Dresden Highlight Route

You begin your route at Dresden's Postplatz, which is very easily accessible by bus and tram. From here, you have a first good panoramic view including the Schauspielhaus and Dresden Zwinger. You enter the Zwinger through the famous Kronentor. In summer, numerous orange trees stand here. The bells at the carillon pavilion ring every quarter hour. On the hour, they ring a little longer. Three times a day, at 10:15, 14:15, and 18:15, a bell symphony sounds for about 5 minutes. In winter, however, the delicate bells remain silent to protect them from the weather.

Via the Wall Pavilion and Nymphenbad, you continue to Theaterplatz. On the steps of the equestrian statue of the Saxon king Johann, you can really enjoy the view of the Semperoper. Past the Italian Village and the Hofkirche, you enter the Brühl Terrace via a large staircase. The 500-meter-long part of the Dresden fortress is also called the Balcony of Europe. From here you can let your gaze wander over the fleet of the Saxon steamship company. The large windows of the Academy of Fine Arts let a lot of light into the studios. They also offer a view of works by Dresden art students. At the end of the terrace lies a small enchanted park. Time for a first break.

The oldest Dresden student club, the Bärenzwinger, is left on the left. The student club in its historic vaults is considered one of the most beautiful clubs in Dresden. Generations of students have already celebrated here. In front of you now rises the new synagogue, which was newly consecrated in 2001.

Passing the castle-like police headquarters, across Pirnaischer Platz, you walk along Dresden's town hall with its over 100-meter-high tower. On its top sits Dresden's golden Hercules surrounded by the 16 virtues statues. A few minutes later, you stand in front of the Kreuzkirche, Saxony's largest Protestant church building and home of the famous Kreuzchor. As early as the 12th century, a Romanesque basilica stood here.

Now you stand on one of Dresden's oldest squares. The Altmarkt was mentioned as early as 1370. To the north, it opens to the Kulturpalast. It houses some Dresden highlights like the Central Library, the new concert hall of the Dresden Philharmonic, and the Herkuleskeule.

The path leads you further to Dresden's Neumarkt with the Luther monument and Frauenkirche. Originally built mainly with donations from citizens, it was rebuilt after its destruction from 1994 to 2005 with donations from around the world. Of course, the city's most important sight must not be missing from your route. Take some time and enjoy the view in one of the many surrounding cafés. A tower climb is also worth it.

The next highlight is already waiting for you. The Fürstenzug, the largest mural made of porcelain, shows you Dresden's royal history. Over 23,000 tiles made from world-famous Meissen porcelain were used on the wall here. Time for a photo – or two or three. Then continue through the Georgentor, named after King Georg. One of the oldest parts of Dresden Castle is the entrance to the wonderful Schlossstraße. A look to the left into the Stallhof is definitely worthwhile. In front of us now lies the Residenzschloss. Where Saxony's rulers once lived, today you will find great collections like the Green Vault, the Turkish Chamber, the Giant Hall, and many more.

At the end, you can take one last look at the Dresden Zwinger.