Moritzburg Castle stands as one of the most majestic castles in the Saxony region of Germany. Located just 10.5 miles (17 km) north of Dresden, it offers a perfect day trip destination.

In this post, we will guide you through the best things to do at Moritzburg Castle, how to get there from Dresden, and how to make the most of your visit.

About Moritzburg Castle

Moritzburg Castle was originally constructed as a hunting lodge between 1542 and 1546 by Duke Moritz of Saxony, the namesake of the castle. Designed in the Renaissance style, it became a popular hunting retreat for the region's nobility.

In the early 18th century, Elector Augustus the Strong transformed it into a lavish Baroque-style palace with over 200 rooms and 7 halls. The palace, with its unique deer antlers, feather tapestries, and leather wallpaper, still retains much of its original Baroque splendor.

The castle grounds have since expanded to include the Pheasant Castle and a lighthouse. Today, visitors can experience the grandeur of the palace, its Baroque decor, and its beautifully maintained grounds.

Best Things to Do at Moritzburg Castle

To fully enjoy your visit, we recommend using an audio guide. The plaques and descriptions in the rooms are in German, so the English audio guide can enhance the experience and provide valuable insights as you explore the castle.

The Dining Hall

The Dining Hall is the grandest of all the rooms, with walls adorned with an impressive collection of red deer antlers, some over 270-400 years old. Among them is the world’s heaviest set of red deer antlers, weighing over 40 pounds.

Porcelain Collection

Elector Augustus the Strong was a passionate collector of porcelain, and his collection is on display here. The collection includes pieces from Asia and the nearby town of Meissen, renowned for producing world-class porcelain.

Access to the Porcelain Collection is available only on a guided tour and during the summer season. We opted to explore Meissen instead, where the porcelain collection is also celebrated.

The Feather Room

The Feather Room is one of the most extravagant spaces in the castle. It features a canopy bed and tapestries crafted from 2 million feathers delicately woven together. These feathered masterpieces were meticulously restored over several years, allowing visitors to admire their exquisite craftsmanship.

The Leather Tapestries

Dear Lykkers! Moritzburg Castle is home to the largest collection of Baroque leather tapestries, hand-painted and dating back to the 17th century. Many of the rooms are decorated with gold-gilded leather wallpaper, adding to the opulence of the palace.

Castle Chapel

The Catholic chapel inside the castle was built in 1661 and continues to hold services to this day. The chapel's simple yet elegant design, with hints of Baroque influence, provides a peaceful and serene atmosphere.

Castle Park

Behind the castle lies a park originally planned as a French-style garden by Augustus the Strong. Though incomplete due to his death, the park remains a lovely place to explore. There are plans to eventually restore it to its original 18th-century design.

Little Pheasant Castle

The Little Pheasant Castle, located on the Moritzburg estate, is a Rococo-style mini-palace. Its interior, restored between 2010 and 2013, showcases exquisite chinoiserie and Rococo-style artifacts. A guided tour is required to visit the interior, which is a 30-minute walk through the forest from Moritzburg Castle.

Tours are available from May to October, with hourly departures. It is recommended to email ahead for group tours, especially on weekends.

Walk Around the Lake

A scenic walking path encircles the lake surrounding the castle, providing stunning views of Moritzburg Castle. After exploring the castle, a leisurely stroll around the lake is the perfect way to enjoy the surroundings.

How to Get to Moritzburg Castle from Dresden

Moritzburg Castle is about 10.5 miles (17 km) from Dresden, and there are several ways to reach it. The quickest method is by car, taking about 25-30 minutes. Alternatively, the castle is easily accessible by bus or steam train, with a journey time of 30 minutes to an hour.

Getting There by Bus

From Dresden Neustadt station, take bus 477 towards Radeburg to reach Moritzburg. The bus stop is conveniently located just outside the station.

Price: €4.50 one way/€9 round trip.

Getting There by Steam Train

The steam train runs daily from Radebeul to Moritzburg. To reach Radebeul, take the S1 line on the Dresden S-Bahn from Dresden Neustadt, Hauptbahnhof, or Mitte stations. The journey to Radebeul takes about 9 minutes.

Once at Radebeul Ost, the steam train departs for Moritzburg. Tickets can be purchased directly from the conductor (cash only).

Price: €7.30 one way/€13.60 round trip for adults.

How Much Time to Spend

We suggest spending about one hour inside the castle, with an additional two hours to explore the grounds. This includes visiting the Little Pheasant Castle, walking around the lake, and strolling through the forest paths. For those driving, a visit to nearby Meissen, only 17 minutes away, would make for a perfect addition to the day.