View of the Elbe River downstream toward Lilienstein. The banks of the Elbe are green, the sky blue, and there are no clouds in sight. To the left is the railway line to Dresden, but there are no trains running at the moment.

Saxon Wine Route to Saxon Switzerland

Cruising Area & Stations

Experience the fascination of over 185 years of shipping history on the Saxon Elbe! Our fleet of 9 historic paddle steamers and 2 motor ships will take you along the beautiful river landscape to a total of 13 mooring stations between Seußlitz and Bad Schandau. Enjoy the unique combination of technology and nature and let yourself be enchanted by the charm of the ships.

  • Seußlitz

    The Saxon Wine Route begins in Seußlitz. The wide Elbe valley invites you to explore and linger: Take a walk through the vineyards or a bike ride on the Elbe cycle path. Numerous wine taverns are ready for a stop. 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗽𝗶𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗿-𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮 𝘄𝗮𝗹𝗸𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗿 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿. ♿

    The Luisenburg in Seußlitz. Luisenburg. It is a one-story Baroque winegrower's house with a hipped roof, built around 1725

  • Diesbar

    The area around Diesbar is an insider tip for excursionists who like peace and tranquility during their excursions. Wine hills are harmoniously blended with forests and meadows, and the Elbe flows here in a large arc through the middle of the landscape. They say that spring comes a little earlier, autumn stays longer. 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗽𝗶𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗿-𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮 𝘄𝗮𝗹𝗸𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗿 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿. ♿

    The Luisenburg in Seußlitz. Luisenburg. It is a one-story Baroque winegrower's house with a hipped roof, built around 1725

  • Meißen

    Even from a distance you will discover the silhouette of the city – it is picturesquely surrounded by hills in the Elbe valley and is dominated by the castle hill. Stroll through the 1,000-year-old old town with its town houses, staircases, portals, narrow alleys, and historic wine taverns. Meissen’s famous sights include the Franciscan Church (now the City Museum), the Frauenkirche with the world’s first built-in carillon made of Meissen porcelain (1929), and the Burgberg with the Albrechtsburg Castle and the Cathedral. 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗽𝗶𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗿-𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮 𝘄𝗮𝗹𝗸𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗿 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿. ♿

    View of the Albrechtsburg Castle in Meissen from the other side of the Elbe. Not a cloud mars the blue sky.

  • Radebeul

    Radebeul is located on the Saxon Wine Route between vineyards just outside Dresden. Here it is worth visiting the Karl May Museum (Karl May Street 5), the last home of the writer. Villa “Shatterhand” and “Villa Bärenfett” offer about 850 exhibits in addition to the legendary silver rifle, bear slayer and Henrystutzen. The Dresden Elbe Valley begins with Übigau Castle – located between Radebeul and Dresden. 𝗣𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗷𝗲𝘁𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝘂𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲. 𝗪𝗲 𝗮𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲.

    View from the foot of the vineyards of the Spitzhaus in Radebeul. It houses a restaurant. The vineyard terraces are green, the sun is shining.

  • Dresden

    Dresden offers a variety of sights. The Brühl Terrace, a 930-meter-long promenade above the banks of the Elbe, is just one example. The Theaterplatz, surrounded by Dresden’s most famous buildings: the Catholic Court Church, the Palace, the Semper Opera House and the Zwinger with the Crown Gate. The Zwinger houses, among other things, the Old Masters Picture Gallery with 650 paintings, including Raphael’s “Sistine Madonna,” as well as the second largest porcelain collection in the world. Other highlights of Dresden’s Old Town include the Neumarkt square with the imposing building of the rebuilt Frauenkirche; the Procession of Princes, a 102-meter-long mosaic made of Meissen porcelain depicting electors and kings of the Saxon House of Wettin; and the Golden Rider, a statue of Augustus the Strong at the bridgehead of the Augustus Bridge. Tickets can be purchased on-site at Pier 2 during opening hours. 𝗣𝗶𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝟭-𝟱 𝗱𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗳𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮 𝘄𝗮𝗹𝗸𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗿 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿. ♿ 𝗣𝗶𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝟭𝟳-𝟮𝟬 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗮 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗡𝗢𝗧 𝗬𝗘𝗧 𝗔𝗖𝗖𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗜𝗕𝗟𝗘!

    Blick von der Dresdner Neustadt in Richtung Altstadt über die Augustusbrücke. Der Türme der Kathedrale und des Schlosses und das Georgentor prägen das Bild. Eine Straßenbahn führt über die Brücke.

  • Blasewitz

    Harmoniously integrated into the landscape, three Elbe castles perch on the former vineyards on the slopes of the Elbe: Albrechtsberg Castle, built for Prince Albrecht, Lingnerschloss Castle, built for his chamberlain, and the picturesque Eckberg Castle. The “Blue Wonder”, the suspension bridge connecting Blasewitz with Loschwitz, spans the Elbe at a height of 15 meters over a length of 142 meters, without any piers. 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗽𝗶𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗿-𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮 𝘄𝗮𝗹𝗸𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗿 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿. ♿

    View from the top station of the Dresden Suspension Railway of the Blue Wonder and the Elbe River. A saloon boat sails upstream. The sun is shining.

