"Pillnitz - not only the Palace and Gardens!" Schloß Pillnitz by german_eagle

Schloß Pillnitz Travel Guide: 59 reviews and 212 photos

Pillnitz, a former village and now residential "suburb" in the far east of Dresden is famous for its palace and gardens. Tourists usually don't have enough time to see more than this site - and miss a lot.

The right bank of the Elbe river from Pillnitz to the Blue Wonder bridge including the villages Loschwitz, Wachwitz, Hosterwitz and Niederpoyritz is one of the most beautiful and interesting parts of Dresden, a charming combination of culture and nature.

On this page I want to give a short overview of the area, including the sites of Pillnitz Palace and gardens, but also describe the special athmosphere in those villages, result of a special spirit of the locals as well as artists from all over Germany who became (part-time) residents.

The civilised landscape Loschwitz - Pillnitz

Loschwitz seen from Blue Wonder bridge

The hills of the Elbe valley between Loschwitz and Pillnitz are without any doubt one of the most attractive civilised landscapes in the Dresden region. Since 17th century and the times of Elector Duke August the Strong it has been a permanent place for the Royal Court and Bourgeoisie, art and what we call in our days tourism.

In the early 18th century architect Pöppelmann constructed Pillnitz Palace, which with its Chinoise architecture at the foot of vineyards became an inspiring scenery for Royal celebrations. One hundred years later the area was discovered by Classicism and Romanticism. Many famous German writers, musicians and painters came here and stayed: Schiller and Körner, Tieck and Jean Paul, Kleist and Alexander von Humboldt, Schopenhauer and E.T.A. Hoffmann, as well as C. M. v. Weber and Richard Wagner, C. D. Friedrich, C. G. Carus and Ludwig Richter.

Until late 19th century the people in the villages lived their lives as farmers, winegrowers, craftsmen, fishermen. When the Blue Wonder Bridge linking Blasewitz and Loschwitz was built in 1893 everything changed. The funicular and the suspension railway were constructed, B&Bs opened, magnificent villas were built, the villages became preferred residential areas and destinations for day trippers.

What remained is a wonderful, harmonic combination of nature and civilisation. While walking through the villages and one the paths along the hillsides one is still able to explore evidences of great past times, attractive landscape, grand architecture and heartfelt hospitality.

Intro Updated Jun 3, 2012
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (18)

Rhododendron Garden Off The Beaten Path (5)

Between 1824 and 1853 the Saxon Royal family bought several vineyards on the hillsides of Wachwitz where they later... more travel advice

Wine and Food Shopping (1)

This little wine (and related food) shop has a nice, familiar ambience. Excellent advice is given. You can also taste... more travel advice

Carl-Maria-von-Weber Museum Off The Beaten Path (5)

A must for fans of classical music is this small museum in Dresden-Hosterwitz. Carl-Maria von Weber, composer and... more travel advice

river view (with steamer) from the garden - Schloß Pillnitz

Elbterrasse Wachwitz Restaurants (2)

One of my favourite restaurants in Dresden. Unique location, in the charming quiet village Wachwitz, right by the river.... more travel advice

Things to Do (7)
See All Chinese Pavillon
Been to Schloß Pillnitz?
Share your travels with the world!

Travelogues (4)

1 - 4 of 4

Comments (13)

Kathrin_E Aug 10, 2008 at 6:45 PM Report Abuse

Wow. I had no idea there was so much along the way. I probably won't find much time to join the congress! How long does that hillside hike take from Loschwitz?
HORSCHECK Mar 15, 2008 at 2:27 AM Report Abuse

Ingo, lovely little page about Pillnitz. The off the beaten path tips seem to be interesting. I remember that I took the ferry on my first visit to Dresden.
sandysmith May 20, 2006 at 2:36 AM Report Abuse

looks a very interesting place! ennjoyed re-visiting this page with fresh eyes and the hillside hike pics are wonderful!
Nemorino May 10, 2006 at 1:31 PM Report Abuse

Fine tips and travelogues! I'm sure if I went there I would head straight for the Carl-Maria-von-Weber Museum, but the rest looks very interesting as well. And of course I would take one of those steamboats.
globetrott May 29, 2005 at 2:00 PM Report Abuse

An interesting page & great pics, Ingo ! I see there are still a few places I missed when I had been in Pillnitz...
ATXtraveler Feb 9, 2005 at 2:34 PM Report Abuse

Sehr Schones Page! Danke Schon.
magor65 Jan 17, 2005 at 12:36 AM Report Abuse

Next time I am in Dresden I must visit Pillnitz. It's so beautiful! And your pictures and tips are great.
tini58de Dec 15, 2004 at 12:08 PM Report Abuse

Pillnitz is such a beautiful place - and your page shows that very well! Klasse gamacht, Ingo!
bugulma Oct 31, 2004 at 10:47 PM Report Abuse

nice place. water palace looks great
Antji Jul 4, 2004 at 10:11 AM Report Abuse

wow, ne ganze seite ueber pillnitz - net schlecht! schoene photos! hab es dieses jahr leider noch nicht dahin geschafft.