A city to fall in love - historical, lively, proud There is a magic in this city. When the morning sun lights up, the water of the Elbe and the famous Old Town skyline even a Dresdner itself starts to dream. And today more than ever, because the mighty dome of the Frauenkirche again completes the cityscape. At its feet ther is Linguistic confusion: English, Japanese, Bavarian - the historic old town is in hand of tourists. More than 8 million people visit Dresden per year. Most of them are searching a myth, the "German Florence". Dresden impresses with monuments, art and culture. But it is the Elbe, which determines the attitude of life. In wide arcs it winds through the city, past castles, vineyards and beer gardens, as you cannot find it in any other European cities. In 2004, the Unesco took the entire Dresden Elbe Valley in the World Heritage List. The inhabitants love their river Elbe, in good as in bad times. At its shores people meet to picnic and campfire, and make openaircinema during the Elbhangfest. A steamboat ride or a trip on the Elbe bike path are very special experiences. Thanks to the better water quality many people take a bath during the summer in the Elbe. The biggest disaster in its history experienced Dresden, as British and American bombers on the night of the 13th February 1945 and at noon of the following day the Ash Wednesday, throwed their lethal load over the city. Nobody would have believed that the ruins ever again would have been a place which deserved the nickname "Florence of the Elbe". The reconstruction of the important monument "Zwinger" lasted 20 years. The Semper Oper which was destroyed too was reopened after eight years of construction on 13 February 1985...

Bruehlsche Terrasse
The balcony of Europe, 10 m above the Elbe River, 500 m long and up to 200 m wide. Kurfuerst Friedrich August II. gave the area with the fort his minion Graf Heinrich von Bruehl, who created the Lustgarten here. The Fama, the goddess of fame, crowned the dome of the Academy of Art has cause if its ribbed shape the name "lemon squeezer". In the fort Dresden you can visit ruins of the former militasryare remnants of the former military facility of the city (April-Oct. daily 10am-5pm, Nov.-March to 4pm, entrance Georg-Treu-Platz). The Bruehlische Terrasse was opened for the public in 1814 with a command of the Russian governor. Tram 4, 8, 11 Theaterplatz, Tram 3, 6, 7 Synagoge

Porzellansammlung
Because of the passion of August der Starke for fine dishes Dresden ownes the largest specialty ceramic collection in the world. The focus of the exhibition is Chinese porcelain of different epochs and the treasures of the Meissen Porcelain Manufactory. It was founded from August der Starke in 1710 and is considered to be the most important manufactory of hard porcelain in Europe. Famous are the "dragoon vases": 600 Saxon Dragoons once August changed with the Prussian king against 151 soldiers. They are monumental vases. Tue-Sun 10am-6pm, entrance 5 Euro Zwinger, Tram 1, 2, 4, 8, 9, 11, 12, Bus 75, 94 Postplatz, Tram 4, 8, 11 Theaterplatz

Frauenkirche
Dresden's newest old seesight. The impressive Protestant church was built 1726-43. The huge dome, the "stone bell", survived the bombardment of the Prussians in the Seven Years' War. Even the night of the 13th Bomb February 1945 the church survived although burned out. A sign of hope in smoking ruins. On the morning of the 15th February, however, the piers broke and the church was destroyed. After the war the ruin became a memorial against the war. In 1993 with the salvage and inventory of the still usable bricks began the reconstruction. On 30 October 2005 took the festive consecration of the Frauenkircheplace. The bright interior in the form of a central area with five galleries and space for 1800 people is built in baroque splendor. The damaged original dome Cross recalls the Dresden bombing night, the new - a symbol of reconciliation - has created a London artist, son of a British bomber pilot. Regular worship (Sun 11am and 6pm) as well as concerts and other events. Free tours (entrance D, with wheelchair entrance A): usually Mon-Fri 10am-12pm and 1pm-6pm Dome ascent (entrance G) daily April through Oct. 10am-1pm, 2pm-6pm, Nov. until March 10am-1pm, 2pm-4pm (8 Euro) Trams 1, 2, 4 Altmarkt