  • Pillnitz

    The castle and the park in Pillnitz invite you to stroll. Water and mountain palaces were created by order of August the Strong. Buildings and parks were the summer residence of the Saxon court until 1918. The gondola in which members of the court traveled on the Elbe to festivities, as well as the oldest camellia tree in Europe, at around 245 years old, can still be discovered in the park today. Shortly after Pillnitz – in Söbrigen – the Dresden Elbe Valley ends and the waterway takes you in the direction of Saxon Switzerland. 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗽𝗶𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗿-𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮 𝘄𝗮𝗹𝗸𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗿 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿. ♿

    View of Pillnitz Castle from the other bank of the Elbe. The castle shines in the evening sun.

  • Pirna

    Pirna, 20 kilometers from Dresden, is the gateway to Saxon Switzerland. In the center of Pirna, a tour of the time-honored town is worthwhile. You will reach the town hall. It is located in the middle of the market square and combines stylistic elements from five centuries. Behind the houses on the east side of the market you will find the massive town church of St. Mary, built in the first half of the 16th century in place of an older church. You can still see the steep roof from far away during the navigation on the Elbe. Today, the Dominican monastery houses the town museum.

    View from the Schlossberg to the center of Pirna.

  • Stadt Wehlen

    Hikers who are drawn here again and again affectionately call the place “Wehlstädtl”. The town and village of Wehlen are connected by over 700 years of common history. The small market square with the town hall and church forms the center. Formally above it rises the castle hill with remains of walls from the 13th century. Recommended: a visit to the adventure pool or the horse farm (with horseback riding). Attractions are also the local museum and the plant garden. 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗽𝗶𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗿-𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮 𝘄𝗮𝗹𝗸𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗿 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿. ♿

    The Elbe River near Stadt Wehlen with several piers, including one for the ferry. In the background, rugged cliffs can be seen, and the Bastei can be seen a little further away. The sun is shining, but there are also a few clouds.

  • Kurort Rathen

    The spa town of Rathen, surrounded by rocks and gorges, has always been one of the classic hiking and climbing areas. The Bastei, the Mönchsfelsen and the castle Altrathen are located high above the city. Also famous is the Felsenbühne, one of the most beautiful natural stages in Europe. The open-air theater with over 2,000 seats is located in a magnificent rocky setting in the Wehlgrund. 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗽𝗶𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗿-𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮 𝘄𝗮𝗹𝗸𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗿 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿. ♿

    Sandstone cliffs in Saxon Switzerland in the sunshine. The formation is located near the spa town of Rathen. The light is reddish and warm, and several rock needles can be seen in the foreground.

  • Königstein

    From the Elbe River, Königstein presents an imposing picture: the town stretches up the valley of the Biela River for several kilometers. High above towers the landmark – the Königstein Fortress. Due to the military impregnability of the Königstein, Saxon electors and kings sought refuge behind the thick walls in troubled times and stored art treasures and the state treasure here. In addition, because of its scenic location, the Königstein was a popular place for sumptuous festivities of the court. Later it served as a feared state prison of Saxony. 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗽𝗶𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗿-𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮 𝘄𝗮𝗹𝗸𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗿 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿. ♿

    View from Königstein Fortress to Lilienstein and the Elbe bend between them. Below is the town of Königstein with its railway line. The sky is blue; it's summer.

  • Prossen

    Prossen was first mentioned in a document on May 15, 1412 as “Prossentin” and was once a knight’s seat. It had a favorable location, because here the “Alte Steig” (old path) led across the Elbe – the most important trade route, which connected Bautzen and Königswald through the area of Saxon Switzerland. Holidaymakers appreciate the quiet south-facing location of the village between Bad Schandau and Königstein. From the pier in Prossen you can get to the Lilienstein in about 1.25h. From there you can descend in the direction of Königstein and reach another pier of ours. The town of Prossen also offers worthwhile destinations, including the former manor house or Prossen Castle. 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗽𝗶𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗿-𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮 𝘄𝗮𝗹𝗸𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗿 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿. ♿

    The pier at the Elbe meadow in Prossen. In the background are the village houses, the trees are green, and a few white clouds are visible in the blue sky.

  • Bad Schandau

    The town of Bad Schandau is known for its idyllic location on the Elbe River and its natural thermal springs, which have been used for therapeutic purposes for centuries. Bad Schandau is a popular destination for hikers, cyclists and climbers who want to enjoy the spectacular scenery of the National Park. The city also offers a variety of spa and wellness services, as well as cultural events and festivals. 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗽𝗶𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗿-𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮 𝘄𝗮𝗹𝗸𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗿 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿. ♿

    View of Bad Schandau from the other side of the Elbe. The Bad Schandau Church towers above the houses, and the famous elevator can be seen right next to the tower. A hotel ship is moored at a pier.
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