Dresden, city in east central Germany, capital of Saxony (Sachsen). A port on the Elbe River, near the Czech Republic, it is the focus of one of Germany's largest metropolitan areas and is a major manufacturing, transportation, and cultural center.
The Elbe and the gently rolling landscape between Saxon Switzerland and Meissen determine the nature in which the city on the river is embedded. The climate is equally beneficial for the development of the arts and for viniculture. The inhabitants are known for their own special charm, Saxon hospitality is proverbial.
At the same time Dresden is a modern city with the flair of the former Saxon residence – simply a place with life style. Many million guests visit Dresden every year!
Named “the Pearl of the Baroque, ”Dresden is a major manufacturing, transportation, and cultural center. Historically, Dresden was the royal residence of Saxon princes and kings. Over the years, these rulers amassed treasures and artifacts now housed in Dresden’s museums and historical buildings. This rich history is apparent in the beautiful architecture throughout the city, much of which was rebuilt after World War II.
Perhaps one of Dresden’s most prolific residents is Augustus the Strong, who ruled over Saxony from 1694-1733 and also served as the King of Poland. Known for his physical prowess, wealth and large treasure collections (including many illegitimate children he allegedly fathered), Augustus contributed greatly to the city’s expansion and prosperity. He attracted musicians, festivals, and artists to the city and was known for his irrepressible pursuit of pleasure. In the old royal residence you will find the ‘green vaults’, rooms full of royal collectibles, many of them acquired by August the Strong during his exploits. He also founded museums, including the world-famous Zwinger, and was responsible for much of the city’s elegant architecture.
Getting to Dresden:
By Plane:
Dresden Airport is located 9 km north of the city centre. Flights are operated to the most important larger German and international cities.
The airport possesses its own direct link to the German motorway network:
A 13 (Berlin/Dresden)
A 4 (Chemnitz/Dresden/Görlitz)
A 17 (Czech Republic/ Dresden) (under construction)
A suburban rail service (S-Bahn) runs between the central railway station in Dresden and the airport. The journey takes approx. 25 minutes, with intermediate stops at the stations Mitte, Neustadt, Industriegelände, Klotzsche and Grenzstrasse. Escalators take passengers directly from the platform into the airport departure area.
A taxi from the city centre to the airport costs approx. 13-15 € and takes between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on the time of day. The airport taxi rank is directly in front of the terminal.
By Car:
Dresden can be reached directly on two motorways: The A 4 approaches the city from the West (Cologne-Eisenach-Chemnitz), and the A 13 from the North (Rostock-Berlin).
The future A 17 will skirt Dresden from the direction of Prague.
By Train:
With two major railway stations (Dresden-Hauptbahnhof, Dresden-Neustadt), Dresden is an important railway junction and an integral part of the ICE and EC/ IC networks.
There are several services daily to all the larger German cities. For international travellers, there are connections to more than 10 major European cities, e.g. Paris, Copenhagen, Prague, Vienna, Budapest.
Get to your hotel by bike rikscha
Especially when the weather is fine, the bike rikscha is a nice way to get from the station to your accommodation.
Information:
www.dresden.velotaxi.de/
www.rikschataxi-dresden.de
Public Transportation:
http://www.dresden.de/dwt/en/experience_dresden/public_transport.php
To do in Dresden:
Places of Interest
Dresden offers attractions in great variety. No book about the history of architecture can miss mentioning the Dresden Zwinger. The Frauenkirche Church, Semper Opera House and Royal Palace as well as many other historical monuments and ensembles determine the image of the city.
The saucy angels from Raphael's "The Sistine Madonna" make publicity for Dresden's art collections in the whole world. Magnificent promenades on the bank of the Elbe, interesting museums and institutions, industrial monuments, charming details - Dresden has a lot for you to discover.
For a list of places to see:
http://www.dresden.de/dwt/en/sights/the_old_city.php
Shopping at Dresden:
http://www.dresden.de/dwt/en/experience_dresden/eating_out_and_shopping/shopping.php
Eating out at Dresden:
http://www.dresden.de/dwt/en/experience_dresden/eating_out_and_shopping/eating_out.php
Dresden- Tourist Info.
Telephone: +49-(0)351-49192100
www.dresden.de
Tourist Information in Russian
http://www.dresden.de/dtg/ru/index.phphttp://www.dresden.de/dtg/ru/index.php
Tours of Dresden in English
http://www.dresdeninfo.com/index.php?changeLang=eng
E-Mail Address: info@dresden-tourist.de