Schloss und Park Pillnitz
From 1720-23 was a summer residence built: Mountain and Water Palace (now Museum of Decorative Arts) are connected with a big garden. In the following 100 years were wing buildings and the New Palace, which is since June 2006, the Castle Museum Pillnitz (April-Oct. 10am-6pm, 3 Euro) supplemented. The most charming is the park with its various gardens, pavilions and ponds in the early morning hours or the last sunlight (access until sunset). Take a park tour or visit one of the open-air concerts. Accommodation and restaurants at the Castle Hotel Dresden Pillnitz. Bus 83 Pillnitzer Platz

Semperoper
After the first Semper Oper was burnt 1869, the second royal court theater was built from 1871-78 at the same place in the style of the Italian High Renaissance. After the destruction on the 13th of February 1945 and securing of the facade until 1956 the decision for a largely reconstruction was made. At the 13.2. 1985, the 40th Anniversary of its destruction, the Semper Oper was reopened. Guided tours (about 45 minutes, 6 Euro) only when there are no performances. Trams 4, 8, 11 Theaterplatz

Grosser Garten
Nearby the city center with nearly 2 km length and 1 km of width its the largest park of the city. Today is the park the most popular recreational area of the population. The largest beer garden in the park is Torwirtschaft, the best location offers the restaurant Carolaschloesschen. Use the boats and go on the Carolasee or take a (5.6-kilometer) round in the park with rail (5 stations, daily April to October, varying timetables, tour 3.10 Euro, with zoo ticket). The zoo was founded in 1861 and is famous primarily for its Orang Utans and the elephant baby Thabo-Umasai born in 2006. (daily 8.30am-6.30pm, 8.30am-4.30pm winter time, admission: 7 Euro) Grosser Garten: Trams 1, 2, 4, 10, 12, 13 Strassburger Platz, 9, 10, 11, 13, Bus 75 Lennéplatz, Trams 9, 13, Bus 75 Zoo

Fuerstenzug
Nearly 100 major characters are on the 102-meter-long Reiterzug on the north wall of the Langen Gangs. Besides soldiers and representatives of the bourgeoisie Dresdner education are mainly the rulers of the House of Wettin, from Konrad the Great (1098-1157) to King George I (1832-1904) on the wall. 1904-07 the picture was transferred onto 25 000 porcelain tiles from Meissen. Augustusstrasse, Trams 4, 8, 11 Theaterplatz

Zwinger
The martial name owes the airy-cheerful facility because of its location at the former city fort. Between 1709 and 1732 in order of August der Starke a unique baroque building was constructed. Around the courtyard with water features there is the Glockenspiel Pavilion and four with long arch galeries connected pavillons. The main access is the Kronentor with an onion dome and eagles having the Polish royal crown on their head. Through the Wall pavilion you get into the playful Nymphenbad and on the roofs of the galleries. Dont miss the outlook on the entire building, as well as a walk along the balustrade to the Glockenspielpavillion. Romantic: An evening with a concert or ballet in the courtyard, the Zwingerhof. (Tickets you can get at the tourist info) Trams 1, 2, 4, 8, 9, 11, 12, Buses 75, 94 Postplatz

Residenzschloss
The former residence of the Wettin is a true diamant of German castle architecture. The castle was rebuilt several times after 1547 into one of the most magnificent Renaissance castles in Germany. In the bombnight of the 13th February 1945 the imposing building burned out completely. After 1964 to 1979 and Georgenbau Stallhof had been restored, began in 1985 the comprehensive reconstruction of the castle. After 1990 were the South and the West Wing and parts of the Great Courtyard with the stair towers and facades in sgraffito design reconstructed. From the observation deck of the 101 m high tower you have an overview over the whole area and the historic Old Town (April-Oct. Wed-Mon 10am-6pm, entrance Sophienstrasse, 2,50 Euro). Trams 1, 2, 4, 8, 9, 11, 12, Buses 75, 94 Postplatz; Trams 4, 8, 11 Theaterplatz; Trams 1, 2, 4, Altmarkt

