Dresden, Germany, conjures up thoughts of baroque buildings and Zwinger’s stunning art collection. Yet, behind its artistic grandeur, there is a story waiting to be told: the city’s special relationship with milk chocolate and dairy artistry.

When planning a trip to Dresden, uncovering its pioneering spirit in chocolate manufacturing and concluding in a visit to Pfund’s Dairy, an attraction recognised as the most beautiful dairy store in the world, is a must on your cultural adventure.

Dresden and the birth of milk chocolate

In 1839, Europe is captivated by bitter dark chocolate, a treat reserved for the elite. Enter Dresden, where two enterprising pharmacists, Eduard Jordan and Friedrich August Timaeus, dared to challenge convention

Their revolutionary creation? The world’s first solid milk chocolate, albeit using donkey milk due to its readily available lactose content. This innovation sparked a confectionary revolution. While donkey milk soon gave way to cow’s milk, the birth of creamy, melt-in-your-mouth milk chocolate transformed the landscape of chocolate indulgence forever.

Today, Dresden are filled with various chocolate shops and each shop offers a distinct experience. A visit to Dresden would not be complete without indulging in a chocolate tasting tour. Here are our recommendations for three famous chocolate shops in Dresden:

• CAMONDAS Schokoladen-Kontor an der Frauenkirche: hot chocolate and ice cream are top two choices.
• Kreutzkamm: Eierschecke is a must-try layered cake, with vanilla custard and cheesecake, exclusive to Dresden.
• felicitas Schokoladenland: hot chocolate, ice cream, and praline are the signature dishes in the store.

After having the renowned chocolates in Dresden, Pfunds Dairy shop would be the crown jewel on your experience: it is a landmark that transcends the realm of mere shops.

Established in 1824, Pfunds embodies the city’s deep connection to dairy tradition. Stepping inside is akin to entering a scene from a fairytale. Magnificent chandeliers bathe the space in a warm glow, while ornate tilework on the walls depicts pastoral scenes.

The display counters are a feast for the eyes, overflowing with an array of dairy delights. Pfund’s not only houses a wide array of cheeses from around the world but also offers a glimpse into Saxon dairy heritage.

Local favourites include Handkäse, a small, matured cheese with a pungent aroma, and Quark, a fresh curd cheese, share space with international delicacies. The store also boasts a fantastic selection of homemade pastries.