu, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Andermatt

48 hours in Dresden – Travel Guide to Dresden

Dresden, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Travel Guide, Steigenberger Hotel

When it comes to travelling, why go so far when you have so many great places nearby! Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg are the most famous cities for a city break in Germany. However, I keep writing and telling everyone that Germany has so much more to offer. Last year, I was in Heidelberg and gave an account of it. This summer took me to Dresden. I am still going back and forth from the baroque Old Town on the Elbe. A visit to Dresden offers a diverse range of activites, since not only culture enthusiasts but also shopping lovers will get their money’s worth!

Warum soll man eigentlich so weit verreisen, wenn man so viele tolle Orte in der Nähe hat! Berlin, München und Hamburg sind die bekanntesten Städte für einen Städtetrip in Deutschland. Allerdings schreibe ich immer wieder, dass Deutschland so viel mehr zu bieten hat! Letztes Jahr war ich erst in Heidelberg und habe darüber berichtet. Diesen Sommer hat es mich nach Dresden verschlagen! Ich bin immer noch hin und weg von der barocken Altstadt an der Elbe! Ein Besuch in Dresden ist super abwechslungsreich, da nicht nur Kulturbegeisterte, sondern auch Shoppingliebhaber voll auf Ihre Kosten kommen!

Dresden, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Travel Guide, Steigenberger Hotel

How to get to Dresden

Many roads lead to Dresden as well as to almost all places in the world. If you live in Germany, you should consider the distance based on the faced whether the person is traveling by car, train, or plane. We flew from Cologne, which was very pleasant. The flight does not even take an hour, and the small airport in Dresden makes the arrival and departure totally easy. The central station is, of course, central and is approached by almost all major cities within Germany. Of course, you can also consider whether you want to travel by bus rather than by car.

For all those living outside of Germany, I would always recommend taking the flight path. If there is no direct flight to Dresden, you can also drive from or to Dresden within 2 hours.

Auch nach Dresden führen wie zu fast allen Orten auf der Welt viele Wege. Wer in Deutschland wohnt, sollte anhand der Entfernung abwägen, ob er mit dem Auto, der Bahn oder dem Flugzeug anreist. Wir sind von Köln aus geflogen, was total angenehm war! Der Flug dauert noch nicht Mal eine Stunde und der kleine Flughafen in Dresden macht die An- und Abreise total einfach! Der Hauptbahnhof liegt natürlich zentraler und wird von fast allen Großstädten innerhalb Deutschlands angefahren! Natürlich könnt ihr auch überlegen, ob ihr anstatt mit dem Auto mit dem Bus anreisen möchtet.

Für alle außerhalb Deutschlands würde ich immer den Flugweg empfehlen! Sollte es keinen Direktflug nach Dresden geben, kann man auch innerhalb von 2 Stunden von Prag oder Berlin aus nach Dresden fahren.

Dresden, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Travel Guide, Steigenberger Hotel

 

What to Do

As already mentioned, there are countless possibilities when it comes to enjoyable activities in Dresden. But (!!) I especially liked that I could see all the main attractions, where the city thrives just after the 2 days of my arrival Dresden so, I didn’t miss out on anything.

I would start your tour at the Neumarkt, where you are at the same time directly at the Frauenkirche. On Neumarkt, you will find numerous cafes and restaurants overlooking the Frauenkirche. In good weather, you should definitely enjoy a glass of wine with a view of the Frauenkirche.

From here it is only a few meters to the Elbe. You will pass the Fürstenzug, Residenzschloss and the Augustusbrücke. Despite the construction of many new buildings and reconstructions, there is still a certain charm from the past infused here.

In particular, you will notice on the way to the Zwinger Palace, how clean the Old Town and the sights are.

If you are already looking forward to a little compensation for the sightseeing program, you can walk straight from the kennel garden to the shopping center “Altmarkt-Galerie Dresden.”

If you have no fixed program in the evening, I would definitely look at what movie in the open-air cinema is running. You cannot only watch entertaining movies but also sit right in front of the Elbe. Things can get hardly more romantic than that!

On the second day, the merged parks of Schloss Albrechtsberg, Lingnerschloss, Schloss Eckberg, and Saloppe, are definitely worth a visit. It’s best to go by tram. Just get information shortly beforehand, which train goes there. The journey takes about 25 minutes.

I have listed all the places in the Google Maps view again. You can even save the map in your app so that the locations are always displayed on your map in Dresden.

Dresden, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Travel Guide, Steigenberger Hotel

Dresden, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Travel Guide, Steigenberger Hotel

Dresden, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Travel Guide, Steigenberger Hotel

Dresden, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Travel Guide, Steigenberger Hotel

Dresden, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Travel Guide, Steigenberger Hotel

Wie bereits erwähnt gibt es unzählige Möglichkeiten an Aktivitäten in Dresden! ABER (!!) besonders gefallen hat mir, dass ich nach den 2 Tagen in Dresden schon den Hauptkern sehen konnte und mich dafür nicht abhetzen musste!

Ich würde eure Tour am Neumarkt starten, wo ihr gleichzeitig auch direkt an der Frauenkirche seid! Direkt am Neumarkt findet ihr zahlreiche Cafés und Restaurants mit Blick auf die Frauenkirche. Bei schönem Wetter sollte man auf jeden Fall ein Glas Wein mit dem Blick auf die Frauenkirche genießen.