Luisenhof
The view from the "balcony of Dresden" is breathtaking. Saxony and international food and own patisserie. Sunday brunch (reservations). daily, Bergbahnstrasse 8 Tram, 11 Plattleite, Funicular

Moritzburg
Located in the middle of an artificial pond is the impressive baroque castle Moritzburg with its four circular towers. In the rooms you can see baroque furniture, precious leather wallpaper and an impressive collection of hunting trophies. After 19 years of restoration, the legendary Moritzburger feather room can be visited again. The glory-bed and the wall hangings of August der Starke was manufactured at the beginning of the 18th century of thousands of feathers. Also: a nice park and a castle restaurant (daily from 10am).

Meissen
The more than 1000 years old town is the birthplace of the rulers of the Wettin. High above the Elbe is the Albrechtsburg located. Built in 1470-1524 it is considered as the first palace in the german-speaking countries. Guided tours, admission 3.50 Euros, with a combined Cathedral ticket 5,50 Euro, Domplatz 1. The nearby Cathedral of Meissen is a beautiful piece of late gothic, the two famous West towers were completed in 1908. Tower tours April-Oct. 1pm-4pm. Center of the medieval town is the market square with the gothic town hall and the Frauenkirche, including porcelain carillon. In the nearly 500-year-old restaurant Vincenz Judge wine from the vineyard is sold. (Tue-Sat 12pm-11pm, Sun 12pm-5pm, An der Frauenkirche 12). Domicile of 1710 established Meissen Porcelain Manufactory was first of all the Albrechtsburg. Since 1865, the "white gold" with the blue crossed swords in Meissen is produced in the Triebischtal. (Sales, cafe and restaurant, May-Oct. daily 9am-6pm, Nov.to April 9am-5pm, Combiticket 8 Euro, Talstr. 9)

where to stay
Hotel Schloss Eckberg
Living in a fairy-tale castle high above the Elbe. 17 wonderful rooms. The restaurant with terrace offers a phenomenal view. Cheaper alternative: the Kavalliershaus. 84 rooms, doubleroom from 210 Euro, (Kavaliershaus 118 Euro) Bautzner Str. 134 Tram 11 Schloss Albrechtsberg
Hostel Mondpalast
From single to 10-bedroom, all creatively designed. Bar, internetcafé, rezception 24 hrs. 80 Beds Louisenstr. 77 Tram 11 Pulsnitzer Strasse, 13 Goerlitzer Strasse
Backstage
Small, individual hotel in a renovated former factory building. Each room was designed by artists with other materials. 11 rooms Priessnitzstr. 12 Tram 11 Diakonissenkrankenhaus

Trains
Mainline trains stop at Central Station. ICE direct connection to Frankfurt am Main. You can get tickets in the central station.

Plane
The airport with a modern terminal is situatred in Dresden Klotzsche, 9 kilometres north of the city. Take the S-Bahn S2 which takes you from there in 22 minutes to the central station.

Tram and bus
Dresdens network of public transport includes 12 tram and 27 bus lines. singletickets 1,70 Euro, dayticket 4,50 Euro, familydayticket 5,50 Euro

Funicular
Funicular: Koernerplatz-Weisser Hirsch, Mon-Thu 6.30am-8.30pm, Fri 6.30am-11pm, Sat 8am-11pm, Sun 8am-8.30pm. Monorail: Koernerplatz-Oberloschwitz, daily 9am-8pm every 10-15 Min., singleticket 3 Euro, twelve card 20 Euro

Ships
The steamers of the Saxon steam shipping are driving from Dresden down the Elbe to Diesbar / Seusslitz and up the Elbe to Bad Schandau. 18 stops, singletickets 4,70-20 Euro