dresden walking tour free

• Registrieren

Über Dresden

In Deutschland können sich nur wenige Städte wie Dresden eines der wichtigsten und interessantesten Erbe Europas rühmen. Dieses wunderschöne germanische Reiseziel östlich des Landes ist die Hauptstadt des berühmten Sachsen und gilt aufgrund seiner schönen Lage und seines lebendigen kulturellen Lebens als "Florenz der Elbe". Obwohl es einen der verheerendsten Bombenanschläge des Zweiten Weltkriegs erlitten hat, besitzt es immer noch eine große Anzahl von Museen, wie die historische, aber wiederaufgebaute Altstadt und einen Großteil seiner Architektur im klassischen Stil. Innerhalb des Landes ist es eines der interessantesten Reiseziele, perfekt, um die reinste deutsche Kultur, Architektur und Umwelt bestaunen zu können. In dieser Stadt gibt es Zeit, das kulturelle Angebot, das umfangreiche Erbe und die schmackhafte Gastronomie zu genießen empfohlene Gerichte wie der Braten „Sauerbraten“, die Kartoffelsuppe „Kartoffelsuppe“ oder die Fleisch-, Brot- und Obstbällchen der „Klöße“ sowie deren Desserts wie das Pflaumentoffel auf Pflaumenbasis. Angesichts des riesigen kulturellen Angebots ist es ratsam, den kostenlosen Stadtrundgang in Dresden zu nutzen, um die malerischsten Punkte kennenzulernen und die wichtigsten Sehenswürdigkeiten zu besuchen, wenn Sie das Beste aus dem Stadtbesuch machen möchten . So wichtige Stätten wie das von Zwinger inspirierte Barockschloss von Versailles, die Hauptstation der Stadt, die lutherische Kirche Unserer Lieben Frau von der Frauenkirche, das malerische und farbenfrohe Viertel und die modernen Innenhöfe der Kunsthofpassage, das beeindruckende Wandgemälde der Parade der Fürstenzug oder "Fürstenzug" oder die Semperoper sind nur einige der wichtigsten Beispiele und Gebäude der Stadt. Weitere Stationen, um eine Pause einzulegen und die atemberaubende Aussicht zu genießen, sind der Balkon Europas oder die "Brühl-Terrasse", die Molkerei "Pfunds Molkerei", das Museum "Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister" mit Gemälden von großem Wert, der Dom "Hofkirche". , die alte Tabakfabrik von "Yenidze" oder das Schloss von "Residenzschloss". Eine große Auswahl an Orten, Gebäuden und Aktivitäten, die Reisende überraschen werden, die zum ersten Mal in der Stadt ankommen. Eine kostenlose Tour in Dresden als Alternative zu traditionellen veralteten Stadtrundfahrten und Ausflügen durchzuführen bedeutet, sich den wichtigsten Orten dieser deutschen Stadt zu nähern, die für ihre überwältigende Architektur und ihr geschäftiges kulturelles Leben bekannt ist, eines der wichtigsten und wertvollsten des alten Kontinents . Sie könnten auch an anderen Zielen interessiert sein, an denen Sie eine kostenlose Führung durch München , Köln oder Krakau machen können .

Free walking tour in der Nähe von Dresden

Besuchen sie nach dresden auch diese städte, andere guruwalks in dresden finden, wohin reisen sie.

More results...

Free Walking Tour Dresden

Explore the baroque beauty of the elbe with local guides, free  dresden walking tour.

Embrace the Charm of Dresden: Join Us for the Free Walking Tour!

Greetings, fellow adventurers, history enthusiasts, and curious souls! Welcome to the Free Walking Tour Dresden, your gateway to unlocking the treasures and tales that define this enchanting city. We invite you to leave guidebooks behind and let us be your storytellers, weaving a tapestry of culture, history, and local insights as we stroll through the captivating streets of Dresden.

A Personalized Journey:

Led by our knowledgeable and passionate local guides, our Free Walking Tour promises a personalized journey that goes beyond the surface. We're not just guides; we're your companions in exploration, here to share our love for Dresden and introduce you to its hidden nooks and crannies.

Discover Iconic Landmarks:

As we embark on this adventure, prepare to encounter iconic landmarks that have shaped Dresden's identity. From the resplendent Frauenkirche that rose from the ashes of history to the architectural masterpiece of the Zwinger Palace, every corner of this city has a story to tell.

Unearth Hidden Gems:

But it's not just about the well-known sights. Our tour will also lead you to the hidden gems that often escape the guidebooks. Meander through charming alleyways, stumble upon tucked-away squares, and soak in the atmosphere that makes Dresden so captivating.

Cultural and Historical Insights:

Dresden's rich cultural heritage and storied history come to life through our engaging narratives. Learn about the city's pivotal role in art, music, and literature, as well as the remarkable individuals who have shaped its identity over centuries.

Local Flavor and Recommendations:

What's a trip without some local flavor? Our guides aren't just here to share facts; they're your go-to source for insider tips and recommendations. Whether it's the best place for a traditional Saxon meal, an off-the-beaten-path gallery, or a cozy café to recharge, we've got you covered.

