Meissen on the Elbe: Passenger Landing, Old Town and Albrechtsburg

Meissen on the Elbe

Meissen lies in the Elbe Valley between the river, vineyards and historic old town. The Saxon Steamship Company sets off from the Elbkai passenger landing on excursions to the Elbe wine villages. The historic paddle steamer is a symbol of the long tradition of passenger shipping on the Elbe. The Tourist Information Office is located at Markt 3; the town offers tours through the vineyards and along the Elbe.

Elbkai, railway station and bus station

Elbkai lies upstream of the Old Town Bridge, on the same side of the river as the historic town centre. Albrechtsburg Castle and the cathedral stand on Castle Hill, above the market square. The main railway station and bus station are side by side on the opposite bank of the Elbe, in Cölln. Meissen Altstadt is a separate stop near the historic town centre. The town map also shows the Old Town Bridge and a railway and pedestrian bridge farther south as crossings over the Elbe.

Albrechtsburg Castle and the cathedral

Construction of Albrechtsburg Castle began in 1471, and it is considered Germany’s oldest castle Germany. Its exhibitions and multimedia displays tell the story of Saxony and Castle Hill. Right beside it stands Meissen Cathedral, a landmark known for more than 1,000 years; construction of the Gothic building began in the 13th century. The cathedral contains works by the Naumburg Masters, Lucas Cranach and Albrecht Dürer. Organ and cathedral music concerts are also part of the offerings at this bishop’s church.

Frauenkirche and Meissen porcelain

A chapel dedicated to “Our Lady” is mentioned at the site of Frauenkirche as early as 1205. In the 15th century, it was expanded into a Late Gothic hall church. Its octagonal tower houses the world’s oldest carillon made of Meissen porcelain; from the historic church tower, visitors can take in views of the town. The first European porcelain manufactory was founded in Albrechtsburg Castle in 1710. Between 1861 and 1865, a manufactory purpose-built for porcelain production was established in Meissen-Triebischtal, and production was moved there. Today, the MEISSEN Experience World combines a demonstration workshop with the museum of the Meissen Porcelain Foundation.