Schloss & Park Pillnitz
Schloss & Park Pillnitz
4.5
6:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
6:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
6:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
6:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
6:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
6:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
6:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
6:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Once a pleasure palace and later summer residence of the Saxon royals, it used to be the venue for many weddings and festivities back in Augustus the Strong’s time. Museums moved into the Palace in the 20th century and the Palace Park is the city’s most beautiful recreational resort for both Dresdeners and tourists from all over the world. Situated only about 15 km from the city center of the Saxon state capital of Dresden, the Pillnitz Palace & Park is regarded one of the most important chinoise palace estates throughout Europe. The ensemble of architecture and landscaping lies before the backdrop of the vineyards, harmoniously embedded in the riverscape of the Elbe River valley. With such diversity, it is thought to be a perfect destination for lovers of culture and gardens and for families.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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Address
Neighborhood: Loschwitz
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54 within 3 miles
Attractions
68 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
814 reviews
Excellent
457
Very good
277
Average
55
Poor
15
Terrible
10
Jesper F
Prague, Czech Republic14 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
Great place to visit! Loved it though it was a rainy day. Park and castle is beautiful, and the exhibitions are (more or less) interesting. Still a lot of restoring to be done, but certainly worth a visit. The garden and location is absolutely amazing.
Written August 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter C
Wallsend, UK6 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Did not visit the palace but palace grounds were excellent. It was a very hot day and sadly there were no water points in the park. Excellent gift shop outside the grounds and a lovely cafe just a bit further down.
Written August 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NYCNYC2747
New York City, New York47 contributions
Dec 2012 • Solo
During my stay in Dresden I wanted to visit at least one of the suburban palaces that had survived the war. After plotting out my choices I tentatively decided on Pilnitz. I also consulted several art historians who agreed that Pilnitz was the most intact and interesting of the palaces. There are several ways to get to the palace which is east of Dresden on the Elbe River. I think most people take the old steam boats which are a big tourist draw but they seem to take forever to get to the palace by river and I had little time nor inclination for that. I decided, to the consternation of the concierge at my hotel, to take what I thought the simplest and most direct route. It did not take much doing to figure it out. I hopped on a tram right near the Zwinger Palace on a lovely Saturday morning and in about 25-30 minutes the tram arrived at the last stop in a lovely part of the city where people of means had built villas in the late 19th and early 20th c. Given the general decrepitude of the old East Germany I was surprised and pleased that the neighborhood resembled any well-kept and wealthy suburban neighborhood in any city in West Germany. All looked prosperous and well kept. 20 years on after unification it was obvious that money had been spent to revitalize this lovely area. The villas are typical of the style of living of that period. Many are built in a typically German style. I found it all most interesting and quite charming. Getting off the tram at the last stop, one follows a lovely street that takes one down to the Elbe. After a 10 minute walk you arrive at the open flood plain of the Elbe and follow a dirt path down to the river where a wonderful small ferry is waiting or will soon arrive to carry you across the roughly 100 yard wide river. The same Day Pass for the tram gets you onto the ferry. It was really completely beguiling. Across the river lay Pilnitz and its marvelous and beautiful park. The Chinese sloped roofs are unmistakable and partake of the taste for the exotic in the 18th c. The local citizens were out on such a beautiful day and many had their bikes and picnic baskets and children in tow. We all piled on the ferry and in quick order we were across. At the dock I took the river walk up to the palace. The complex consists of three exactly matched palaces in an open quadrangle. I strongly suggest doing the self-guided tour of the decorative arts palace. One needs a comprehensive ticket for this which can be bought at a lovely gift shop on the grounds. Pilnitz is the official decorative arts museum of Dresden and while the collections are a bit meager I was quite interested in seeing what they contained as I had seen little furniture in Dresden itself. Then I walked over to the second palace where one could actually see a magnificent unrestored 18th c. German palace with kitchens (which are a must) in the basement. Also in the basement a meter stick records all the floods of the Elbe and the heights they reached including the most recent. The palace sits on a precarious site right on the edge of the river. It has often been flooded. The domed central hall of this palace is also a must. There is also a video explaining how this amazing complex evolved over the course of about 200 years or more.. The third palace houses a collection of contemporary art in which I had no interest at all and so I turned my attention to the splendid Baroque gardens which are simply beautiful. There is the requisite Tea House/Folly and ponds and allees and it is lovely especially in the fall. During my visit the foliage was at its peak. After touring one can go to the very nice cafe for coffee or beer or a light whatever. Even at this time of the year Pilnitz is a standard tour bus stop. I imagine one can book a day trip and visit that way which is not my style. After having coffee and a bite to eat and enjoying sitting outside under an arbor, I then walked back through the gardens towards the ferry and retraced my route back to Dresden on the tram. IT was all neatly done and entirely the experience I hoped it would be and it was a wonderful 1/2+ day. Getting back to central Dresden I still had time to walk and shop and return to the Gemaldegalerie for the afternoon. If you want to see more of Dresden than the standard old town sights and want to see more of the city I would suggest that this is a perfect way to broaden your horizons. I enjoyed myself thoroughly but I also have a strong interest in the Decorative arts, especially of the 18th c. I visited Dresden and Pilnitz in October 2012.