Engage and Connect:

Your questions, curiosity, and interactions are not only welcomed but encouraged. This is your chance to engage with both the city and fellow travelers, fostering connections that enrich your experience.

A Pay-What-You-Feel Adventure:

We believe in making quality experiences accessible to everyone. That's why our Free Walking Tour operates on a pay-what-you-feel basis. At the end of the tour, you have the opportunity to show your appreciation by contributing a tip that reflects the value you've gained.

Join Us on the Journey:

So, whether you're a history buff, a culture vulture, a photography enthusiast, or simply a traveler with a curious spirit, we invite you to join us on the Free Walking Tour Dresden. Let's uncover the layers of this city's narrative, step by step, and create lasting memories as we explore its beauty, history, and charm.

For tour availability, meeting points, languages, and any updates, please visit our official website or get in touch with us. Let's make this walking tour a highlight of your Dresden adventure!

Pictures from our walks

What visitors think about Free  Dresden Walking Tour?

Frequently asked questions about the tour

What is a free tour dresden, how does paying for the free tour work, are reservations required, how long is the free tour, what should i wear/bring on the tour, can i bring my pet on the tour, do tours run in all weather conditions, can i request a private tour, get inspired by the free tour community blog, want to know more about our tours.

Walking Tours

Privacy overview.

• Private offer
• About & Partnership
• Alicante Spain
• Antwerp Belgium
• Barcelona Spain
• Belfast Northern Ireland
• Berlin Germany
• Bratislava Slovakia
• Bruges Belgium
• Brussels Belgium
• Bucharest Romania
• Budapest Hungary
• Bydgoszcz Poland
• Cadiz Spain
• Cordoba Spain
• Cork Ireland
• Dresden Germany
• Dublin Ireland
• Dubrovnik Croatia
• Edinburgh Scotland
• Galway Ireland
• Gdańsk Poland
• Ghent Belgium
• Glasgow Scotland
• Granada Spain
• Istanbul Turkey
• Jerusalem Israel
• Krakow Poland
• Leipzig Germany
• Lisbon Portugal
• Liverpool England
• Lodz Poland
• London England
• Lublin Poland
• Lviv Ukraine
• Madrid Spain
• Malaga Spain
• Mostar Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Munich Germany
• Naples Italy
• Nice France
• Paris France
• Porto Portugal
• Poznan Poland
• Prague Czechia
• Pula Croatia
• Riga Latvia
• Sarajevo Bosnia & Herzegovina
• Seville Spain
• Sibenik Croatia
• Sintra Portugal
• Sopot Poland
• Split Croatia
• Tel Aviv Israel
• Tirana Albania
• Torun Poland
• Valletta Malta
• Warsaw Poland
• Wroclaw Poland
• Zadar Croatia
• Zagreb Croatia
• Zakopane Poland

Dresden Old Town

Dresden, beautifully set at the river Elbe, is one of Germany’s most wonderful cities, with the famous porcelain-like, baroque architecture dominating its silhouette. Fittingly, the capital of Saxony hides a grandiose history of princes and kings, but also its fair share of tragedies.

Elbe is often described as the line dividing the Germanic and Slavic civilizations of old – we would argue and claim that it actually connects them, and you can feel that in Dresden. The city was once a small Slavic settlement and so its name sounds very familiar to anyone speaking Czech, Slovak, Polish or Sorbian. A small village turned into a city built around a castle in the 13th century and grew into one of the most important trading centers of the region at the end of the Middle Ages. One of the sources of its prosperity was silver and lead mined in the nearby Rudavy mountains. It was also then, at the end of the 15th century, when Dresden was elevated to become the seat of the Holy Roman Empire’s prince-electors. But it wasn’t until the early 1700s, when it really started to shine. It was then when the Saxon princes of the Wettin dynasty were elected Kings of Poland and Grand Dukes of Lithuania and Dresden gained its almost imperial grandeur. Zwinger Palace, Frauenkirche and the redesigned Dresden Castle are only a few pearls among dozens of baroque structures adorning the panorama.

Yet, it was not to last forever. The events of the 20th century, Nazi domination and subsequent World War 2 left the city famously bombed to the point beyond recognition. However, unlike many of its Western German counterparts, the city centre of Dresden was painstakingly restored using old techniques and design elements and now, together with Warsaw , its stands as the most impressive example of historical reconstructions in Europe. So much so that while walking along its cobbled streets, you might not even notice that it’s all… new.

On our tour, we will present you with the history of the city and its current lively face. We will be sure to make you understand how the Germanic organization merged with Slavic hopeless romanticism to form one of a kind Central European fusion.

On this tour, you will see:

• Neumarkt & Frauenkurche with the staue of Martin Luter
• Fürstenzug – the gallery of the prince-electors of Saxony
• Dresden Castle
• Altmarkt – Kreuzkirche – palace of culture
• Brühlsche Terrasse
• Zwinger Palace near the Elbe bridge

Today, Dresden is a leading tourism and educational hub and attracts visitors from Germany and abroad. A short ride from Prague and Berlin helps to plan it as a short weekend trip, but it can also be a base to discover the beauty of Saxony with the nearby Bautzen, the centre of the Sorbian culture or Meisen, famous for its medieval old town and porcelain.

