Dresden Elbe Valley

Almost every city has a historic district. But Dresden has something that other towns do not: Like a blue ribbon and almost untouched the Elbe river flows through the urban area on a length of 30 km. And it was this perfect harmony between nature and architecture that lead to the nomination of the Dresden Elbe valley for UNESCO cultural heritage in 2004. It is indeed unique. On the undeveloped banks you’ll see horses grazing and dogs romping around while the people enjoy their free time in the numerous beer gardens. If you look beyond, you’ll see magnificent castles and thousands of villas from the late 19th and early 20th century when Dresden was the richest town in Germany. They have conquered parts of the old vineyards and hills that are still part of the cityscape. In between, old village centres are scattered, their picturesque farmhouses reminding of days long gone by. The best way to enjoy the Dresden Elbe river valley is by water, especially with the historic paddle steamers of the Saxon Steamboat Company. As Johann Joachim Winckelmann, founder of art history and Classicism in the German-speaking area, once said: “Beauty was invented here. Not as river or meadows – but rather in the most delicate colours and magical light.”