The European Travel Companion to Vermeer: Dresden

last updated January 9, 2024

The German Railway System

Germany boasts one of the most extensive railway networks in the world, with Deutsche Bahn standing out as one of the largest and most modern transport operators globally. However, it's important to note that train delays can occur, including on weekends, holidays, or during the winter. Deutsche Bahn provides various services to keep travelers promptly informed about any delays or disruptions, such as construction work on the railway network. Deutsche Bahn provides various services to keep travelers promptly informed about any delays or disruptions, such as construction work on the railway network. These updates are conveniently available on DB Navigator app.

Recommendation: Consider traveling during the evenings or overnight for long-distance journeys, such as to or from Vienna. This strategy can save on hotel costs and allows you to arrive at museums right as they open, offering a quieter, more intimate experience with the artworks.

Eurail

Eurail Passes are designed for non-European residents and citizens. They offer extensive rail travel across many countries in Europe. The pass allows unlimited train travel within and between participating countries for a certain number of travel days. Passes often includes additional benefits like discounts on ferries, buses, and hotels.

The Global Pass is the most comprehensive pass, allowing travel in up to thirty-three countries. One Country Pass is for unlimited travel within a single country. Select Pass allows travel between two, three, or four neighboring countries.
Flexibility passes offer flexibility, with options for consecutive day travel or a set number of travel days within a longer period.

While the pass covers the cost of train travel, some high-speed and overnight trains require reservations and may have additional fees. There are discounts for youth (usually under twenty-seven), seniors (over sixty), and sometimes for groups or families. Eurail Passes can be purchased online and planning ahead is essential to maximize their value. It is also important to understand the train systems in the countries you plan to visit and to make reservations where necessary. The pass must be activated before use and is typically valid for eleven months from the date of purchase. Activation can be done at a train station in Europe or online.

Getting Around Dresden

Navigating Dresden, a city celebrated for its cultural heritage and baroque architecture, is made easy and efficient thanks to its comprehensive public transportation system. This network, which efficiently connects the entire city, is particularly convenient for visitors heading to landmarks such as the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister.

The city's tram and bus services extensively cover Dresden, with trams being a particularly popular choice for their frequency and convenience. These trams crisscross the city, linking various neighborhoods and key tourist destinations. The S-Bahn, or suburban train, complements this network, facilitating travel to the outskirts of Dresden and nearby towns. For tourists, purchasing day passes or group tickets can be a cost-effective way to enjoy unlimited travel within the city.

The Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister, housed in the magnificent Zwinger Palace in Dresden's historic center, is easily accessible by these means. Several tram lines, including lines 4, 8, 9, and 11, stop near the Zwinger, with Postplatz and Theaterplatz being the closest tram stops to the gallery. A short stroll from these stops through the charming streets of Dresden will lead you to the gallery's doorstep.

For those staying in or near the historic center, walking to the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister is a delightful option. The city center is not only pedestrian-friendly but also offers a visual feast of Dresden's architectural beauty and the scenic Elbe River. While driving in the city is possible, navigating the limited parking and often busy streets can be more cumbersome compared to the ease of public transport or the pleasure of a leisurely walk.

Visiting the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister is a journey through the pinnacle of European art, featuring masterpieces by Raphael, Vermeer, Rubens, and Rembrandt. The gallery itself, part of the stunning Zwinger Palace complex, is a testament to Dresden's rich artistic legacy. When planning your visit, consider the timing to avoid the busiest periods for a more tranquil experience. Dresden's blend of accessible transport, rich cultural offerings, and stunning urban landscapes makes it a rewarding destination for any traveler.