Dresden old town

Nicolau guided us around Dresden old town. He is very knowledgeable and explained history, art, war and from multiple centuries. He also has a dry, sarcastic sense of humour so it makes tu stories funny and I loved it. Grea your

Nicolau did it well

Nicolau as a tour guide was definitely a bliss to have. He brought so much different flavors to historical facts that we couldn’t realize where 2 hours went by in chilly n windy day! I would love to come again just to have a longer chat with him on different topics… cheers! 🙂

Fantastic Tour with Nicolo

We have attended Dresden Old Town Tour which was guided by Nicolo. The way of how he explains the things by including sarcasm and sense of humour made the tour fabulous. Thank you! Highly recommend!

Dresden Old Town Free Tour

I’m a traveler and I have been to many free walking tours and this is my first time doing a review…I mean it is worth a review!! Nicola, you did a stellar job!! Amazing tour and I’m really satisfied. Nicola has vast knowledge about the tour and with a good sense of humor that comes with it, makes it more entertaining. Nicola, you should push through with the Dresden New Town Tour! I’ll come by again and join your tour! Cheers!

Free tour of Dresden

Nicola was a wonderful guide. He had vast knowledge of the city and it’s history abd was vastly entertaining. Thoroughly enjoyed the tour. Book it!

This tour is also available as a Private Tour.

To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.

Insert/edit link

Enter the destination URL

Or link to existing content

Highlights of your trip!

Free tours in your language.

Free Walking Tour › Dresden

Free Walking Tour Dresden

Pick a Date!

Tour Calendar

Best free tours in dresden, highlights of a free tour in dresden, things to do in dresden, free tours dresden.

Free Tours in More Cities

Free Tour - What Does it Mean?

Free Walking Tour Dresden

Entdecken sie dresden wie ein einheimischer.

Wählen Sie Ihre Tour aus

Wir bieten Touren an in:

Häufig gestellte Fragen

+49 1577 2686071

[email protected], matej eber, peterssteinweg 14 04107 leipzig.

This website uses cookies to improve your browsing experience and analyze the use of the website. Learn More

This post will cover some of the best free walking tours in Dresden, including pay-what-you-wish services and self-guided options. Most tours are available in English, but some are only offered in German. Overview + Schedule There are a lot of things to see and do in Dresden, so it shouldn't come as too big of […]

North America

United kingdom & ireland, middle east & india, asia & oceania.

We have received your request correctly.

You will receive an email with a summary of your bookings.

Can't find it? Leave us your email and we'll send you a summary of your bookings.

Share it straight to social media with your campaign ID and name

Free Walking Tour Dresden

• 9.10 / 10 341 reviews | 2,730 travellers Romi excellent guide, very attentive and charismatic. 10 Yeison Castano

Get to know the ancient pearl of European Baroque with a Free Walking Tour of Dresden, where you'll wander through the centre of a city hit by the Second World War.

King John I of Saxony will welcome us from his pedestal at  Theaterplatz , one of the most important squares in the capital of Saxony . The tour will start from the meeting point under the statue and in front of the famous opera Semper.

Here, we'll learn more about the Wettin  dynasty that inspired the culture, architecture and art in this German city. We'll also admire the opera house's elegant facade , which was completely rebuilt after the bombings during  World War II .

Our next stop will be  Zwinger Palace , known worldwide as a true Baroque jewel . Surrounded by beautiful fountains and the scene of majestic royal parties, this building was built on a site where a fortress once stood. Following on, we'll see Dresden Palace , which houses the treasures of the Saxon monarchy .

The tour will continue through the old town to the Holy Trinity Cathedral, Hofkirche , the largest religious building in Saxony , and along a curious street where we'll come across the Fürstenzug . Did you know that this is the longest tiled mural in the world?

The tour will finish in front of the symbolic Church of Our Lady ,  Frauenkirche , a clear example of the reconstruction of the city after the devastation of the Great War.

Important Information

• We won't go inside any of the monuments mentioned in the description.
• Reservations for more than 6 people are not available . If you are a larger group, you can book a private tour of Dresden .
• Minors must be accompanied by an adult. The maximum allowed is 3 minors for each adult.

More Information

2 hours 15 minutes.

The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English.

English speaking guide.

Not included

When to book.

You can book up to the start time, as long as there are places remaining. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Type of voucher

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Accessibility

Not wheelchair accessible.

Sustainability

All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code .

Our providers commit to:

• Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
• Reduce, reuse, recycle.
• Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
• Uphold fair employment standards.
• Foster the growth of local communities.
• Preserve the integrity of local culture.
• Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
• Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
• Operate with honesty and transparency.
• Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.

This particular activity contributes as follows:

• No printing of documentation required.

Viadrina Tours (Alemania) Show more

Corporate name: Viadrina Tours Maciej Wronecki

Not permitted.

Frequently asked questions

Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?

A - At Civitatis we guarantee the best quality and prices, click here if you want to know how we select our activities.

