"Pirna" Top 5 Page for this destination Pirna by Kathrin_E

Pirna Travel Guide: 106 reviews and 417 photos

July 1999

Pirna claims to be the gateway to Saxon Switzerland. It is a convenient base to explore the many attractions in said area and also the eastern end of the Ore Mountains and of course Dresden. All these can easily be reached.

However, Pirna itself is worth a closer look. Canaletto came here to paint some of his famous vedoutes in the 1750s and the old town still looks almost the same as in his paintings. A bit cleaner and tidier, and there were no cars and no illuminated shop signs, but the historical architecture is still there.

September 2008

I have visited Pirna three times so far. The first visit was short and unplanned: I did the Elbe cruise from Bad Schandau back to Dresden and had to change boats in Pirna, which included one hour waiting time, so I went for a walk of the town. Already then I discovered the pretty old streets and the jawdropping gothic architecture of the main church.

Visit number two was also short, a stopover in the evening for dinner on the way back from a hike (or what Saxons call a "hike" - see my Bad Schandau page to find out more).

December 2010

In December 2010 I was finally able to devote more time to this little gem of a town. I made Pirna my base for four nights. This involved day trips, sure, but I took my time to explore the old town and the Christmas market.

Last visit to Pirna: Dec 2010
Intro Updated Jan 8, 2011
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Reviews (12)

Angel and Devil Things to Do (10)

Two oriels on two different renaissance houses at opposite ends of the old town have gained fame due to their contrary... more travel advice

The Flood of 2002 Things to Do (10)

The Elbe flood of 2002 hit Pirna’s old town with full force. A lot of houses and streets had just been refurbished after... more travel advice

Shopping in Pirna Things to Do (10)

Pirna is not a big city but a little shopping could be pleasant. There are many small, locally owned shops of all kinds... more travel advice

Nazi Euthanasia on Sonnenstein, and the... Things to Do (10)

Sonnenstein, the palace with the beautiful name, is connected with a dark chapter in Pirna’s history. The Nazi regime... more travel advice

Hotels (1)
A four-star room at B&B price

Local Customs (1)
Christmas Market

Travelogues (6)

1 - 4 of 6

Comments (3)

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german_eagle Dec 28, 2010 at 1:08 AM

Excellent updates. What a gem this B&B is! Fabulous pictures of St. Mary's. Ohhh, that awful Glühwein ... :( - Fabulous tips. Hm, haven't taken a photo of the grey bus yet.
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amsor Aug 14, 2010 at 4:12 PM

Canaletto-view of 2008, great photo !
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schoobi Aug 6, 2010 at 10:29 PM

great photography !