Written November 29, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
architecture_addict
Paris29 contributions
Jul 2014 • Solo
Pillnitz is within Dresden's first travel zone, easy to get to and a great day out, for those who love architecture, museums, gardens and botany. There are also boutique craft shops to visit. Something for everyone! There is a café/restaurant in the grounds but it is also a great place for a picnic.
My practical suggestion for making the most of the visit during summer is to take the tram 2 to its terminus at Kleinzschachwitz, then walk down 5 minutes to the ferry and cross over to Pillnitz schloss stop. Coming back, take the river cruise back to Dresden - there is a timetable posted outside the information office. One hour back to Dresden Altstadt where you can relax while seeing many of the sites on the Elbe (Blue Wonder bridge, Elbe Palaces, Bellotto views of Dresden)
My practical suggestion for making the most of the visit during summer is to take the tram 2 to its terminus at Kleinzschachwitz, then walk down 5 minutes to the ferry and cross over to Pillnitz schloss stop. Coming back, take the river cruise back to Dresden - there is a timetable posted outside the information office. One hour back to Dresden Altstadt where you can relax while seeing many of the sites on the Elbe (Blue Wonder bridge, Elbe Palaces, Bellotto views of Dresden)
Written July 23, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Deveina
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN12 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
It was not looked after well as I can imagine the costs are huge and entry fee low. This place needs more tlc
Written June 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
waveracercraig
London, UK39 contributions
Sep 2014 • Friends
Located out of town but one can catch a bus, this gem is a must. Not really a castle but more of a grand palace situated on the edge of the river. There is no cost to enter the palace grounds but one has to pay to enter the magnificent park like gardens. They were really beautiful. One cannot go into the actual palace but we still spent quite a while strolling about admiring the lovely architecture and taking photos.There is also an interesting pottery factory which makes the most lovely stuff. If driving by car to Schloss Pillnitz, you may find yourself on the other side of the river and many have to catch the ferry across. The ferry runs ever 10 minutes and takes both cars and passengers. A really fun experience!
Written October 8, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert M
18 contributions
Jul 2017 • Couples
Schloss Pillnitz is an impressive summer residence for the royals of Saxony, set in extensive parkland with some beautiful gardens. There are some good exhibitions in the buildings (we particularly liked the castle's old kitchen), but the setting and gardens were the main attraction for us. I might have given it another star if we hadn't had to pay €3 for the parking and €0.50 for the toilets, on top of the entry fee of €8 each. We had a decent and reasonably priced lunch in the restaurant.
Written July 27, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hiking-har
Berkeley, CA666 contributions
Apr 2015 • Friends
We took the steam boat from Dresden and returned via ferry and bus. The whole thing took 5 hours including a guided tour through the castle which you can only enter with a tour and not just by yourself. The park and grounds were very nice at the beginning of spring with a few trees and bushes already blooming. May might even be better for flower lovers.The complex praises itself as Europe’s largest chinoise castle complex, an extraordinary ensemble of architecture and landscaping, and this is certainly true. Good that the area was not damaged during WWII and that all the old buildings are still standing and nice after several renovations. Inside the castle you can see the real danger to the buildings, flooding with high marks on the walls. The park can be visited for free, the tour costs a fee.