Q - How to book?

A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.

If you have any other questions please contact us.

Free cancellation

Meeting point.

Theaterplatz.

You may also be interested in

Bohemian Saxon Switzerland Tour

Dresden Tourist Bus

Private Tour of Dresden

Login to add activities to your favorites and access them from any device

This site is reCAPTCHA protected and Google's privacy policy and terms of service apply.

Log in to rate the opinions of other travelers

• Destinations
• Tours in Dresden

Dresden Free Walking Tour AchKristina

Overview of the tour in Dresden

We will walk from Theaterplatz to Semperoper, Zwinger, and Residenzschloss. Along the Fürstenzug, we will cross to the Frauenkirche, a gorgeous Lutheran church with a very dramatic history. After, we will go to the Brühlsche Terrasse and enjoy the view of August Bridge and the Schlossplatz while I tell you a little bit about the Golden Rider. After my tour, you will know about August the Strong, his story, and the history of Dresden.

This activity includes:

• Semperoper Dresden
• Golden Rider
• Dresden Castle
• Theaterplatz Dresden
• Frauenkirche Dresden

Meeting point

Theaterplatz

Meeting point: Theaterplatz.

Free Cancellation

You are free to cancel a booking anytime. We kindly remind you to cancel bookings you cannot arrive for. Being reported as absent decreases your customer level points and the benefits you can enjoy.

• Join Freetour
• Provider Sign In
• Affiliate Program
• Security & Privacy
• Terms & Legal
• Cookie policy
• Freetour Awards
• Ratings & Reviews powered by

Dresden Free Original Walking Tour

S ee why Dresden was once called the “Florence on the Elbe”

Known as the traditional Saxony capital and third on the list of the largest cities in eastern Germany, Dresden continues to flourish. As Elbe Valley, one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites before the four-lane bridge across the river was made causing the revocation of the title, but being part of its territory makes the city enjoy the pleasure brought by multiple parks and cultural monuments existing along its course , a steel bridge in particular.

Dresden adheres being one of the world’s most beautiful cities by virtue of its architecture and art treasures until the massive bombing happens. After the disaster the city slowly began its rehabilitation aiming to retain somehow the city’s character but cope up hereafter with a fast changing economy with the garnish of high value-added manufacturing. Today, the city keeps on gleaming with the cluster of Baroque churches and the Rococo-style Zwinger on the old city of Elbe on its south bank. Many of its standing memorials were also destroyed by World War II but were eventually restored and some of them were the Church of Our Lady, Court Church, Church of the Holy Cross, and the Ruins, and many other destinations around the city.

To see how a city forge ahead after numerous adversity is amazing. Dresden like any other European cities deserved to be complemented and acknowledged because of its tenacity as well as its people, and being given a chance to lay eyes on it by oneself is beyond a doubt a blessing. The reason why Free Original Walking stone is getting a cornerstone for its function that reliably benefits the city as well as its people and the guests itself.

Why Join This Free Original Walking Tour

• As a way of giving you worthwhile layoff in this city, this tour aims to accomplish pleasing and relaxing experience but fun at the same time
• We picked the best of the top stop around the state to show and introduce to you, a view worthy sight you will see and experience
• Friendly and reasonable price that are perfectly appropriate for the experience of service, learning experience, and satisfying leisure
• Our guide are best on the field who always bring something unique for their outpost and consistently prioritizing the guest satisfaction
• Our system are well generated for a convenient and easy inquiries and booking to all our guest and won’t take so much of time
• A chance for socialization with other guest, new learnings of the city’s culture and traditions as well additional experience on your travel journals

Similar Listings

Free Peso da Régua Original Pub Crawl

Free Vejer de la Frontera Original Pub Crawl

Free Cambridge Original Pub Crawl

Free Gori Alternative Street Art Tour

Free Hague Alternative Tour

Only guests who have booked can leave a review.

Hosted By Want This Listing? Claim it!

Want This Listing? It's Simple! If you're interested in this walking tour or pub crawl listing, just claim it. Click the button above and fill out the form. Once approved, the listing is yours, free of charge!

Check out our other cities

Berlin tours.

• Original Berlin Tours
• Berlin Pub Crawl
• Pub Crawl Berlin
• Free Berlin Tours
• More Berlin Tours
• Cold War Tour Berlin
• World War Tour Berlin
• Sachsenhausen Tour

Barcelona Tours

• Free Barcelona Tours
• Barcelona Pub Crawl
• Pub Crawl Barcelona

Budapest Tours

• Free Budapest Tours
• Budapest Bar Crawl
• Pub Crawl Budapest

Madrid Tours

• Madrid Pub Crawl
• Pub Crawl Madrid
• Nice Pub Crawl
• Nice Bar Crawl
• Pub Crawl Nice

Amsterdam Tours

• Amsterdam Pub Crawl
• Bar Crawl Amsterdam

Paris Tours

• Pub Crawl Paris

Dublin Tours

• Pub Crawl Dublin

Warsaw Tours

• Pub Crawl Warsaw

Stockholm Tours

• Pub Crawl Stockholm

Other Links

• Original Pub Crawls
• Be Original Tours
• Original Free Tours
• E-Ticket Trail

THE 10 BEST Dresden Walking Tours

Walking tours in dresden.

