My trip to Dresden was a wonderful blend of professional celebration and personal moments. We marked APPINA’s 10-year anniversary with inspiring team activities, local traditions, and shared laughter, followed by a few special days with my mom exploring the beauty and history of Saxony.
Day 1 – Arrival and Office Visit
I stayed at the Bellevue Bilderberg Hotel, an excellent choice with spacious, spotless, and very comfortable rooms. The breakfast buffet was outstanding, and the hotel’s location could not be better — right next to the Augustus Bridge and only a short walk from Dresden’s Old Town, offering beautiful views of the Elbe River.
After breakfast, I spent time in the APPINA Travel Dresden office, connecting with colleagues.
Day 2 – Office Work and Anniversary Celebration
The day was spent working in the office, followed by welcoming our colleagues from the Munich branch. Together we celebrated our 10-year anniversary with wonderful catered food and great company. It was a memorable event filled with laughter, stories, and a strong sense of pride in our shared achievements.
Day 3 – Team Building and Company Dinner
The day began with a hands-on baking workshop, where we made original Dresdner Christstollen, learning about the strict traditional guidelines bakers must follow for their product to officially carry that name.
In the afternoon, we participated in a team scavenger hunt across Dresden, featuring 22 stops, riddles, and interactive challenges — a creative and fun way to learn more about the city and its history. The day concluded with a company dinner, full of conversation, laughter, great food and meaningful connections.
Day 4 – Art and Family Time
Sunday morning was spent at the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister (Old Masters Picture Gallery), one of Europe’s most celebrated art museums. The collection includes masterpieces by Raphael, Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Titian, presented in beautifully curated galleries that capture the elegance of European art history.
After saying goodbye to the team, I met my mother at the train station to begin our time together. We spent the evening catching up over traditional Saxon cuisine at a cozy local restaurant.
Day 5 – Exploring Dresden’s Cultural Heritage
After breakfast, we attended a free midday service at the Frauenkirche, followed by an insightful lecture from a historian on the church’s remarkable history — from its destruction during World War II to its reconstruction as a symbol of peace and reconciliation.
We then visited the Historisches Grünes Gewölbe (Historic Green Vault) in the Dresden Royal Palace. This museum houses one of Europe’s most dazzling treasure collections, with rooms filled with Baroque masterpieces in gold, silver, and precious gems. Each display reflects the splendor and artistry of the Saxon court under Augustus the Strong.
In the evening, we managed to secure last-minute tickets to the Semperoper, where we attended a magnificent concert. The atmosphere and acoustics of this historic opera house were truly breathtaking, making it a highlight of our visit.
Day 6 – City Tour and Relaxation
Rainy weather offered the perfect excuse for a more relaxed day. In the morning, we joined a guided city tour by bus, gaining new perspectives on Dresden’s architecture, history, and culture. In the afternoon, we explored several of the city’s modern indoor shopping gallerias, which combine elegant design with a wide variety of shops and cafés.
We ended the day with dinner at an Italian restaurant, enjoying excellent food, warm hospitality, and live music — a calm and enjoyable evening after several busy days.
Day 7 – Excursion to Saxon Switzerland
Neither my mother nor I had visited Saxon Switzerland before, so we joined a day tour to explore this stunning region. Our first stop was the famous Bastei Bridge, which offered breathtaking panoramic views over the Elbe Sandstone Mountains and the valley below.
We continued to Fortress Königstein (Schloss Königstein) — one of the largest hilltop fortresses in Europe. The site, perched high above the Elbe River, provides spectacular vistas of the surrounding countryside. Dating back over 750 years, the fortress has served as a medieval castle, a military stronghold, and even a state prison. Today it stands as a remarkable example of Saxon history and architecture, beautifully preserved and accessible to visitors.
The landscape surrounding Dresden is truly breathtaking, offering endless opportunities for hiking, cycling, and outdoor activities. Tired but happy, and full of lasting memories, we spent our final evening in the cozy hotel bar before saying our goodbyes the next morning.
This trip was both personally and professionally enriching. The 10-year anniversary celebrations in Dresden highlighted the strength of our team and the spirit of collaboration across offices. The days spent exploring Dresden and Saxon Switzerland provided a deeper appreciation for the region’s culture, history, and natural beauty.
It was a journey filled with inspiration, connection, and gratitude — a perfect balance between work, culture, and family.
