Dresden

Background

Dresden is the capital of Saxony, Germany, on the Elbe river near the Czech border. The Frauenkirche, the Zwinger, the Semper Opera House and the Royal Palace form the Baroque old town core; Brühl's Terrace on the Elbe, known as the "Balcony of Europe", is the classic spot for river views; the Striezelmarkt is considered one of Germany's oldest Christmas markets. First recorded in 1206, Dresden later became the capital of the Saxon electors and kings, and its Baroque and Rococo old town earned it the nickname "Jewel Box". From 13 to 15 February 1945, British and American air forces bombed Dresden and the city centre was almost entirely destroyed; according to the Dresden Historians' Commission's 2010 report, about 22,500 to 25,000 people died. After the war parts of the historic inner city were restored and rebuilt, and the Frauenkirche was rebuilt between 1994 and 2005. The Elbe Valley was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2004 and removed in 2009 because of the construction of the Waldschlösschen Bridge.

Local customs

• Stroll along the Elbe in the early morning or evening for the old town skyline
• visit the Zwinger to see the Old Masters Picture Gallery
• climb the Frauenkirche dome for a panorama over the city.

Travel tips

• Museum and church admission is subject to the official websites
• the old town sights are close together and easy to explore on foot
• accommodation is tight in the Christmas season, so book in advance.
• Dresden has trains to Berlin, Leipzig and Prague, among other places, and a well-developed tram network. Spring and summer suit riverside strolls
• December, during the Christmas market, is the liveliest time
• winters are cold, and indoor museums are a good choice.