• Sightseeing Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Walking Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out

• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland National Park Day Trip from Dresden

2. 2 Hour Historical Walking Tour in Dresden

3. From Dresden to the Wild: Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland Day Trip

4. Dresden Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide

5. Dresden Small Group Walking Tour

6. Dresden Christmas Markets And Old Town Tour - From Prague

7. Dresden‘s Rise from Ruin: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

8. Winterland Tour to Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland from Dresden

9. Historic Dresden Private Walking Tour

10. Scenic Bastei Bridge with Boat Trip & Lunch: DayTour from Dresden

11. Private Dresden Classic Walking Tour

12. Ticket and Exclusice Tour through the Old Masters Picture Gallery

13. A Private Tour to Dresden: Discover Florence on the Elbe River

14. Dresden's 'Balcony of Europe': A Self-Guided Audio Tour along the River Elbe

15. 3H Private Walking Tour: Dresden city centre and Old Masters Painting Gallery

16. Discover Dresden's Christmas Market Magic with a Local

17. A Festive Christmas Splendors of Dresden

18. A Walk Through Time in Dresden's Historic Wonders

19. Dresden - Old Town Tour, Traditional Cuisine and Shopping

20. Dresden Highlights Private Day Trip from Berlin by Car

21. Historic Dresden: Exclusive Private Tour with a Local Expert

22. Fashioned For A King: Tour of Dresden's Royal Palace and historic city centre.

23. Explore Dresden’s Art and Culture with a Local

24. Dresden Private Christmas Market Tour With A Professional Guide

25. e-Scavenger hunt Dresden: Explore the city at your own pace

26. Discover Dresden’s most Photogenic Spots with a Local

27. Dazzling Dresden Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour

28. Berlin: Private Dresden Day Trip by a Train

29. Private Tour to Dresden from Prague

30. Grand Tour of Arts – explore world-renowned art collections of Dresden

What travelers are saying.

• Historic Dresden Small-Group Walking Tour
• 2 Hour Historical Walking Tour in Dresden
• Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland National Park Day Trip from Dresden
• Dresden Small Group Walking Tour
• Best of Czech & Saxon Switzerland Day Tour from Dresden All Incl.
• Saxon Tours - Bohemian & Saxon National parks Day Trips from Dresden
• Showme Around
• Fuehrungen in und um Dresden
• Erlebe Dresden
• Opatrip.com Desden

The Ultimate Self-Guided Walking Tour of Wonderfully Historic Dresden, Germany

With a country so vast as  Germany , many people often skip over Dresden when planning their European adventurers.  Berlin ,  Munich  and  Cologne  are often the first ones that come to people’s minds. But to me, my favourite city is the often-overlooked  Dresden .  Dresden  was so heavily bombed during WWII that almost nothing remained of the original baroque city. But walking through the town today, you’d never know that. After the war, a vast restoration project took shape to bring the city back to its original nature. So come with us today on a self-guided walking tour of Dresden’s old town and historic centre.

The reconstructions mean that Dresden feels both old and new simultaneously. And it truly is a unique experience for the viewer. This walking tour of  Dresden  will lead you around some of the city’s most important landmarks in the  Historic Old Town . You will learn as you go all about the distinctive architectural styles of the city. And absorb all the wonders Dresden has to offer. This tour doesn’t cover the interiors of the buildings. But if you want to extend your walking tour, feel free to explore the insides. This will add more time, but since the walking tour will take only a day, it is easy to do it all in 48 hours.

Map of Walking Tour

Brühl’s Terrace

You’ll start the tour in  Brühl’s Terrace , specifically along the  riverside gardens . A perfect time to begin the walk is early in the morning. This way, you can get your feet wet. And your bearings about you before you decide where you might want to spend a little bit more time in the afternoon. We’ll end the tour in a great area to get a bite to eat but if you see somewhere along the way, let your senses guide you.

Brühl’s Terrace  was known as the  Balcony of Europe . It is an enormous platform stretching along the Elbe River’s shores. Here you’ll see tourists and locals strolling down the promenade and enjoying the fantastic views. The terrace was built as a fort to protect the city from invaders. But in the 19th century, it was transformed into this lovely pedestrian walkway.

From the edge of the garden, you can look out over the Elbe River and across to what is now called  Neue Town . The King of Saxony,  Augustus II,  gave this plot of land to his cabinet master, the  Earl of Brühl . Brühl employed the famous landscape architect  Johann Christoph Knöffel  to create a public garden for the people to go alongside the magnificent ramparts of the terrace. 

Dresden School of Fine Arts

The building with then golden-winged creatures along the top and a giant glass dome, known as the  Lemon Squeezer , is the  Dresden Academy of Fine Arts . Built in 1764, this Art Academy was a workplace and a training ground for influential European artists. On the side of the building facing the Elbe, the names of  Pheidias, Iktinos, Praxiteles, Polykleitos, Lysippos, Erwin von Steinbach, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael and Dürer  are inscribed. On the other side, the motto “ DEM VATERLAND ZU ZIER UND EHR ” or “ For the Honour and Adornment of the Fatherland  .”Instead of angels, it is interesting to notice that the golden figures on the roof are  Phemes , creatures from Greek mythology. These creatures are the physical personifications of  fame . What a perfect reference for a place which houses artists.

