From Dresden in eastern Germany, explore the rich heritage of the Saxons before weaving through the forests of Bavaria and continuing onward to the mountains of Tyrol. This Route du Bonheur itinerary takes you through a historic city, bucolic surrounds and the beautiful valleys that lead from Germany to Austria. In this land of traditions and picturesque charm, castles, churches, and other convents and cloisters classified as historical monuments harmoniously blend in with the landscape. This trip offers history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike numerous opportunities to enjoy the wide-open spaces (fishing, canoeing, hiking, etc.).
Hotel and restaurant in town. With the Semper Opera House, the Zwinger Palace and the Frauenkirche, Dresden is one of the most fascinating places to visit in Germany. Right in the centre of the Baroque district it is home to Bülow Palais. This residence, which is run with passion, offers a taste of paradise to stylish and demanding guests. It boasts an elegant atmosphere, with a touch of originality designed to appeal to those who love all that is truly personal. Relax and enjoy breakfast in the light-filled winter garden, savour light German cuisine at Bülow's Bistro, or meet up with your friends at the cigar lounge. The restaurant Le Caroussel offers one of the best cuisines in the region.
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This splendid Lutheran church is the symbol of the city. After being completely destroyed during the Allied bombing of 13 February 1945, the church was rebuilt exactly as it was and reconsecrated on 30 October 2005. The cross on top was made by an English artist, Alan Smith. In addition to services,...
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Military History Museum, Dresden
Located in a former arsenal, this museum reveals different aspects of the military world. I really like the modernity of the site, which re-opened in 2011 after being completely overhauled by the famous American architect Daniel Libeskind. The museum contains hundreds of thousands of objects, ranging...
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Meissen porcelain
It was in Meißen, a few kilometres from Dresden, that Europe’s first porcelain factory was opened in 1710, benefiting from the nearby kaolin deposits. All across the continent, royal factories attempted to equal the quality of the objects produced in the Meißen workshops, known as "hard-paste" porcelain....
Hotel and restaurant in the country. Within the Bavarian forest, the Hotel Oswald, owned by the Oswald family, has preserved the spirit of its guest house origins. In the heart of a small village, it is the ideal base for enjoying the surrounding nature. Follow the hiking trails, take in the views of the nearby Bohemian forest, fish or canoe down the rivers, visit the oldest and most luxurious glass manufacturers in the world and then leave it to the Hotel Oswald to take care of the rest. Its wood-panelled rooms offer comfort and repose within the softness of a rustic setting draped in fur and satin. And its fine regional cuisine and Finnish-style spa promise delights and relaxation in all seasons — especially after a beautiful day of cross-country skiing in Arberland.
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The medieval city of Regensburg has been listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2006 and was an important trading place in the Middle Ages. Situated on the banks of the Danube, it has managed to preserve many remains of past civilisations. Ancient Rome also has a presence in the area with beautiful...
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On the route
Trausnitz Castle in Landshut
Its grandeur won’t fail to impress! Seventy kilometers north-east of Munich, this medieval town still has its keep and castle dating from the 13th century. Dominating the meandering Isar River, the castle offers incredible views of the town and surrounding area.
Viktualienmarkt Market in Munich
Regarded as the largest food market in Munich, Viktualienmarkt’s 140+ stalls have shared the same space for almost 200 years. Foodies can find great quality produce on offer, but you can also have fun browsing. A unique way of discovering Bavaria from the ground up. An all-important stop in Bavaria’s...
Hotel and restaurant in the mountains. Hotel Gut Steinbach is the masterpiece of the Graf von Moltke family, who, through their passion and care, has revived Bavarian art de vivre on an alpine plateau. At this estate in Chiemgau, a region bordering Austria, they have created an authentic haven of hospitality, designed to also be fully sustainable.
At 700 m in altitude and set around a natural lake, the modern, charming and comfortable main building and chalets reflect the local architecture while also ensuring that the peace of the surrounding mountains is never disturbed.
Across 50 hectares of meadow and forest, deer, pigs, poultry, goats and rabbits are raised to serve the rational needs of the Heimat restaurant, where chef Achim Hack showcases his farm-to-fork cuisine.
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Herrenchiemsee, King Ludwig II's Bavarian Versailles
Regarded as the Bavarian Versailles, this little neo-classical gem built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria at the end of the 19th century is a wonderful place to visit. Located on an island in the Chiem Lake, you can admire the lake waters from the middle of the island, wander around the gardens and discover...
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Kampenwand, paradise for hikers
In Aschau im Chiemgau stands Kampenwand, a Bavarian mountain reaching 1,669 meters in altitude. Beginners and experienced walkers alike are sure to fall under its charm. The cable car ascending to 1,500 meters altitude allows you enjoy the famous low altitude scenic footpath with views of the Alpine...
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Naturkäserei TegernseerLand Dairy, Kreuth am Tegernsee
In Tegernsee valley, as you leave Rottach-Egern, is the Naturkäserei TergernseeLand dairy, an outstanding cooperative. Today, it comprises some twenty organic farmers producing cow’s milk. Its specialty hay milk cheeses take their flavor from the pastures used for cattle grazing! Stop off for some tasty...
Hotel and restaurant in the mountains. The property sits on a hillock in the middle of a vast peaceful garden planted with flowers and fruit trees. The views over Kitzbühel and the surrounding mountains are beautiful. The hotel is at the foot of the Kitzbüheler Horn ski resort and overlooks the legendary Streif ski slope. The furniture and antiques in the rooms of this former farm belong to the family. The pools and steam baths in the spa are ideal places to relax. In summer, you will appreciate magnificent hiking trails, which start directly from the hotel and an exceptional offering of golf courses.
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An attraction not to be missed for all hot air balloon fans, Filzmoos holds the Hanneshof Week of Hot Air Balloons every year in January. Enjoy the magnificent spectacle of ambient music and balloons, and sip on mulled wine while overlooking snow-capped peaks. The highlight of the event: the Night of...
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Attending the World Cup of Polo on Snow
A highlight of any visit is the World Cup of Polo on Snow, when Kitzbühel station is transformed for a few days in January into an equestrian paradise. What an incredible sight to see teams of four players galloping across the Wilder Kaiser cross-country ski trails! Showcasing speed, flexibility and...
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Eisriesenwelt, a magical cave
Imagine a hole that is 30,000 m2 deep, sculpted drop by drop since time immemorial. Eisriesenwelt is considered to be the largest accessible ice cave in the world. Its blue-tinted ice rooms offer a show as wonderful as its freezing temperature - even in summer. Step by step and with carbide lamp in hand,...
**Offer cannot be combined, valid for an itinerary in at least 2 different Relais & Châteaux establishments, reserved with Relais & Châteaux concierges, discount applicable on certain rates and certain establishments. List available from our concierges.
Total price communicated as an indication, based on a stay of the number of nights recommended on this webpage, taking place in the next 3 months, and based on double occupancy (excluding recommended activities, excluding properties not bookable online).
Reservation Service
To give you inspiration, Relais & Châteaux presents the Routes du Bonheur:
Suggestions for travel itineraries that you can fully personalise according to your wishes and the experiences you would like to discover. Our consultants are available to help customise your route and assist you in making reservations at our properties. It is up to you to reserve any recommended activities on-site or nearby that might interest you.
** Offer cannot be combined, valid for an itinerary in at least 2 different Relais & Châteaux establishments, reserved with Relais & Châteaux concierges, discount applicable on certain rates and certain establishments. List available from our concierges. Call our concierge to tailormade your booking and itinerary*. *Price of a local call