By motorhome to the Baltic Sea, Elbe, and Harz · Page 7

Day 8: Pillnitz Castle and Night Watchman Tour

The day began with rain on the roof—so first, an extended, cozy breakfast. By noon, the rain had stopped, and we cycled with our friends to the ferry and across to the impressive Pillnitz Castle (Schloss Pillnitz). After a coffee break, we explored the beautiful, extensive palace park.

The highlight was the Camellia House with the famous Pillnitz Camellia:

• The glasshouse on rails: The heavy glass protective structure stands on tracks. In summer, it is rolled away so the plant stands under the open sky; in autumn, it rolls back over the tree.
• The camellia itself: The tree, over 250 years old, is nearly 9 meters tall and is considered the oldest and largest camellia in Europe north of the Alps. In spring, it bears tens of thousands of carmine-red blossoms—which can even be admired from above thanks to the gallery inside the structure.

Afterward, we strolled through Dresden's old town. Following dinner together, we joined the Night Watchman Tour: for 1.5 hours, the night watchman led us humorously and full of stories through nighttime Dresden. At 11:50 PM, we fell into bed happy and tired.