This beautiful castle sits on the banks of the River Elbe in Dresden. Unfortunately it was still being renovated following food damage when we visited, but I know from a previous trip that the gardens are usually beautiful and the house is a delight. Very cheap to just access the gardens, but o ly pay to go in if you are really fussed bat the art.
We went there in winter. Although most of the buildings are closed in winter, it is still worth it to go there, especially since you won't have the crowds. The park is very beautiful. It is, however, not in proximity with the other attractions in Dresden. Combine it with a visit in Bastei to get the best of your day.
The garden and lovely surroundings make this place a treasure of Dresden. It makes no difference what time of the year you visit, it is always very nice to see and sit in the lovely cafe and have a cup of fine coffee
UNESCO world heritage sight at the river Elbe. Wonderful parks indeed. Barock history of the Saxon Augustus the Strong who built most sights in Germany.
After visiting the Wagner Museum in nearby Grauba, we returned back to Pillnitz ready to pick up the river boat to take us back into Dresden. I didn't have time to visit the castle but had a quick walk around the park area. Late in the year, not an awful lot to see. Recent floods may have done some damage to the gardens.
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!
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)
Three of us visited together, the other two are hobby gardeners. I am not. For me, the site is simply a castle in a park. For the others it was a botanical wonderland that was part of a castle. I can appreciate a nice garden, but it does not excite me. The castle is also nice, but not especially beautiful or historically significant. Therefore my Average rating. My wife and friend loved the garden and will probably write counter reviews.
Pillnitz, the baroque summer palace along the river outside of Dresden is a tranquil haven to visit. Gardens are delightful, although the main flower garden is under reconstruction (Sept 2013) and will only be ready in 2014. We were a bit disappointed with the interior of the palace as only a few rooms are worth seeing. Displays of furniture and porcelain are good but not worth the entry fee. One can and must excuse any shortcomings due to lack of upkeep by the previous totalitarian regime. A worthwhile place to visit, for the gardens, river views etc. Pillnitz will improve going forward as it is receiving due care and restoration.
On our last day in Dresden, we took a tram and a ferry boat ride to see Schloss & Park Pillnitz. After touring churches and historical buildings, this was a chance to be in the country. What a lovely palace and the gardens were magnificent. The flowers, plants, and trees are clearly marked. It was not crowded in early June - only one or two tour busses that day. We had delicious ice cream afterward in the shaded, outdoor cafe. The children in our group could run around a bit and enjoy the outdoors. Right on the Elbe, they have marked the times that it has been flooded on the lower level above the stairs that go right down to the water. I just wish we had had more time to explore.