Von hier aus sind es nur wenige Meter bis zur Elbe. Ihr kommt am Fürstenzug,  Residenzschloss sowie an der Augustbrücke vorbei! Trotz der vielen Neubauten und Rekonstruktionen besteht immer noch ein gewisser Charme aus der Vergangenheit.

Insbesondere wird euch auf dem weiteren Weg zum Zwingerpalast auffallen, wie sauber die Altstadt und die Sehenswürdigkeiten sind.

Wer sich jetzt schon auf einen kleinen Ausgleich zum Sightseeing Programm freut, kann vom Zwingergarten direkt in Richtung Shoppingcenter „Altmarkt-Galerie Dresden“ laufen.

Solltet ihr abends noch kein festes Programm haben, würde ich auf jeden Fall mal schauen welcher Film im Open Air Kino läuft. Ihr seht nicht nur unterhaltsame Kinofilme, sondern sitzt auch direkt vor der Elbe. Romantischer geht es kaum!

Am zweiten Tag lohnt es sich die verschmolzen Parkanlagen von Schloss Albrechtsberg, Lingnerschloss, Schloss Eckberg und Saloppe anschauen zu fahren. Ihr kommt ihr am besten mit der Straßenbahn hin. Informiert euch einfach kurz vorher, welche Bahn dorthin fährt. Die Fahrt dauert ca. 25 Minuten.

Alle Orte habe ich euch nochmal in der Google Maps Ansicht aufgeführt. Ihr könnt die Karte sogar in eurer App speichern, so dass euch die Orte immer auf eurer Karte in Dresden angezeigt werden.

Where to stay

It’s like they always say save the best for the last. You do not have accommodation yet for your trip to Dresden, and are still looking for something right in the city center? Well then, not to worry I have found the perfect place for you. The Steigenberger Hotel de Saxe is located right in the heart of the Saxon capital. Location and staff have earned 10 out of 10 points from me. We were greeted so warmly at the reception on arrival, that I felt very comfortable.

Also, in my exclusive room, I did not miss anything when it came to viewing the city’s beauty. From my room, I could look directly at the Neumarkt and admire the magnificent Frauenkirche.

With the window closed, I had absolute peace in my comfortable room, and with the window open, I was sprinkled by the soothing sounds of a violinist during the day. Personally, I love it when I can hear something of the city life and could spend hours sitting by the open window. But I’ve also enjoyed spending time at the desk in my spacious and modern rooms. I just felt good all around.

In the morning, I always went directly to the fitness and wellness area from the elevator to start the day and afterwards enjoy the rich and fresh breakfast buffet. Additional pluses are available for the champagne for breakfast, the very freshly prepared buffet, the freshly squeezed juices, and the selection of local produce.

Even the dinner on the terrace overlooking the Frauenkirche has everything to offer. You can get anything from local to international cuisine.

The Lillet Wild Berry is a must for all aperitif lovers!

As you can see, you can experience a lot in Dresden. So, nothing should stand in the way of your next girlfriend, couple, or family trip.

Dresden, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Travel Guide, Steigenberger Hotel

Das Beste kommt bekanntlich zum Schluss! Ihr habt noch keine Unterkunft für eure Reise nach Dresden und sucht noch etwas direkt mittendrin?

Da habe ich das passende für euch gefunden! Das Steigenberger Hotel de Saxe befindet sich direkt im Herzen der Sächsischen Hauptstadt! Lage und Personal haben 10 von 10 Punkten verdient! Wir wurden direkt bei der Anreise so herzlich an der Rezeption empfangen, dass ich mich direkt sehr wohl gefühlt habe!

Auch in meinem exklusiven Zimmer hat mir nichts gefehlt! Ich konnte von meinem Zimmer aus direkt auf den Neumarkt schauen und die prachtvolle Frauenkirche bewundern.

Bei geschlossenem Fenster hatte ich absolute Ruhe in meinem komfortablen Zimmer und bei geöffnetem Fenster wurde ich tagsüber von einem Geigenspieler berieselt. Ich persönlich liebe es, wenn ich etwas vom Stadtleben mitbekommen kann und hätte stundenlang am offenen Fenster sitzen können! Aber ich habe auch seit langem wieder die Zeit am Schreibtisch genossen in meinem geräumigen und modernen Zimmern. Ich habe mich einfach rundum wohl gefühlt!

Morgens bin ich immer direkt mit dem Aufzug in den Fitness- und Wellnessbereich gefahren, um fit in den Tag zu starten und danach das reichhaltige und frische Frühstücksbuffet zu genießen! Zusätzliche Pluspunkte gibt es für den Sekt zum Frühstück, das sehr frisch zubereitete Buffet, die frisch gepressten Säfte und die Auswahl von lokalen Produkten.

Auch das Abendessen auf der Terrasse mit Blick auf die Frauenkirche muss sich nicht verstecken! Es wird alles von lokaler bis zu internationaler Küche angeboten.

Der Lillet Wild Berry ist für alle Aperitif Liebhaber ein Muss!

Wie ihr seht könnt ihr in Dresden so einiges erleben! Der nächsten Freundinnen-, Pärchen oder Familienreise steht also nichts mehr im Weg!

Dresden, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Travel Guide, Steigenberger Hotel

Dresden, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Travel Guide, Steigenberger Hotel

Dresden, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Travel Guide, Steigenberger Hotel

Dresden, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Travel Guide, Steigenberger Hotel

Dresden, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Travel Guide, Steigenberger Hotel

Dresden, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Travel Guide, Steigenberger Hotel

Dresden, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Travel Guide, Steigenberger Hotel