Sightseeing Cruises

Elbe City Sightseeing Cruise

Elbe river cruise ship docked in Dresden with Augustus Bridge in the background.

Sightseeing cruise on the Elbe River with Dresden skyline in the background.

Aerial view of the Blue Wonder bridge over the Elbe River in Dresden.

Paddle steamer on the Elbe River during a 1.5-hour sightseeing cruise from Dresden.

Duration

1 hr 30 min

Guided tour

Sail through Dresden's past on this 1.5-hour Elbe River cruise with audio commentary, and see iconic landmarks like the Blue Wonder Bridge. Operator: Sächsische Dampfschifffahrt

4.0/5

(146)

Daniil

Aug 2025

Verified booking

5/5

The voyage was picturesque and we loved the meals and drinks provided on board. We also liked that some infomation about the surroundings on the way is provided. Maybe it would better to specify the planned course of the trip, because we thought the central part of Dresden is also going to be covered, but on the day we saw there were works in that part of Elbe.

Jennifer

Sep 2025

Verified booking

4/5

It was a little unclear where the boat would leave from - but we were able to find out at the ticket counter directly on the Elbe. From there it was no problem. I recommend getting there in good time if you want to have an outside spot on the water :)

Carolin

Aug 2025

Verified booking

5/5

We went on the restored steamboat August der Starke, great atmosphere, nice service, great trip with interesting and interesting facts about sights and famous places. Great tour, 1.5 hours, perfect for children and not only suitable for tourists, but also for locals like us.

Go on a 1.5-hour cruise along Dresden’s Elbe River and marvel at the historic riverside landmarks like the Lingner Palace, perfect for families with children.

See 4 of Elbe’s famous bridges up close, including the 131-year-old Loschwitz Bridge aka ‘Blue Wonder’ as the audio commentary regales its past.

On the return leg, keep your eyes peeled for 3 palaces, especially the Albrechtsburg, a 15th-century Late Gothic Castle.

As you glide down the Elbe, tantalize your taste buds with a variety of delicious local dishes and drinks available to purchase on board.

Fun fact: Did you know, Dresden boasts the world's oldest and biggest paddle streamer fleet? Your boat might be from the 19th century!

1.5 hour sightseeing cruise in Elbe River

Audio commentary/guide in German and English

Food and drinks (available for purchase on board)

TOTAL DURATION90 minutes
MODE OF TRANSFERBoat
FIRST DEPARTURELoschwitz Bridge
LAST DEPARTURELoschwitz Bridge
1 Boarding point
Service station Terrassenufer 2 - Sächsische Dampfschifffahrt (between Carolabrücke and Albertbrücke)
Get direction
Sights covered
Loschwitz Bridge
Albrechtsberg Castle
Eckberg Castle
Lingner Palace
Pillnitz Palace

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

4
146 reviews
How do we collect reviews?
These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
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Guests from United States, Austria, Switzerland and over 10 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Tanja
Sep 2025
Verified booking
4/5
Friendly crew, good information, great tour
Mathias
Sep 2025
Verified booking
4/5
It's a nice and quiet time that you can really enjoy
Patrick
Oct 2025
Verified booking
4/5
We really enjoyed the view to beautiful monuments and living arrangements along the Elbe. Also, what a fabulous visit to the opera ! Wow!! Very interesting to follow the evolution of such a marvelous piece of architecture through time.
Andreas
Oct 2025
Verified booking
3/5
I had expected the route to have gone a little further. In addition, the audio guide didn't always fit in with the section of the route.
Hervé
Sep 2025
Verified booking
5/5
It was interesting but we should have chosen a one way trip. We didn't know it was possible or didn't understand it. It's a pity.

Elbe Bridges & Blue Wonder

This pocket-friendly cruise is perfect if you’re short on time but want to make the most of your stay in Dresden. Your journey starts from Terrassenufer, Dresden's Old Town. As your paddle streamer makes its way through the Elbe River, journey through time as you see the city’s historic bridges and castles. You will sail under the river’s famed historic bridges, culminating in the Loschwitz Bridge. Nicknamed the “Blue Wonder,” it is a majestic blue ribbon stretched across the river.

See the past through Dresden’s palaces and castles

Dresden's whispers of grandeur start beyond the Blue Wonder, where the river murmurs of lavish parties hosted in the manicured gardens of Lingner Palace. Further upstream, the mighty Albrechtsburg Castle, perched on a rocky crag, pierces the sky with its proud towers. Finally, as you return to Terrassenufer, the whimsical Wasserwerk Saloppe, a water tower disguised as a Venetian palazzo, adds a touch of playful charm to your regal journey. Let these whispers enrich your Dresden experience with a touch of magic.

What to bring

Bring a valid ID card, a charged smartphone, and headphones.

What's not allowed

Smoking is not allowed on board.

Accessibility

This cruise is wheelchair and stroller accessible.

Pets and guide dogs are allowed.

Additional information

Cruise schedules are subject to change or be canceled in case of extremely high or low water levels.

Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

Please arrive at the boarding point 20 mins before the scheduled time of your visit to avoid any delays.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the boarding point.

Students must show valid Student ID.

Boarding point

Board your cruise at Service station Terrassenufer 2 - Sächsische Dampfschifffahrt (between Carolabrücke and Albertbrücke).

Address: Carola Bridge Access via Terrassenufer/Steinstrasse, 01067 Dresden, Germany.

Orientation guide: All landing stages can be reached in about 20 minutes.

Landmark: Please take a look at our timetable next to the ticket office where you can find the correct pier at which the tour will start. All piers are reachable in about 5 minutes.

Get directions to the boarding point