Dresden tourist information
The Elbe and the gently rolling landscape between Saxon Switzerland and Meissen determine the nature in which the city on the river is embedded. The climate is equally beneficial for the development of the arts and for viniculture. The inhabitants are known for their own special charm, Saxon hospitality is proverbial. At the same time Dresden is a modern city with the flair of the former Saxon residence – simply a place with life style. Approximately 7.4 million guests visit Dresden every year. We are looking forward to your visit!
Dresden offers attractions in great variety. No book about the history of architecture can miss mentioning the Dresden Zwinger. The Frauenkirche Church, Semper Opera House and Royal Palace as well as many other historical monuments and ensembles determine the image of the city. The saucy angels from Raphael’s “The Sistine Madonna” make publicity for Dresden’s art collections in the whole world. Magnificent promenades on the bank of the Elbe, interesting museums and institutions, industrial monuments, charming details – Dresden has a lot for you to discover.
The historical centre of Dresden is located on the left bank of the Elbe, at the peak of a graceful river bend. Protected for centuries by mighty fortifications, the Saxon capital developed splendour and activity.
Even today the buildings from the Renaissance, baroque and 19th century determine the Elbe front and the face of our city. Viewed from the opposite bank or from one of the Elbe bridges Dresden presents itself at first glance as a cultural city of European rank.
In spite of vast destruction during the Second World War, the Old City part of Dresden has preserved or regained fascinating ensembles. The most famous symbol of reconstruction in the city centre is the Dresden Frauenkirche Church, the magnificent baroque dome, which already today dominates the city centre.
Many important cultural institutions are situated along the Old City-side of the Elbe banks: from the Old Masters Picture Gallery to the “Green Vault”, the treasure chamber of the Saxon electors and kings.
The Old City is likewise the centre of city life, for in the Saxon State Parliament the destiny of Saxony is determined and in the town hall that of the city. Around the Altmarkt square and Prager Strasse shopping centres, restaurants, culture and work are to be found.
The quarter on the right banks of the Elbe is called Neustadt, even though the settlement across the Old City bore the name “Altendresden” (Olden Dresden) until the 18th century. Freedom of the city was granted already in 1403, but nevertheless it always remained in the shade of the residence on the other side of the Elbe. After a disastrous fire in 1685 the quarter - in the meanwhile incorporated into Dresden - was systematically rebuilt as the “New Town near Dresden”, the Neustadt quarter.
The baroque reconstruction produced attractive streets and sites which can still be experienced in the area around Königstrasse. Prelude to the “Inner Neustadt” is the Neustädter Markt with the equestrian statue of the Saxon elector and Polish king Frederick August I, the “Golden Horseman” . Beyond the statue is the beginning of the Hauptstrasse, the main street of the historical quarter.
Upstream the government quarter on Königsufer bank borders on the Inner Neustadt and is dominated by the two monumental buildings of the Saxon Ministry of Finance (1890/96) and the Saxon State Government (former General Ministry, 1900/04) with their splendid historicist facades and roof constructions.
The northern adjoining district is called the Outer Neustadt, a residential district with preserved historicized architecture from the turn of the century. In the past decade a manifold cultural scene has developed in the narrowly built streets. Today the Outer Neustadt between Königsbrücker Strasse and Lutherplatz square has uncounted restaurants, manifold shopping opportunities and cultural offers.
Dresden’s geography and atmosphere are equally determined by the river. The Elbe formed the wide valley which imbeds the urban area of Dresden. The significant buildings of the old Saxon residence are oriented towards the river. Today the nature of the Elbe meadows and slopes substantially determines the high quality of life in the city.
Grazing flocks of sheep beside frequented bridges, a picnic out in the open with a view of Palace and Cathedral, historic paddle-steamers with Dixieland, castles and villas with vistas of the city, beer gardens amidst extensive meadows – the preserved river landscape offers room for nature and manifold utilization
The former residence of the Wettin dynasty is a city of art and culture with magnificent buildings, many museums of world class as well as venues and ensembles with a rich tradition of theatrical and musical history.
The Saxon State Orchestra cultivates Dresden’s high reputation as a metropolis of opera at the historical site of the Semper Opera House. Another three ensembles of world renown represent Dresden’s great musical history: the Saxon State Opera, the Dresden Philharmonic Orchestra and the Dresden Kreuzchor boys’ choir.
The Zwinger is home to the famous “Old Masters” art gallery and to the largest porcelain collection in the world. The former royal jewel collection in the “Green Vault” on the Brühl Terrace is also well-known throughout the world.
Festivals and activities belong to Dresden’s lively cultural scene. The Dresden Music Festival, the Dresden Festival of Contemporary Music or the second largest Dixieland Festival in the world have a fixed position in the cultural life of the city.
The locals also regularly celebrate the Dresden Steam Locomotive Festival , the Steamer parade or the “Elbhangfest” riverside festival.
With 63 per cent of its area devoted to woods and green spaces, Dresden can be considered one of the greenest cities in Europe. The urban area of Dresden has, for example 4 protected nature areas with 350 hectares and 12 protected landscape areas with 11,500 hectares. Green spaces and recreation areas cover an area of 890 hectares.
The heath lands of the “Dresdner Heide” embrace the city in the north, while the “Grosser Garten” park spreads out extensively at the very heart of the city. The Elbe winds its way through the city, lined by broad meadows, vineyards and parks.
Nature and recreation are at the very heart of Dresden, for example in the “Grosser Garten” park, the most beautiful and largest of the many parks. The park is also home to the Zoological Garden as well as the Botanical Garden.
The course of the river is lined with broad meadows which reach right into the city centre and offer locals and visitors recreation and relaxation. Upstream, near the Loschwitz bridge “Blaues Wunder” (Blue Wonder) you can take the historical suspension railway or the funicular railway up to the 100 metres higher Weisser Hirsch district.
In a romantic setting, built on the Loschwitz heights overlooking the Elbe, are the three so-called Albrecht Palaces.
The neighbouring Dresden Heath offers relaxing cycle and hiking tours. This wooded area covers about a quarter of the total area of the city of Dresden.
The parks of Pillnitz Palace, former summer residence of the Saxon royal court, which is situated at the south-eastern outskirts of Dresden are deserving of particular attention. Embedded in the scenic Elbe landscape the artistically laid out baroque park between the palaces and the adjoining English landscape garden are ideal for relaxing walks.
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