Radebeul Things to Do

The pretty house with the tower was built in the 16th century as winery and enlarged in the late 18th century. In 1792 it was bought by court typographer Carl Christian Meinhold.
In 1840 the tower was simplified to its present shape. The main building was designed by C. E. Johne, a student of Gottfried Semper, and erected in 1851.

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The Margraves, later Electors and still later Kings of Saxony owned the winery in this location since 1401. In the 17th century, after the desastrous 30 Year War, Elector Johann Georg I had the little palace built, which was completed in 1650. It served as hunting lodge and maison de plaisance.

The palace now hosts a smal museum about the history of the place and viticulture in the Elbe valley. The first floor still has the festival hall and apartments of the principal couple with their original paintings all over the walls and ceilings. These rooms are the palace's treasure, the paintings are wonderful. Travelogue with more photos of the rooms and their paintings
The main hall is used for civil weddings.
Two cute dioramas, home-made by someone in the village almost 100 years ago, show scenes from baroque life at Hoflößnitz, they are presented on the second floor.

Opening hours:
Tues - Fri 10:00-13:00 and 14:00-18:00
Sat, Sun and holidays: 10:00-18:00

Entrance fee:
Adults 2.30 €, concessions 1.50 €, children (6-14) 1.00 €

The classicist building opposite the palace, named Kavaliershaus, used to be the house of the administrator. It contains the winery, which is still in operation and produces its own wines, and a shop where local wines can be sampled and bought. Opening hours like the museum.

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Monumental towers in the honour of Otto von Bismarck, Chancellor of the German Empire from its founding in 1871 to 1890, can be found all over Germany. After Bismarck's death in 1898, all in all 240 of these towers were erected, most of them designed by Wilhelm Kreis, all over the empire and even in the colonies. About two thirds of them are still preserved.

The one in Radebeul, built in 1907, is a small variety. It is standing on the edge of the hillside above Oberlössnitz next to the top end of Spitzhaustreppe. The tower consists of walls without a roof and can't be climbed. This would not be necessary anyway because the terrace in front of the tower already offers an amazing view of the Elbe valley over to Dresden (photos 3 and 4).

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The upper, steeper slopes of the hills are covered in terraced vineyards. Steep paths and stairs lead uphill. The view from the top is amazing.

Elbe wines are rarely available outside the region. The amount of wine the winemakers along the Elbe valley produce is rather small so hardly any is exported. If you like whites, especially dry whites, don't miss trying them.

The vineyard of Oberlößnitz is named "Goldener Wagen", Golden Carriage.

When in Dresden, try to go to Radebeul, some 15km away, for a day. Radebeul is famous for its wines growing on the hills of the Elbe valley. Wackerbarth castle (Schloss Wackerbarth) is a good place to get an insight into winegrowing. Tours are offered including wine-tasting and walking through the vineyards. In summertime, several music events take place on the premises. Furthermore, a shop provides a good selection of local wines. Make sure you visit the shop, as there is an interestingly designed armchair - made entirely out of corks!
Unfortunately, tours and everything else is rather expensive at 9 euro per person, but you can stroll through the vineyard on your own without paying. A good and short walk goes up the hill just opposite the actual castle. From up there, you'll have a marvellous view on the Elbe valley.

The main square of Kötzschenbroda, more a long and wide street, was called Hauptstrasse until the villages united in 1935 under the name Radebeul. Since then it is called Alt (Old)-Kötzschenbroda.

The ensemble along that street/square is very picturesque. A couple of years ago the owners started renovating the old houses and opened (wine-) restaurants, cafes, craftwork shops etc. It is pure fun to stroll along that street, sip a glass of wine here or buy a tasty piece of cheese there, watch craftwork (mostly pottery) etc. Locals use to meet here, especially on mild summer nights, but also for a coffee inbetween or so.

Every year in Sept a huge wine festival takes place here. It is crowded, but absolutely fantastic. Music groups, jugglers, open-air theatre, and of course wine tasting!

Schloss Wackerbarth is the incarnation of a Baroque palace in combination with viticulture. The small palace was built 1727 - 29 for the state secretary of King Augustus the Strong, Count Wackerbarth - as a retreat after he retired.

While the palace was remodeled in 19th/20th centuries (although in Neo-Baroque style, so it did not change the ambience) the small pavillion in the garden, called Belvedere, is originally preserved. A magical place inmidst the vineyards.

Nowadays Schloss Wackerbarth is State Winery of Saxony. They produce excellent wines and Sekt (sort of champagne), especially of white grapes like Pinot Blanc + Gris, Riesling, Traminer etc.

Their restaurant is excellent. Don't miss a guided tour - either Wine or Sekt tasting or the Historical tour, which includes a visit of the palace and the Belvedere.

And, as usual, I recommend a walk through the vineyards, up to the so called "Jakobstein", with views of Radebeul, Dresden and even Saxon Switzerland's flat-top mountains.