The sandstone-clad Renaissance Revival building along the terrace is the  Albertinum . This building houses Dresden’s modern art masterpieces. The Albertinum was once the old city armoury, built in 1559 inside the old fortifications. After the fort had been destroyed to make room for a public terrace, the armoury had to be converted. In 1884 it was renovated to become a new city museum. Carl Adolf Canzler built the museum in the Renaissance Revival style featuring a balanced, symmetrical facade, a small pitched roof, ornated columns and decorative arches above doors. The works of art on display inside blend both paintings and sculptures. Together they cover around 200 years of modern art. If you’re a fan of Rodin, this is a great place to see some of his best works in a relatively relaxed setting.

Sekundogenitur

If you’re feeling like something to drink, you have to stop and grab a coffee at the cafe  Vis a vis  which belongs to the Hotel Hilton. This elegant, neo-baroque building, topped with a bright turquoise copper roof, was once the  Secundogenitur , the German House of Parliament. It was originally built in 1897 and also used as the  State Library . At one time, this building contained more than 60,000 books and manuscripts. The Hilton owns the building and is an excellent choice for anyone looking to stay somewhere historic with one of the best views in Dresden. 

Schloßplatz

The  Schloßplatz , or  Palace Square , is the main intersection in the old town district. It is named the Palace Square since the former royal residence sits right on the edge of the plaza. A balcony down from the residence looks out over the square below so that the royals can take a peek at the people going about their daily lives. Like most other parts of the old city, the original 15th-century architecture was destroyed during WWII bombings. But thanks to the efforts of many, the buildings have been laboriously restored to their original historical designs.

The Katholische Hofkirche

The  Katholische Hofkirche , or  Cathedral of the Holy Trinity , was the center of Catholicism in Dresden in the early 17th century. The church was commissioned by  Augustus III  after his father had previously built a Protestant church on the other side of town. Augustus III wanted a place for his Catholic subjects. This church now houses the crypts of some of the most powerful people from Saxon history.

The original church was built in 1738 and completed in 1755. The church’s inside and outside have been restored since the bombing. You can still make out parts of the old church as the colour of the original sandstone has turned black due to the natural oxidization of the stone. The shape of the church is a giant oval fronted with an intricate facade complete with a bell tower and copper onion domes. Surrounding the church are dozens of balustrades from which seventy-eight statues of historical and biblical figures look out over the city.

Sächsische Ständehaus

The  Saxon Ständehaus  is the former  Parliament  building. It is now the headquarters of the  High Regional Court of Dresden  and the  State Office for Monument Preservation of Saxony . 

The Georgentor

The  Georgentor  or Georgenbau is my favourite building on the square. It is the first building built in Renaissance and neo-renaissance style in Dresden. The Georgentor was originally constructed to serve as an entrance and exit for people coming to and from the city, so the design had to be of the utmost elegance and grace. As well as show off the wealth and status of this great city.

The facade of the building is covered in the religious subject matter. The figures of life and death guard the entrance and above them the motto “ Per invidia Diaboli Mors Intravit In Orbs ” (through the devil’s envy death entered into the world) is etched into the stone.

Augustus Bridge

The  Augustus Bridge  opposite the square leads in and out of the  Neue Town  and crosses the Elbe. The bridge is the oldest in the city, built between 1907 and 1910. There has always been a bridge erected in this position since the 12th century., but time and innovations have caused different bridges to be built and subsequently torn down over time. This structure is built in sandstone with nine arches and wide openings for river traffic.

Across the square, there are horse-drawn carriage rides on offer. And as much as these are a cheesy way of getting about town, if you have the money to spend, the almost museum-like historical recreations of Dresden’s Old Town are the best complement for a horse-drawn carriage ride.

Theaterplatz

Walking down the pathway to the left of the Catholic Church, you will exit out into the  Theaterplatz or Theatre Square . In the centre, looming high above you, is the equestrian statue of  Saxon King Johann , built in 1889 by  Johannes Schilling . King John ruled over Saxony from 1854 – 1873. In 1871 he fought alongside Germany to take the Prussian empire in a long-fought but successful battle. The King loved literature and the arts and as such, his statue being housed beside the Opera house seems fitting.

Semper Opera

The largest building and most important here is the  Semper Opera  house. The Saxon State Opera is home to a large concert hall, the State Orchestra and the Semperoper Ballet. The Semper Opera House, once known as the  Hoftheater , was first built in 1841, but that is not the building you see today. Created by architect  Gottfried Semper , the building is now named, in an early Renaissance style, complete with baroque and Corinthian pillars. This was once regarded as one of the most beautiful buildings in European history. But in 1869, a devastating fire broke out, turning the Opera House into rubble. The Opera house has become a cultural centre for the city, and its people rebuilt it immediately.