Getting to the Vermeers: Go to the first floor, left-side (short staircase) to the central room dividing the Italian paintings department (left side Sixtine Madonna) and the Netherlands/Flemish painting department (right side). Enter the room after the large Rembrandt-room and turn some steps to the right side. There they are at the right side-wall

Accomodations

IBIS Budget Dresden City (five minutes walk to the gallery)
The IBIS Budget Dresden City is located in the heart of the city in the Altmarkt Galerie shopping center, close to the major attractions of Dresden's Old Town, which is just a short walk away. 
<https://all.accor.com/hotel/7514/index.en.shtml>

	Girl Reading a Letter at an Open Window Johannes Vermeer c. 1657–1659 Oil on canvas, 83 x 64.5 cm. Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister, Dresden
	The Procuress Johannes Vermeer 1656 Oil on canvas, 143 x 130 cm. Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister, Dresden
travel & public transport	TRAINS From Berlin (central station) to Dresden (central station) (Euro City): c. 2:05 hrs (or via Leipzig: Intercity Express/Intercity [afternoon!]): c. 2:37 hrs from Frankfurt/Main (central station) to Dresden (central station) (Intercity Express): 4:45 hrs. <https://www.bahn.de/> LOCAL PUBLIC TRANSPORT (trams, buses, cable cars): <http://www.dvb.de/en/Homepage/> DRESDEN CARD <https://www.dresden.de/en/tourism/dresden-welcome-cards/dresden-city-card.php> Overview and benefits <https://www.dresden.de/en/tourism/dresden-welcome-cards/partners-and-benefits.php> The Dresden City Card, also known as the "Dresden Card" or "Dresden City Card PLUS," is a popular tourist pass that provides various benefits and discounts for visitors exploring the city of Dresden. While the specific offerings may vary depending on the version of the card and the current promotions. It can be purchased online, although it is (also available at the shop of the Dresdner Verkehrsbetriebe in front of the central station, at the tram stops. EURAIL PASSES <https://www.eurail.com/en>
accommodations	Ibis Budget Dresden City (five minutes walk to the gallery) <https://all.accor.com/hotel/7514/index.en.shtml>
museum	State Art Collections Dresden – Old Masters Gallery: <https://gemaeldegalerie.skd.museum/> ADDRESS Zwinger – Semper Building Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister Theaterplatz 1 D - 01067 Dresden (tram stop: Postplatz) The entrance to the gallery is located in the archway under the cupola of the Semper Building, connecting the Zwinger area with the Theaterplatz. ONLINE TICKETS <https://shop.skd.museum/hausticket-zwinger.html> ONLINE COLLECTION <https://skd-online-collection.skd.museum/> TELEPHONE & VISITOR SERVICE +49 351 49 14 2000 visitorservice@skd.museum FAX 0049 - (0)351 - 49 14 2001 EMAIL besucherservice@skd.museum OPENING HOURS 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. C losed Mondays
misc.	Apart from the breathtaking treasures housed in the various museums of the Dresden State Art Collections and the many world famous monuments like the Frauenkirche, the Zwinger or the Semper Opera, the beautiful landscape along the river Elbe, which have always inspired artists of all sorts, can be explored and experienced in various ways: with double decker buses (starting Theatre square/ Augustus bridge). Even more relaxing is a trip on one of the historic Elbe paddle steamers which depart at the Elbe quay down along the Brühlsche Terrasse, all some footsteps away fromthe Old Masters Gallery. TIP Take a tour to Castle Pillnitz, directly situated at the Elbe with its wonderful garden (housing the oldest Camelia north from the Alps, probably brought to Dresden in 1776). The "Wasserpalais" houses the Kunstgewerbemuseum (Museum for Applied Arts) of the State Art Collections, with a precious collection of ancient musical instruments, ceramics and chinoiseries, textiles, decorative ironwork and carpentry. TIP Take the historic funiculars (the "Schwebebahn" or the "Standseilbahn" located in the suburb Loschwitz which bring you to the "Balcony of Dresden" where you will have the most beautiful sights on the Dresdner Elbtal (Dresden Elbe valley). In 2004, this t area was awarded with the status "Unesco World Cultural Heritage." To the left the view goes up to the "Elbsandsteingebirge" (Elbe Sandstone Mountains), due to its romantic beauty also called "Sächsische Schweiz" (Saxon Switzerland). To the right the majestic panorama of Dresden unfolds in the background.