German Romanticism in the Zittau Mountains

Day 1: Arrival in Dresden
Welcome to the baroque capital of Saxony. Visit the Brühl's Garden on the Brühl's Terrace. Here you will also meet the artist. Visit the monument in honor of Caspar David Friedrich. Right next to it is the Academy of Fine Arts, where the painter taught for several years as an associate professor. From there, it is worth strolling up Münzgasse to the Frauenkirche and immersing yourself in the romantic backdrop of Dresden.

Day 2: Art history through the Saxon capital
Explore Dresden by bus today. Get on the hop-on hop-off bus at the Zwinger and find out where and why Caspar David Friedrich spent over 40 years in Dresden. You can admire his artistic work in the Albertinum or the Kupferstichkabinett. Here you will find his paintings, drawings and sketches. In honor of the 250th anniversary of his birth, these two museums of the Dresden State Art Collections are dedicating a special exhibition to the artist from 24 August 2024.

Day 3: Saxon Switzerland
The famous Bastei Bridge is located not far from Uttewalder Grund. With its particularly impressive landscape, the Bastei area has always offered a wealth of motifs for artists. Caspar David Friedrich also immortalized it in some of his works. Threatening, mysterious and both terrifying and attractive: this is how Friedrich often depicted Saxon Switzerland in his paintings.

Day 4: Zittau, a place of longing
Follow in the footsteps of Caspar David Friedrich to Zittau, Saxony's most south-easterly town. In the 19th century, the town became famous as a textile metropolis. Zittau became particularly famous for its Lenten cloths. The Great Lenten Shroud of Zittau, created in 1472, tells the story of God and the creation of mankind in 90 pictures. The Small Lenten Veil in the former Franciscan monastery depicts the crucifixion of Christ.

Day 5: Mount Oybin as a place of inspiration
During a visit to Oybin Castle and monastery, you will discover the painting backdrop for three romantic motifs by Caspar David Friedrich: the ruins of the monastery church, the sacristy with Hutt's grave and the dreamer's window - right next to each other in the original. By the way: Zittau is the starting point for a leisurely ride on the historic steam train to Mount Oybin with the ruins of the romantic Oybin Monastery.

Day 6: Departure
On your journey home, we recommend a visit to the beautiful town of Bautzen. Fourteen towers characterize the medieval town center - and the view from them over the town and the surrounding countryside is well worth it. As is a stroll through the romantic alleyways of the town: proud town houses, intricately carved portals and, time and again, towers such as the Reichenturm with its striking lean.