Manfred Semper

The original architect’s son,  Manfred Semper,  took over building the new Opera house using the plans from his father and some new Neo-Renaissance styles to update it for the modern era. This building was completed in 1878 but would not stand for long. In 1945, the bombing of Dresden destroyed most of the Opera house, and it had to be, once again, rebuilt.

Today’s building is almost an exact replica of the one that Semper’s son built in 1878 but with the addition of modern machinery. The Semperoper reopened with the opera performed just before the building’s destruction in 1945,  Carl Maria von Weber ‘s  Der Freischütz . The opera house has been home to some of the biggest names in the business, including  Richard Wagner  and  Richard Strauss . 

Cafe Schinkelwache

If it’s time to grab something to eat, stop into  Cafe Schinkelwache.  The Café Schinkelwache is a classic coffee house known for its traditional desserts. The restaurant’s walls are covered with antiques and vintage ephemera. They make you feel like this was the same place people would have visited after the opera hundreds of years ago. 

Pass through the large arched gates opposite the Semper Operainto  The Zwinger.  The Zwinger is one of those historic buildings so seamlessly incorporated into the city’s fabric that it’s almost impossible to imagine the city without it. Yes, it is also a popular tourist destination, but the people who live and work in Dresden don’t treat it as a place just for visitors. For them, it’s a commuter pathway, a meeting spot for lunch, a place to sneak away with your date for a midnight kiss, and even a great place for a jog.

Germany’s Versaille

The Zwinger is to this day one of the most incredible baroque buildings in Germany. It was built for Augustus II the Strong. After returning from a grand tour through France and Italy in 1687, he explored King Louis XIV’s new court of Versailles. He was eager to create a similar elaborate palace for himself in his hometown of Dresden. The word ‘Zwinger’ comes from the medieval German term for a fortress wall which protects a city. Archaeologists discovered, that in the 12th century, the city’s fortification walls were once in this exact location.

The Zwinger was built in the late baroque style called ‘Rococo’ by designer Pöppelmann in 1710-1728. The Rococo style embraced curves and elaborate ornaments but amped up the drama. Rococo added a sense of play to the designs. Rococo designers felt that architecture should have a sense of motion and used dramatic curves, making the viewer feel as though the building was alive. The Rococo style loved to emphasize piety. Plants and vines are featured prominently, carved into many parts of the Zwinger.

Once inside the Zwinger, you can visit one of their three incredible galleries. The Old Masters Picture Gallery contains an exquisitely curated collection of some of the best European Old Masters. The Dresden Porcelain Collection is a collection of Asian and Meissen porcelain designs from the 16th-19th century. The Mathematical and Physical Instruments Gallery has some of the most interesting scientific instruments that helped astrologists from the 16th century discover the universe’s secrets.

Glockenspiel Pavilion

The Glockenspiel Pavilion southeast of the Zwinger is topped by a sculpture of Hercules. Hercules, holding the globe on his shoulders, is meant to reference Augustus 1st. The Glockenspiel building features a collection of porcelain bells made by the famous Meissen porcelain factory. The carillon of bells plays a melody every 15 minutes. The songs depend on the seasons and include Vivaldi, Mozart, and Bach pieces. Meissen was a town only about 25 km from Dresden. It created some of the finest quality porcelain outside of Asia. It was the first European porcelain factory when it opened in 1710. Exit through the Glockenspiel gates to continue on tour.

Dresden Castle

As you exit the Zwinger, come into the courtyard of the  Dresden Castle . The Royal Palace is one of the oldest buildings in Dresden, originally built around 1200. Additional wings were built over the years, creating an almost patchwork quilt of architectural styles from Renaissance to Baroque and Romanesque.  Augustus the Strong  made some of the most elaborate and impressive designs on the building’s extensions.

Inside the Castle, the courtyard displays one of the best examples of  Sgraffito  (decoration made by scratching through a surface to reveal a lower layer of a contrasting colour) used all over the facade. These days, the royal family no longer resides inside. Instead, the building contains a museum complex with the  New Green Vault, the Numismatic Cabinet, the Collection of Prints, Drawings and Photographs  and the  Dresden Armory  with the  Turkish Chamber .

Hotel Taschenbergpalais Kempinski

Across the street from the Palace is the  Hotel Taschenbergpalais Kempinski.  The building was originally designed in 1705 for  Augustus the Strong ‘s mistress,  Countess Anna Constanze von Holm . It is still a shock to imagine that right beside the royal palace is such a display of affection for the King’s mistress. The creamy yellow facade, frilly white windows and bright terracotta roof look like a beautiful dress. The hotel was levelled to ashes after WWII and rebuilt at the price of 127.8 million euros. Today the hotel is  THE  best to stay in Dresden for celebrities, dignitaries and even the royal family.

Procession of Princes

Walk along  Taschenberg  and turn north up  Schloßstraße . At the end of Schloßstraße, you’ll reach the  Fürstenzug  or the  Procession of Princes . This 101-meter-long porcelain portrait depicts the entire history of Dresden through the men who built, controlled, governed and sparked new thoughts and ideas within it. It features Dukes, Electors, Kings and other leading figures from the arts and sciences. This is the world’s largest porcelain artwork. The mural was first installed in 1871 and took more than five years to complete. 

