The cobbled streets and historical charm of Dresden attract busloads of visitors but only a few of them find its hidden ”balcony”. This stretch along the River Elbe is in the city centre, but has stately architecture and sweeping views over the magnificent Elbe Valley with its vineyards. For a long time only a select few could even set foot upon the Balcony of Europe. Today, you only need to know it’s there, and I produced this tour to make sure you don’t end up like so many other visitors, standing at the bottom of the stairs that lead up to Brühl's Terrace, wondering what to make of the sculptures there. On this walk you'll learn the answers to these questions: • How did this come to be called The Balcony of Europe? • Can there be someone richer than a king? • What’s the name of Dresden's most famous cake? • What’s the significance of a bench made out of white plastic? • Is there a link between Dresden's and Hansel and Gretel? • What is Saxony's White Gold You can take a break along the way for a beer or ice cream on the terrace overlooking the river – or you could sit down by the river, away from the crowds. After the tour, you could visit the Albertinum Museum or sample some local cake. (After all, you’ll know what it is by then!)
Risen from the Ruins: The New Face of Dresden After The War
Imagine two postcards of Dresden in front of you. One shows the famous, historic skyline from the bank of the river Elbe. The other confuses you with its endless lines of modern glass fronted buildings. And you wonder..Is this really Dresden?. Surprisingly, not only are these two views parts of Dresden, but they are different ends of the very same pedestrian zone that begins at the Dresden main station and ends at the river. We will walk this paradox beginning at the radical new face of a post war urban planning experiment, and end at the cobbled Castle Square with it's reconstructed historic buildings. All this while you will learn about the tragic history of this famous stretch, hear about the ideas and ideology that shaped the rebuilding of post war Dresden and the revolution that sparked change. You will also go looking for a forgotten welcome message, meet a golden man and make a wish on a drunken donkey. Also get introduced to a giant wastebasket and toilet art! Highlights include: Dresden's 'Shopping mile' where you will not shop An ancient witness from the 16th Century The square where one of Germany's oldest Christmas Market is held Two palaces- both to do with culture- but built centuries apart ...and more! Go ahead after the tour and explore the rest of this pedestrain zone on your own. I've included plenty of tips for what you can do later!