Sightseeing Cruises

Elbe River Cruise to Pillnitz Castle

Elbe River cruise ship near Pillnitz Castle, Dresden, with hillside view.

Cruise ship docked on the Elbe River in Dresden with Augustus Bridge in the background.

Cruise ship on Elbe River with Dresden skyline in background.

Pillnitz Castle on the Elbe River with lush greenery, Dresden, Germany.

Explore at your pace

Choose your entry time, stay as long as you like

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience

Instant confirmation

Mobile ticket

Cruise along the Elbe River, admire Dresden's magnificent skyline and spot iconic castles and the grand Pillnitz Palace.

4.5/5

(19)

Susanne

Jun 2025

Verified booking

The weather was great and the crew were friendly! I would have given an excellent for that. The deduction is for the booking system via the American app Headout. Before booking, it was not clear that I would only get the tickets if I downloaded an app... The meeting point was given and linked incorrectly and I don't like the fact that the communication here is only in English and then incorrect information is given... The tour to Pilnitz is recommended in good weather! On the foredeck, the loudspeaker announcements could only be understood well in English, the German speaker was much too quiet.

Gero

Jul 2025

Verified booking

The steamer excursion was very nice.detailed description of all sights.the gastronomy is very good in the price-performance ratio.gladly again and again. I would like to emphasize the quick and uncomplicated rebooking of our tickets, as the booked trip could not take place due to low water.

Anna

Jun 2025

Verified booking

Great experience with a vintage stream boat in prestine condition with beautiful and historic views. Fun for the whole family. Enjoyed by my 91 year old uncle all the way down to my 20 month niece. Enjoyed the drinks, food and dessert as well. Thank you.

Glide along the serene Elbe River on a round-trip cruise from Dresden to Pillnitz, enjoying the historical skyline and lush riverbanks.

Revel in the convenience of round-trip tickets, onboard amenities, and insightful audio commentary in English and German.

Witness the grandeur of Albrechtsberg, Eckberg, and Lingner castles, the villa quarter Loschwitz, and the famous Blue Wonder Bridge.

Experience the 18th-century Pillnitz Palace, the former summer residence of the Saxon royal court, before continuing your immediate return journey.

Fun fact: Pillnitz Castle isn't just a castle—it's also where you'll find the world's oldest Camellia tree, planted in 1801 and towering over 9 meters tall today!

Round-trip cruise from Dresden to Pillnitz & direct return

Audio commentary in German & English

Food & drinks

Entry to castles

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

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19 ratings
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Anna
Jun, 2025Verified booking
4/5
Great experience with a vintage stream boat in prestine condition with beautiful and historic views. Fun for the whole family. Enjoyed by my 91 year old uncle all the way down to my 20 month niece. Enjoyed the drinks, food and dessert as well. Thank you.
Gero
Jul, 2025Verified booking
5/5
The steamer excursion was very nice.detailed description of all sights.the gastronomy is very good in the price-performance ratio.gladly again and again. I would like to emphasize the quick and uncomplicated rebooking of our tickets, as the booked trip could not take place due to low water.
Susanne
Jun, 2025Verified booking
4/5
The weather was great and the crew were friendly! I would have given an excellent for that. The deduction is for the booking system via the American app Headout. Before booking, it was not clear that I would only get the tickets if I downloaded an app... The meeting point was given and linked incorrectly and I don't like the fact that the communication here is only in English and then incorrect information is given... The tour to Pilnitz is recommended in good weather! On the foredeck, the loudspeaker announcements could only be understood well in English, the German speaker was much too quiet.
Anja
Jul, 2025Verified booking
3/5
Service was very friendly and attentive
Roland
Jun, 2025Verified booking
4/5
The pleasant atmosphere during the cruise

Cruising through time, a journey on the Elbe River

Begin your journey at the Terrassenufer in Dresden, where you board a comfortable cruise ship ready to guide you through the city's rich history. As you sail along the picturesque Elbe River, admire the stunning views of Dresden's historic skyline and lush riverbanks. Witness the iconic 3 Elbe castles, Albrechtsberg, Eckberg, and Lingner, standing proudly along the river. Your audio commentary in both English and German brings to life the tales that these landmarks hold. Pass under the famous Elbe bridges, including the architectural marvel, Blue Wonder Bridge. Your ship then drops anchor at the magnificent 18th-century Pillnitz Palace, giving you a chance to gaze at its majestic architecture before heading back.

What’s allowed

You can bring your dog, but you need to keep an eye on them and keep them on a leash.

What’s not allowed

Smoking onboard is prohibited.

Accessibility

The experience is wheelchair accessible.

Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

Please arrive at the boarding point 15 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.

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