Shockingly enough, this mural withstood the great Dresden bombing of WWII. It suffered minimal damage and was a beacon of hope to the people of Dresden after the war.

Stallhof und Langer Gang

The  Stallhof und Langer Gang  or  Royal Stables are just down from the Procession of Princes.  These stables were used as the location for horse tournaments since the 15th century. Some of the most exciting jousting activities took place here, and where the who’s who of the German elite came to be entertained. Today, the stalls are the site of the  Dresden Christmas Market.

Continue walking east along  Augustusstraße , until you reach a large square, the  Neumarkt . The Neumarkt is the cultural centre of Dresden’s historical district. The original Neumarkt was designed in the German Baroque style. Baroque designs loved pastel colours, not just on their frescos, but everywhere they could put them. 

The Neumarkt is a very touristy place, but there are still some great, unique places to eat. Don’t be fooled by the touristy gimmicks, stick to something traditional. Something that’s been standing in the same spot, serving up food as it would hundreds of years before. Avoid the “Canadian Steakhouses” and Italian gelato shops.

Dresden Frauenkirche

For our final stop on tour, we are heading inside the  Dresden Frauenkirche . We are going inside here, and one of the best aerial views of Dresden is from the top of the church. T he Dresden Frauenkirche,  or  Church of Our Lady,  is one of Europe’s grandest buildings.

During WWII, the church was heavily bombed. On February 13th, 1945, the American and British forces dropped thousands of bombs on Dresden. The church had withstood bombings and attacks before, but never to this extent. After the war, people collected pieces of the destroyed church in the hopes that the former heart of the city would be rebuilt one day. In 1989, a 14-member group of enthusiasts headed by  Ludwig Güttler,  a noted Dresden musician, formed a  Citizens’ Initiative  to raise money for the restoration. In the end, rebuilding the church cost €180 million, most of which was raised by private citizens.

Memorial to the old Church

Outside the church’s front doors lies an original piece of the dome, blackened from the explosion as a memorial to the original church and those who died trying to protect it. To this day, you can stand outside the church and see the original pieces of stone used in the church’s restoration. The fire and weathering cover these stones with a darker patina. But in a few hundred years, the remaining pieces of sandstone will also become weathered and blend into the original stones. It was a sight to see as it is, making out the immensity of stones salvaged by everyday citizens.

Church Interior

The original Baroque Church was built between 1726 and 1743 by Dresden’s city architect,  George Bähr.  The church’s interior is bright and covered from head to toe in pastel colours. When restoring the church, artists used paintings and photographs of the original colours to restore it to its former brilliance. Bähr especially loved green and gold and accented the church with these trimmings. The windows are made of clear glass. Although this might look like an oversight or work in progress from the restoration, it is actually on purpose. The architect wanted the pure sunlight to filter through the windows, unheeded by stained glass, to illuminate the inside of the church.

View from the Tower

The winding staircase leads you to a tiny trapdoor which you climb through to suddenly come through to a viewing platform with a stunning view of the city. From here, you have a 360° view across the Elbe and the city of Dresden. On a clear day, you can see past the city and the countryside surrounding it.

You can see the newly restored square and all the little dots of people below. During the restoration and after the war, this square was where they stored thousands of rubble. Now that the construction is done, the square has opened back up to the public – and they have greatly enjoyed having it back. As well as their stunning church which anchors the centre of the city.

From here, we end our tour. Dresden is truly a city of magnificent resurgence. Exploring it on foot is the perfect way to get in touch with so many different aspects of the old, the new and the restored.

« The 10 Best Things To Do In Jerome, Awesome Ghost Towns of Arizona

Guide to visiting and exploring the rijksmuseum research library, one of the most beautiful libraries in the world », you may also like.

An Art Guide To The Procession Of Princes In Dresden

The Ultimate Self-Guided Amsterdam Canal Tour On Foot

9 Unique & Delicious Foods to Discover on your Next Trip to Glasgow, Scotland!

[email protected]

Sie brauchen ein Darlehen, aber Sie werden von der Bank oder Finanzinstitutionen abgelehnt, die Sie in unveränderlichen Bedingungen an Ihr monatliches Einkommen, exorbitante Zinsen, bindet. Sie möchten ein Darlehen haben, um Ihre Bedürfnisse zu erfüllen. Kein Problem. Was auch immer Ihre finanzielle Situation ist, ich biete Ihnen Hypotheken, kommerzielle Kredite, internationale Kredite, persönliche Darlehen, exklusive Kredite und Bildungskredite. Ich biete Kredite an Partnerschaften an. Du bist wirklich in Not, also kontaktiere mich. E-Mail: ( [email protected] )

whatsapp: +33756843707

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Copyright @ 2023 The Creative Adventurer | All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy

• Düsseldorf

FREE WALKING TOUR DRESDEN

Free Walking Tour Dresden

Sign-up for a Free Tour Dresden in the calendar below to let our guides know you are coming!