What is the best photography spot in Dresden?

The Canaletto-Blick is widely considered the best spot. It offers the classic view of the Old Town skyline as famously painted by Bernardo Bellotto in the 18th century.

Is the Augustus Bridge pedestrian-friendly?

Yes, following recent renovations, the Augustus Bridge features wide sidewalks and restricted vehicle traffic, making it very safe and comfortable for pedestrians.

Where is the Golden Rider located?

The statue is located at Neustädter Markt, right at the beginning of the Hauptstrasse pedestrian zone on the northern side of the Augustus Bridge.

Can I visit the Japanese Palais for free?

The exterior and the palace gardens are free to visit and open to the public. However, the museums located inside the palace usually require a paid admission ticket.

Is this walking route accessible for strollers?

Yes, the route follows paved paths and city sidewalks that are generally stroller-friendly. There are ramps available to navigate the different levels of the riverbank.

What is the best time for photos on this route?

The 'Golden Hour' just before sunset is ideal. The sun sets behind the Neustadt, casting a warm, direct light onto the Old Town buildings across the river.

Are there places to eat along the Elbe riverbank?

Yes, the Königsufer features several seasonal beer gardens and cafes. Additionally, the nearby Hauptstrasse has a wide variety of restaurants and bakeries.

What is the Königsufer known for?

It is known for its wide meadows and the 'Filmnächte am Elbufer,' a major summer festival featuring outdoor cinema and concerts with the city skyline as a backdrop.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

1 hr 40 min

Duration

6

Stops

Moderate

Difficulty

About This Tour

Discover why Dresden is often called the 'Florence of the Elbe' on this stunning photography-focused walking route through the Innere Neustadt. This self-guided walk invites you to explore the river’s northern bank, offering the most iconic perspectives of the city’s historic skyline. As you wander along the Elbe’s meadows and across its architectural marvels, you will experience the perfect blend of Baroque grandeur and natural serenity. This neighborhood stroll is designed for those who want to capture the essence of the city away from the densest crowds of the Old Town, providing space to breathe and admire the silhouette of the Frauenkirche and the Royal Palace from across the water. Your self-guided adventure begins at the historic Augustus Bridge, a vital link that has connected the two sides of the city for centuries. From here, the route leads you to the precise spot where the painter Bernardo Bellotto, known as Canaletto, immortalized the city in the 18th century. You will encounter the shimmering Golden Rider, a testament to the ambitions of Augustus the Strong, and the elegant Japanese Palais with its unique fusion of Eastern and Western architectural styles. The walk then transitions into the lush greenery of the Königsufer, a riverside park that serves as the city’s favorite outdoor living room. Whether you are a seasoned photographer looking for the perfect light or a traveler seeking a peaceful way to see the sights, this walking tour Dresden offers unparalleled vistas. You will learn about the reconstruction of these landmarks and the cultural significance of the Elbe river landscape, which remains the heart of Dresden's identity. By exploring independently, you can linger at the viewpoints that inspire you most, making this walking tour Dresden a truly personal experience of the city’s most beautiful panoramas.

Highlights

The famous 'Canaletto View' of the Old Town skyline
The shimmering Golden Rider statue of Augustus the Strong
Baroque architecture and gardens of the Japanese Palais
Lush riverside paths of the Königsufer
Panoramic vistas from the historic Augustus Bridge
Modern and historic bridge architecture

Route Map

Numbers indicate the order of stops on the tour

Tour Stops (6)

1

Augustus Bridge

Start exploring with Zigway at the Augustus Bridge, the oldest bridge site in the city. While the current stone structure has been meticulously renovated and partially rebuilt, a bridge has stood here since at least the 13th century. It serves as the primary gateway between the Altstadt (Old Town) and the Neustadt (New Town). As you walk across, notice the sandstone pillars that have survived floods and wars. This bridge offers your first major panorama: to the south, the Cathedral and the Semper Opera House rise majestically. To the north, you are entering the Baroque heart of the Neustadt. It is the perfect place to feel the pulse of the Elbe river beneath your feet while seeing the city's two halves unite.

2

Canaletto-Blick

Step into a masterpiece at the Canaletto-Blick. This specific spot on the riverbank is where the Venetian artist Bernardo Bellotto painted his famous 1748 work, 'Dresden from the Right Bank of the Elbe Below the Augustus Bridge.' Look toward the Old Town and you will see that the silhouette today is remarkably similar to what Bellotto captured over 250 years ago. You can even find a metal frame set up here to help you compose the exact same shot. This view is the definitive image of Dresden, showcasing the Frauenkirche dome, the Academy of Fine Arts, and the various steeples that define the 'Elbe Venice' aesthetic. It is a must-stop for any photography enthusiast.

3

Golden Rider

At the head of the Hauptstrasse stands the Goldener Reiter, or Golden Rider. This dazzling equestrian statue depicts Augustus the Strong, the Elector of Saxony and King of Poland, dressed as a Roman emperor. Clad in gold leaf, he faces northeast toward Poland, symbolizing his dual reign. The statue was unveiled in 1736 and remains the most famous landmark of the Neustadt. It represents the height of the Saxon Baroque era and the king's obsession with splendor and power. Take a moment to admire the intricate details of the armor and the powerful stance of the horse, which survived the 1945 bombings by being moved to a secure location outside the city.

4

Japanese Palais

The Japanese Palais is a fascinating example of 18th-century architectural fantasy. Built between 1727 and 1733, it was originally intended by Augustus the Strong to house his massive collection of East Asian porcelain. The roof design, with its turned-up eaves, was meant to evoke an 'Oriental' feel, though the structure remains firmly rooted in European Baroque style. Today, it houses ethnographic and natural history museums. Be sure to walk around to the courtyard and the garden side. The palace gardens offer a serene, elevated view of the Elbe, framed by old trees and the palace’s elegant wings. It is one of the most peaceful corners of the city, perfect for a quiet moment during your neighborhood stroll.

5

Königsufer

Descend to the Königsufer, or the King's Bank. This expansive riverside park is a masterpiece of landscape architecture from the 1930s. Unlike many European cities that built high stone embankments, Dresden preserved its wide, grassy meadows, allowing the river to breathe and providing a scenic recreation area for locals. As you walk along the paved paths, you will pass the 'Filmnächte' site, where massive outdoor cinema and concert events take place every summer. The contrast between the manicured stone walls and the wild green grass makes this one of the most beautiful urban riverfronts in Europe. It is a favorite spot for locals to picnic, jog, or simply watch the paddle steamers go by.

6

Carolabrücke

Your walking route concludes near the Carolabrücke. Named after Queen Carola of Saxony, this location offers a modern perspective on Dresden's bridge-building history. While the bridge itself has undergone significant structural changes over the years, the area remains a vital viewpoint. From this vantage point, you look back toward the Augustus Bridge and the Brühl's Terrace, often called 'The Balcony of Europe.' The wide-angle view from here captures the sheer scale of the Elbe valley and the way the city integrates with the natural landscape. It is a fitting end to your journey, providing one last sweeping look at the architectural triumphs that have been rebuilt from the ashes of history.

Frequently Asked Questions

The walk typically takes between 90 and 120 minutes depending on your pace. The distance is approximately 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles) through the Innere Neustadt and along the riverbank.