actively enjoy

Summer time in Meissen

Malerische Ansicht einer Burg auf einem Hügel mit Blick auf einen Fluss, Boote, Gebäude und blauen Himmel.

splendid

Summer experiences between the Elbe and vineyards

When the sun shines over Meissen, the region reveals its most active side: Picturesque hiking trails through vineyards and forests, idyllic cycling routes along the Elbe River, and refreshing lakes invite you to enjoy action-packed days. Summer in Meissen offers a perfect balance between enjoying nature and being active.

Hiking with panoramic views

Explore dreamlike landscapes

The Elbe Sandstone Mountains are among the most beautiful hiking regions in Europe. In summer, well-marked trails lead through green forests and sunny vineyards. Our tip: Hike from Meissen to Diesbar-Seußlitz (approx. 16 km) – the final stage of the Saxon Wine Trail. Enjoy magnificent views along the way, for example from Heinrichsburg Castle, and take relaxing breaks: with a picnic among the vines or a glass of wine at a local winery.

Steinbrückenbögen überspannen eine felsige Schlucht mit Sandsteinformationen. Bewölkter Himmel.
Hohes, goldenes Schilf vor einem ruhigen See unter einem teilweise bewölkten blauen Himmel.

Bathing fun

Refreshment on hot days

When the sun shines over Meissen and temperatures rise, the region's lakes and riverbanks invite you to a well-deserved refreshment. Whether you prefer relaxing sunbathing, a dip in the cool water, or a picnic in nature – around Meissen you'll find idyllic spots to enjoy yourself and recharge.

  • Wellenspiel Leisure Pool

    The swimming pool is located on the outskirts of town, about 2 km from the center, in a quiet location, and invites visitors to linger with its many modern attractions. The 85-meter-long slide, the current channel, the whirlpool, the rock grotto with waterfall, and the many other water features are especially popular with younger swimmers. In the natural brine pool, you can pamper yourself on the bubble loungers. Relaxation awaits in the quiet room, experience showers, and the outdoor swimming pool in the spacious sauna garden.

    To the Meissen wave game

  • Waldbad Oberau

    The forest swimming pool is located on the northwestern edge of an extensive woodland and pond area, which is part of the Moritzburg Ponds nature reserve. This guarantees you pure peace and relaxation. You can also play table tennis and volleyball or visit the playground with your children. Just 5 minutes from the pool, nestled in the cool valley, lies the Buschmühle mill with its boating pond.

  • Bad Sonnenland

    Immerse yourself in a natural idyll just a few kilometers from the enchanting Moritzburg Castle. The idyllically situated, unspoiled Bad Sonnenland holiday park, located directly on the Dippelsdorf Pond, offers peace and relaxation. The pond is perfect for cooling off, canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding.

  • Coswig bathing lake

    Located directly on the Elbe River between Dresden and Meissen, with direct access to the Elbe Cycle Path on the right bank, are the Coswig-Kötitz outdoor swimming pool and bathing lake. The outdoor pool is a wonderful combination of a natural lake with 7 hectares of water surface, a swimming island, and both textile and nudist beaches, as well as a pool complex with a swimming pool, an adventure pool with a giant slide, a water mushroom, a waterfall shower, and floor jets. For the very youngest visitors, there is a children's paddling pool with a fountain and a large sunshade.

common paths

Cycling through the region

The region around Meissen is wonderful to explore by bike. A particular tip: the Meissen 8 (northern route). Over approximately 35 km, you'll experience the diverse landscape of the Lommatzscher Pflege and the Ketzerbach valley – passing historical sites such as the Löthain Railway Museum, the Germanic burial ground in Promnitz, and the Holy Cross Monastery ruins.


Also popular: the Saxon Elbe Cycle Path – one of the most beautiful cycling routes in Germany. From Saxon Switzerland, via Dresden and the Spaargebirge hills, it leads to Dessau-Roßlau – past castles, vineyards, and the Elbe floodplains. Those who want to go higher will be rewarded with spectacular panoramic views in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains – perfect for sporty, ambitious cyclists with a love of nature.

Ein Mann lächelt, während er auf einem roten Fahrrad durch einen Park fährt; er trägt ein hellblaues Hemd und hellbraune Shorts.
Boot auf dem Wasser, mit Tarnmuster, fährt auf ein von Bäumen gesäumtes Ufer und Gebäude zu, darüber strahlend blauer Himmel.

Pure adventure

Water sports, climbing & more

Whether on water, on two wheels, or on the rocks: the Saxon Elbe Valley offers diverse opportunities for active sports enthusiasts and adventurers. Along the Elbe River, boat rentals and tour operators invite you to enjoy paddling and canoeing experiences – ideal for discovering the landscape from the water.


Those who prefer to travel by motorcycle will find winding roads through vineyards, forests and charming villages in the region.


For those who want to reach new heights: Saxon Switzerland – just a stone's throw away – is considered the cradle of free climbing. Whether on real rock faces or in the region's modern climbing gyms – climbing enthusiasts will find everything they could wish for here.