Herrnhut, home of the Moravian Star, sits nestled against the borders of the Czech Republic and Poland. Its world-famous star continues to bring light and joy for Christmas, the world over.
A day trip to Herrnhut from Dresden immerses you in the old tradition of this iconic star. Families and craft enthusiasts can create a Moravian star and enjoy watching the experts at work. History lovers can absorb the cultural significance of this beautiful decoration and its eventual spread across the globe.
Visiting Herrnhut offers a unique family day trip and cultural experience for visitors of all ages.
Why Visit Herrnhut from Dresden?
A day trip to Herrnhut from Dreaden is a unique adventure, offering great insight into the region’s history and culture.
The main attraction is the Herrnhut Stern Manufaktur, where you can create your very own Moravian Star. However, there is also beautiful architecture, plenty of history to absorb and nearby forests to explore.
Herrnhut is most definitely an “off-the-beaten-track” destination for visitors to Dresden. It is a must for anyone interested in the history and culture of the region, particularly in the Adventszeit.
Want to know about the Adventszeit in Saxony? Read all about it in my post here.
How to get to Herrnhut from Dresden
Once you’ve decided to visit Herrnhut, it is an accessible and fun day trip from Dresden.
Driving ✅
- Preferred option!
- You should arrive in Herrnhut within an hour driving on the A4 from Dresden toward Bautzen.
For my family, driving was the most convenient and flexible option to reach Herrnhut from Dresden.
Public Transport ❌
- I do not recommend public transport from Dresden to Herrnhut.
Taking approximately 3 hours to reach Herrnhut from Dresden, this is not my recommended method of transport.
History of the Moravian Star
Origins of the Star
Locally called the Herrnhutter Stern, this 25-point star originated in Herrnhut in the early 19th Century. The now world-famous Christmas decoration was originally used by a teacher at the Moravian school as a tool to teach students geometric principles.
The Moravian church existed in and around Herrnhut since the 1450s. This protestant religion is a spiritual movement following the spiritual teachings of Count Nicholaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf.
This group is also credited with being the first to decorate Christmas Trees with candles. As you can see, Christmas traditions in this region run very deep.
Symbolism and Cultural Significance
Representing the Star that led the Magi to Bethlehem, the Herrnhutter Stern also symbolises light, hope and faith during the darkest time of the year.
Modern Manufacturing
The unique design of Moravian Stars was patented in 1925 by Pieter Hendrik Verbeek, leading to their continued commercial production by Herrnhuter Sterne GmbH, which currently produces approximately 70,000 per year.
What to Expect at the Herrnhuter Sterne Manufactory
Arrival
You’ll know you’ve arrived when you see the enormous Moravian Star by the side of the road.
Once there, it’s your choice where to start.
Craft Workshop: Create your own Star
Our first stop was to create a Moravian Star of our very own.
The Craft Workshop (Bastelstube) is the first building you’ll encounter as you cross the road from the car park.
This inviting, circular hut has a single entry point. Once inside, the staff will warmly welcome you and the choice of colours is yours.
For us, this was the absolute highlight of the day. Our family created two stars:
- one in traditional from white, red and green
- a more modern take with pink and blue.
Allow yourself between 15 minutes and half an hour to complete the crafting.
You don’t need to do any preparation or follow complicated instructions. The staff will provide you with everything you need.
Watch the Professionals at Work
Once your star is complete, why not head into the main building to experince everything on offer?
Immediately to the right of the entrance, you will see professionals at work, hand-crafting stars to go out into the world.
A professional is responsible for each of the fout stages of star creation, each on public display here. There is written information about each step in English and German, so you will be well-informed about how Moravian stars are made.
On the day that we visited, they were creating large paper stars. The professionals even gave a single point of a star to my children.
Unfortunately, photography of the professionals at work is not allowed. However, we chatted with them and they were happy to explain their processes.
Indoor Adventure Playground
While only one offering indoors, this was the absolute highlight for my family!
Themed as the Herrnhuter workshop, this two-storey adventure playground features tunnels and areas for climbing.
Visiting with a toddler? Then utilise the quiet corner with books, cushions and drawing materials.
We spent around 45 minutes here. MUCH longer than by the Craft Workshop.
Museum of the Moravian Star
Enjoy the video presentation behind the main information desk to learn more about the star’s history and influence. While I didn’t view it (because we were spending far too much time at the playground!), I’ve been told that it is beautiful to watch.
Unfortunately, the film is only shown in German, though there is also written information about the Herrnhuter Stern and many staff can speak English to answer your questions.
Cafe
The success of your day trip from Dresden with kids might hang in the balance around lunchtime.
At the Herrnhutter Stern Manufaktur, you’re welcome to bring your own food and snacks or you can treat yourselves to lunch at the cafe in the main building.
Offering local classics such as Wiener Wurstchen and a hearty Lentil Soup, there is also a variety of snacks and drinks available.
During the Adventzeit, the Herrnhuter Manufaktur also offers a Christmas Market directly in front of this main building. Here there is also a fast-food canteen, offering festive drinks and Bratwurst.
Gift Shop: Don’t go home empty-handed!
I know you’ve just created your own star, but why not take one home for friends or family?
There is an almost unbelievable amount of Moravian Stars for sale in the main building. The variety of colours and sizes available is breathtaking but sure enough, you’ll find what you’re looking for.
Every year there is a collector’s edition Moravian Star. These are in a specific colour that is not normally available and are strictly limited. In 2024, the Special Edition star is Lilac.
You can also purchase regional wooden decorations, hand-crafted in the Ore Mountains.
How much does it all cost?
- Crafting your own Moravian Star: €18
- Buying a Herrnhuter Stern: €18.50+, dependent on size and colour selection.
- Food: €4.50 – €15 per serve
- Drinks: €3 – €8 per drink
Other Attractions in Herrnhut
After exploring the Herrnhut Stern Manufaktur, why not explore the town of Herrnut further?
Starting at Zinzendorf Platz, the town centre, you can easily explore the key places in this delightful little town on foot.
- The local museum showcases the Moravian church’s history and Herrnhut’s settlement.
- The Moravian Church, where it all started, still stands proudly in the town.
- Herrnhut Artist’s Guild, showcases locally produced, handcrafted items (no, not just the Herrnhuter Stern!).
Are you Ready to Explore Herrnhut?
If you’re interested in learning more about the history and cultural significance of the Moravian Star, start planning your day trip to Herrnhut!
While the highlight is a visit to the Herrnhut Stern Manufaktur to create your very own keepsake, this little town has enough to offer for a full day out.
Ready to craft your own piece of history? Start planning your day trip to Herrnhut and bring the light of the Moravian Star into your home.
