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Dresden Castle (Residenzschloss)
Best time to visit
Weekday mornings right when doors open (10 AM) are the quietest, especially Tuesday through Thursday. The Hausmannsturm tower views are best on clear autumn mornings when the low sun lights up the old town rooftops.
Budget tips
Entry to the Green Vault starts at €14 for the Historic Green Vault and €12 for the New Green Vault; a combined ticket for both is €22. A Dresden City Card gets you 20% off admission, and visitors under 17 enter free.
Recommended for
History enthusiasts, Art and jewelry lovers, Architecture fans, Solo travelers
Plan your visit
2-3 hours
About
Quick facts: The castle's 101-meter Hausmannsturm tower offers panoramic views over Dresden's entire old town and can be climbed via 365 steps. Inside the palace, the Green Vault holds over 3,000 objects of precious gems and gold, including a 63.8-centimeter tall figure made entirely of ivory and silver.
Highlights: In 2019, workers restoring the castle's exterior accidentally uncovered a hidden Renaissance doorway that had been bricked over for 300 years, complete with original 16th-century paint still visible. The sandstone portal features the coat of arms of Duke George the Bearded, who ordered the castle's expansion in 1530, and was likely sealed during the 18th century to reinforce the facade.
Insider tips
- Book the Historic Green Vault ticket at least two weeks ahead, it is limited to 10 visitors per time slot.
- Climb the Hausmannsturm tower early in your visit while your legs are fresh, the 365 steps are narrow and spiral without any halfway rest stops.
- Skip the long entrance line by entering through the Georgentor gate on the river side of the castle.
- Wear flat shoes, the porcelain floors inside the Green Vault require felt slippers over your shoes and you will do a lot of standing.
Where to Stay in Dresden
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