Moritzburg Castle
Schloss Moritzburg
Germany · Saxony · Near Dresden
Built 1542 · Baroque
This page is part of an independent travel guide and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by Moritzburg Castle.
© Unsplash
Quick Facts
- Hours
- Daily 10:00–17:00
- Day trip from
- €395
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Best time
- Year-round
- Nearest city
- Dresden
Featured Tour
Prague:Dresden 2h and Moritzburg 2h Private DayTrip + ticket
Cancellation available · Instant confirmation
Highlights
- ✦Four round towers perfectly reflected in the surrounding lake
- ✦One of the most photogenic palaces in Germany
- ✦Magnificent Baroque hunting rooms with antler decorations
- ✦The world's largest antler in the palace collections
- ✦Famous Cinderella Christmas exhibition (November to February)
Skip the queue with a guided tour
Skip-the-line tickets & expert guides
Schloss Moritzburg is one of the most photogenic palaces in Germany — a four-towered Baroque hunting palace rising from an artificial island in the middle of a lake, its reflection shimmering in the water on calm mornings. Built as a hunting lodge by Duke Moritz of Saxony in 1542 and completely rebuilt by Augustus the Strong between 1723 and 1736, the palace became his favoured hunting retreat and the site of legendary royal hunts. The Baroque interior is lavishly decorated with hunting trophies, red velvet, and gilded leather wallcoverings; the collection includes what is claimed to be the world's largest antler, with a 24-point spread. In winter the palace hosts a famous Cinderella Christmas exhibition that draws visitors from across Europe.
History
The original hunting lodge was built for Duke Moritz in 1542. It was completely rebuilt in Baroque style for Augustus the Strong, Elector of Saxony, between 1723 and 1736, with the surrounding lake artificially enlarged to create the island setting. The palace hosted spectacular baroque court hunts attended by thousands. After the death of Augustus it was used less frequently and fell into some disrepair before thorough restoration in the 20th century.
How to Visit
Getting there: Moritzburg is 14 km northwest of Dresden. From Dresden, take tram 12 to Radebeul Ost, then the historic narrow-gauge Lößnitzgrundbahn steam railway to Moritzburg (~50 min total) — the steam train journey is a highlight in itself. By car, take the B6 north from Dresden city centre.
Tickets: Walk-up admission is €8 for adults, €4 for children. The GYG private day trip (t1110172, from €395, no reviews yet) combines Dresden (2h) and Moritzburg (2h) as a private day trip from Prague; for independent visitors from Dresden, walk-up entry is the standard approach.
Practical tips: The four towers reflected in the lake are most photogenic in calm morning light — arrive early for the best shot before tour coaches arrive. The Cinderella Christmas exhibition (November–February) recreates the set of the beloved 1973 East German film shot here and draws visitors from across Germany; book well ahead if visiting in that period.
Combine with: [Pillnitz Castle](/castles/germany/pillnitz-castle) is another Augustus the Strong palace on the Elbe south of Dresden, making a natural Dresden Baroque palaces day. [Dresden Castle](/castles/germany/dresden-castle) and the Zwinger complex in the city centre round out the Augustus the Strong architectural legacy in a single Saxony trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Augustus the Strong had the surrounding area flooded to create a lake around the existing palace, giving it the romantic island appearance it has today.
Location
Schloßallee 1, 01468 Moritzburg, Germany
Nearby Castles
Tours & Tickets
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From
€395/ group