Dresden

After an amazing and exhausting time at Tropical Islands Resort, we headed off to Dresden after lunch. I originally planned to go a bit out of the way (okay, 2 hours) to see Rakotzbrücke at the Azalea and Rhododendron Park Kromlau but I was outnumbered; the guys (Rob and Rand) wanted to get to our rental to relax. 

I found this adorable apartment in Dresden at AirBnB. It was a 2 bedroom apartment right near a tram stop and had free parking. We took the tram into New Town Dresden and it took less than 10 minutes to get there. 

As you cross the Augustus Bridge from New Town the first thing you encounter is the Schlossplatz and the Georgentor (George Gate). It was the first Renaissance building of the city and later updated with a mighty gable with sculptured ornaments, including the equestrian statue of Count Georg the Bearded. To the left of the gate and on the rear of the Long Arcade is a large porcelain mural depicting the Procession of Saxon Princes.

The outside of the Katholische Hofkirche is very impressive and ornate, while the inside is more modest, its restoration very obvious. The walls were pristine white and the many gold tone light fixtures showed a modern look, I was truly sorry the original church was destroyed. A room near the back of Katholische Hofkirche had me intrigued because it looks like the room had beautiful moldings and trims but it was all done my an artist. The tricks of paint and shadings. 

Dresden has to be one of my favorite cities here in Germany. I honestly enjoyed our time here more than in Berlin. If I could re-do this trip, I would have stayed in Dresden longer. We enjoyed chasing Rand around the cobblestone streets and exploring all the beautiful architecture at every corner. I wish we had more time to explore the interiors of all these beautiful buildings. 

We spent some time taking in the atmosphere of Frauenkirche and I even lit a candle for our daughter Addilyn in heaven and the other child we lost this past fall. The Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady) has one of the biggest domes in Europe. Since 1885, a statue of Martin Luther can be seen in front of the Frauenkirche. 

Before heading home after leaving Dresden, I wanted to take a quick trip to Bastei Bridge. It is only 30 minutes East of Dresden but we needed to head back home. I urge anyone going to Berlin or Dresden to try to squeeze Rakotzbrücke and Bastei Bridge into their trip.

Be sure to check out my posts about our time in Berlin and Tropical Islands Resort.

*Things I wish we had time to do in Dresden:
-Garnison Church of St. Martin
-Kunsthofpassage
-Go inside the Semper Opera House (Semperoper)
-Take a tour inside the Royal Palace (Residenzschloss) and the Green Vault

Tropical Islands Resort

While researching and putting together our itinerary for Berlin, I came across Tropical Islands Resort. Tropical Islands Resort is a tropical theme park inside a cargo lifter airship hanger (know as the Aerium), the biggest free-standing hall in the world. Tropical Island opened in 2004 and has the biggest indoor rainforest in the world (with around 50,000 plants and 600 different species, including some rare plants), a beach, and a number of swimming pools with fountains, slides and waterfalls. It also includes a hotel and camping grounds, bars and restaurants. It is open around the clock, every day of the year.

I thought it would be a fun stop on our trip and is right between Berlin and Dresden. We left Berlin around 8am to arrive at 9am and enjoy a few hours of swimming and lunch before heading down to Dresden. 

We bought our tickets online and had no issues checking in. Make sure you get in the proper line since they have a few different lines for guests who are staying overnight or buying tickets at the door. Next, we headed to the locker room to change. They have changing rooms available but don't be shocked if people change right in front of you by their locker. 

 

Be sure to take a walk around the whole park. It really is a cool place and they have a lot to offer. The kids area is really fun. Rand had a blast in the ball pits and water areas.

Tips for your visit to Tropical Islands Resort:

-Bring a wet bag for your swimsuits and your own towel

-Bring sandals (I remembered everyone else's except my own)

-Leave your wallet in your locker. You will get a wrist band and use that for purchases

-Bring your own water since it is very pricey