How to do the Cruise from Dresden to Pillnitz Palace

One of the attractions of a trip like the one I just took to the city ​​of dresden southeast of Germany, in the federal state of Saxony, is the possibility of making a sightseeing cruise on the Elbe River.

In fact, Elbe cruises have become one of the most demanded tourist attractions in Dresden.

El Elba It is one of the great rivers that crosses Central Europe.

Born near Hradec Kralove, west of the Czech Republic, and after passing through the north of Prague, it enters Germany to pass through Dresden, Magdeburg and Hamburg before reaching the North Sea.

This large navigable river facilitates long river cruises, so you should not be surprised to see, for example, in Dresden a ship flying the Czech Republic flag.

What are Elbe cruises like in Dresden?

Now the sightseeing cruises from Dresden on the Elbe They take place on charming steamboats owned by the Saxon Steamboat Society (Saechsische Dampfschiffahrt).

This company currently has a fleet of nine historic wheel steamboats, which is considered the oldest in the world.

Among its offer, you can make simple panoramic cruises around Dresden, or nearby Saxony wine route.

But you can also arrive in Steamboat to more distant areas of the city, such as national park Saxon Switzerland, next to the border with the Czech Republic.

Pillnitz Palace Tour along the Elbe River from Dresden

However, on my trip I took the opportunity to take the most popular cruise, the Pillnitz baroque palace tour, whose experience I detail to you.

This cruise that has a total duration of five hours takes you through the old towns, now outer districts of Dresden, which lie on both banks of the elbe river.

It was a Sunday in August when I enjoyed this cruise, which was completely full of tourists, so I advise you to book your ticket in advance during this holiday season.

The boat takes off at the pier in front of the Brühl's Terrace, wall area next to the historic center of the city.

Departing at 12 noon, it is advisable to sit at one of the tables that are distributed on the deck (or in the restaurant room if you have booked in advance) in order to take the opportunity to eat during the two hours of the outward journey.

While you are enjoying the beautiful countryside landscapes that you will see throughout the Elba, the waiters will offer you drinks or serve you the food you order.

I can tell you that you can eat a main dish and a drink for about 14 euros.

During this cruise you will be able to see what are known as Elbe palaces, three buildings located successively on the slope of the hill of Loschwitz from the north bank of the river.

Thus, you will see the Albrechtsberg palace, built by the prince Albert of Prussia; the Lingnershloss palace, in which, as a curiosity, the inventor of oral elixir resided; and the Eckberg Palace, which is now a luxury hotel.

You will also pass by the very tall communications tower and under a historic iron bridge from the late nineteenth century.

From the boat you will also see the oldest funicular in the world, from 1898, which goes up to an observation platform from which you have good panoramic views of the valley of the Elba.

What to see when visiting Pillnitz Palace in Dresden

Finally the steamboat leaves you next to the Baroque Pillnitz Palace and its gardens.

This palace complex was built during the 18th century by Augustus the Strong as a summer residence, who was known as the “Sun King of Saxony”.

There you will have time to walk around the palace, including his very extensive english gardens, and even for visit the museums which houses the palace in different buildings.

Thus, during my visit I toured the palace museum, Museum of Decorative Arts, and a curious temporary exhibition of historical bicycles.

In the first of the aforementioned museums you will tour various rooms of the new palace that in 1823 replaced the old Renaissance castle destroyed by a fire, such as the large dining room, the old kitchen and the Catholic chapel.

As a final curiosity, I will tell you that this palace was also chosen as a summer residence by the German composer Richard Wagner.

Pillnitz Palace visit schedules

If you decide to go on your own by car or bus from Dresden, it will be useful to know the Pillnitz Palace visiting hours.

Finally, it is time to return and it is time to sit in the beer garden that is next to the pier to wait for the arrival of the boat.

The return trip will be faster and lasts just over an hour, so you will complete a very pleasant excursion through the elbe river in which, as dessert, you will have beautiful views of the historic Dresden as you approach the city.

Here you have the information for book the Elbe cruise in Dresden.