Excursion from Dresden to Cinderella's Moritzburg Castle: Winter Magic & Practical Tips

If you're in Dresden and want to see a fairy tale up close, there's no way around Moritzburg Castle. This pink baroque jewel lies just a short journey northwest of the Elbe metropolis and became world-famous through the cult film “Three Wishes for Cinderella”. The castle is a classic for many families, romantics and film fans – especially during Advent and winter time, when the grounds are bathed in atmospheric lighting and the legendary Cinderella exhibition takes place.

Getting from Dresden Central Station to Moritzburg (and back)

Moritzburg doesn't have its own station, but is very well connected to local transport. From Dresden Central Station you're best taking an S-Bahn or tram to Dresden-Neustadt station – the journey takes only around 6 to 10 minutes. There you change to bus 477 towards Moritzburg Castle. The journey takes you through the Elbe valley and takes about 25 to 30 minutes. Buses run regularly, especially during the day and at weekends.

Tip: If you use the Deutschlandticket, this connection is fully covered – so you don't need an additional ticket.

For the return journey you simply take the same bus back to Neustadt station and then the train or tram to the central station. In the evening, buses run until early evening. If you stay longer, check the current timetable, especially in winter or on bank holidays.

What awaits you in the castle and park

Moritzburg Castle is a prime example of baroque architecture. Elector Augustus the Strong had the former hunting residence converted into a magnificent water castle in the 18th century. It stands on an artificial island, surrounded by a mirror-smooth pond in which the towers and bright façade are picturesquely reflected.

Inside you'll find:

• State rooms with gilded stucco ceilings and wall paintings
• One of Europe's largest hunting trophy collections
• The unique Feather Room, decorated with over one million coloured feathers
• Special exhibitions with changing themes, from court life to film history

Tickets can be purchased online or on site. For popular winter exhibitions, time-slot tickets are offered – advance booking is particularly recommended on Advent weekends.

The Little Pheasant Castle & further highlights

Just a few minutes' walk from the main castle lies the delicate Little Pheasant Castle, a small rococo jewel that was once used for keeping peacocks and for celebrations. It even has its own mini harbour where small boats can dock.

Around the castle, forest and lakeside paths invite you to stroll. Those with more time should:

• Visit the Moritzburg Lighthouse at the Lower Great Pond – a curious rococo maritime structure.
• Take a carriage ride through the winter castle grounds.
• In summer, visit the Moritzburg Wildlife Enclosure with fallow, red and wild boar.
• Plan a side trip to Radebeul or Meißen – both places are easily accessible by bus and train.

Cinderella: Experience film history up close

Hardly any Christmas film has captured so many hearts as “Three Wishes for Cinderella” (German title: “Drei Haselnüsse für Aschenbrödel”). The Czech-East German classic was filmed in 1972/73, among other places in the inner courtyard and park of Moritzburg Castle. The scenes in which Cinderella descends the famous staircase in a snowstorm were created here – and have made the castle a pilgrimage site for film fans ever since.

Winter exhibition “Three Wishes for Cinderella”

Every year in winter (November to February) the castle transforms into a real film set. Original costumes, props, photos and film sets are displayed in the state rooms. Visitors can marvel at Cinderella's ball gown, the prince's shoe or behind-the-scenes photos from the 1970s.

The exhibition is particularly busy on Advent weekends – so it's best to book online in advance. A special experience: when there's snow outside and you watch the film in the evening programme, knowing that you've stood at the original filming locations during the day.

Moritzburg in winter – fairy-tale atmosphere

When the castle lake freezes over, the trees bear hoar frost and the sun stands low over the towers, Moritzburg becomes the epitome of a winter fairy tale. In the village itself you'll find Christmas stalls, cafés with mulled wine and homemade cake and small souvenir shops with Cinderella motifs. A walk around the lake or through the avenue to the Little Pheasant Castle is particularly beautiful in winter – and in the evening, when the castle is illuminated, an almost magical atmosphere is created.

Practical tips for your excursion

• Set off early: Especially at weekends and during Advent it gets busy. Mornings are the quietest.
• Watch the weather: Around the castle pond it can be windy – warm clothing and good footwear are essential.
• Photo tip: The most beautiful view of the castle is from the bridge at the South Pond – perfect for sunsets.
• Picnic or café: In the village there are cosy cafés, such as the “Café im Schloss Moritzburg” or small bakeries with regional specialities.
• Check combination ticket: If you also want to visit the Little Pheasant Castle or the summer exhibition, the combination ticket is worth it.
• Opening hours: Moritzburg Castle is open year-round, the Cinderella exhibition usually from mid-November to the end of February.

Recommended accommodation: a&o Hostel Dresden Central Station

For everyone using Dresden as a base for the excursion, the a&o Hostel Dresden Hauptbahnhof is the ideal choice. The advantages at a glance:

• Central location: Just a few minutes from the central station – perfect for bus and train connections to Moritzburg.
• Comfort & price: Affordable room rates, choice of dormitory or private rooms.
• Delicious breakfast buffet: Start the day with fresh rolls, muesli and coffee.
• Sky bar with a view: From the roof terrace you'll enjoy a magnificent view over Dresden – particularly beautiful at sunset.
• Good transport connections: Directly on the Dresden transport network, fast S-Bahn connection to Neustadt station.

This makes the a&o Hostel in Dresden the ideal starting point for your fairy-tale excursion to Moritzburg Castle – whether you're travelling alone, with friends or with family.

An excursion like a fairy tale

A day in Moritzburg is like a step into another time: baroque splendour, snow-covered forests, mirror-smooth ponds and the magic of a film that has touched people for generations. With the simple journey from Dresden Central Station (S-Bahn & bus 477) you'll reach the castle in less than an hour. There awaits you a perfect mix of history, nature and nostalgia – especially in winter, when Cinderella hovers over everything.

And for those who want to start the excursion comfortably or round it off with an evening in Dresden, the a&o Hostel Dresden Hauptbahnhof is the perfect choice: affordable, central and with a beautiful view over the city. Whether you're a fairy-tale fan, photographer or simply a winter lover – Moritzburg Castle is an excursion destination you shouldn't miss.

Got hooked?

Then book your trip with a&o to Dresden!