Written April 28, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Angela B
Southampton, UK17 contributions
Oct 2014
We took the paddle steamer from the centre of Dresden for the one and a half hour trip to Pilnitz castle. A fascinating trip, good commentary, and excellent coffee. We spent several hours wandering round the castle end the magnificent grounds.The views are stunning, there is a lovely little pottery shop and a beer garden selling tasty German sausages.😃
Written October 31, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Candace B
Bay City, TX85 contributions
Sep 2019
Had to drive into countryside to see this impressive huge square of palace buildings with WELL CARED FOR GARDEN in middle.
When we walked up, I thought this is going to be something to see. The buildings are beautiful and so was the GARDEN in the middle.
But as we entered EVERY building, it was a DISAPPOINTMENT. Not much to see inside each one and VERY run-down and NOT cared for.
Wish they could do something to make it worth a visit!!!
When we walked up, I thought this is going to be something to see. The buildings are beautiful and so was the GARDEN in the middle.
But as we entered EVERY building, it was a DISAPPOINTMENT. Not much to see inside each one and VERY run-down and NOT cared for.
Wish they could do something to make it worth a visit!!!
Written November 3, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Candace, we are very sorry to hear that you did not find your stay at Pillnitz Palace & Park satisfying. Concerning the restorations: I can ensure you that reconstructions and restorations take place constantly. In the last few years all the palaces have been renovated; the planning for renovation of the interiors of the New Palace is in progress. In recent years the fountain basin, the paths in the park, the palm house and much more has been renewed.
Written November 12, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Robhnl2016
Vienna, Austria82 contributions
Dresden to Pilnitz by bus and return by boat or vice versa? Both options sound enjoyable, but on a nice day in early May would it be practical to take the bus out and come back by boat, or the other way around? Worth one day of three in Dresden (not in a hurry after more time in both Vienna and Prague). Thx in advance rls
Poli
Krakow, Poland57 contributions
I think you can definitely do this - we were advised by the receptionist in our hotel to take a bot when going to Pilnitz and return by bus. We didn't have enough time to do it, so we opted for the bus only but I am sure the boat ride there would be lovely.
julia maria c
Mostoles, Spain26 contributions
Hola ¿Que horario tienen los cruceros desde Dresde al Palacio de Pillnitiz?
monika_mario
Magdeburg, Germany84 contributions
Hola, por favor mire bajo el sitio web del envÃo de vapor de Saxon.
Sinceramente
Mario
Gaetano A
Salerno, Campania, Italy49 contributions
Orari e rezzi dei battelli da Dresda a Pillnitz
Gaetano A
Salerno, Campania, Italy49 contributions
Salve, vorrei sapere gli orari ed i prezzi dei battelli da Dresda a Pillnitz e ritorno.
Grazie
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Claim your listingSchloss & Park Pillnitz - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Schloss & Park Pillnitz
- Hotels near Schloss & Park Pillnitz:
- (0.02 mi) Schloss Hotel Dresden-Pillnitz
- (0.14 mi) Holidays with the winegrower - bright 65m² apartment below the Pillnitz
- (0.24 mi) Great apartment right at Pillnitz Castle for couples and families
- (0.24 mi) Pillnitz vineyard view and castle view
- (0.47 mi) Therese Malten Villa
- Restaurants near Schloss & Park Pillnitz:
- (0.03 mi) Kamin Restaurant
- (0.03 mi) Schlosshotel Pillnitz
- (0.17 mi) Pillnitzer Elbblick
- (0.18 mi) Backerei Wippler
- (0.25 mi) Einkehr am Palmenhaus
- Attractions near Schloss & Park Pillnitz:
- (0.10 mi) Chocolaterie am Fliederhof
- (0.13 mi) Schiffsanlegestelle Dresden
- (0.60 mi) The DVB
- (6.64 mi) SEG-CITY
- (6.49 mi) Segway Tour Dresden
Schloss & Park Pillnitz Information
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