dresden elbe tour

Dresden – Elbe River Cruise

Discover Dresden’s famous skyline by water!

With a paddle-wheel steamer you will be able to see beautiful bridges like the blue wonder, romantic palaces and the ‘’Maria am Wasser’’ church (‘Mary on the water’’).

The Saxon steam boat tour connects culinary relish, beautiful nature and an experience you will never forget.

What you will see

• Historical paddle-wheel steamer
• Dresden’s skyline
• Several bridges & famous “Blue wonder”
• Romantic places
• Palaces like the Pilnitz Palace
• ‘Mary on the water’ church
• District of elegant villas at Loschwitz quarter

Duration: 1,5 hours

The sequence of the sights can vary.  Admissions according to the programme are included.

You can add this tour to your favorites here:

Dresden Tours

• Dresden Highlights Tour
• Elbe River Cruise
• Elbschlösser Castles Tour
• Meissen Tour
• Moritzburg Palace Tour
• Saxon Switzerland
• Dresden for kids
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Boat tours in Dresden

Request your team event, boat tours on the river elbe in dresden.

Dresden, the baroque pearl on the River Elbe, offers more than just impressive architecture and a rich history. A boat tour in Dresden is the key to discovering a whole new side of the city - from the water. Whether you're looking for a relaxing cruise along the historic waterfront, a guided tour with exciting stories about the city, or the freedom of being the captain of a rented boat, Dresden has something for every taste and adventure.

What can I expect from a boat tour in Dresden?

• Unique perspectives: Discover Dresden's famous sights like the Semper Opera and the Frauenkirche from a new perspective.
• Varied tours: From a romantic evening tour to an adventurous cruise on the River Elbe, there's plenty to choose from.
• Cultural Experience: Learn more about the history and culture of Dresden through exciting stories on guided boat tours.

How does a boat tour in Dresden work?

Boat tours in Dresden are suitable for all ages and interests. Whether you want to enjoy the peace and quiet on the water, explore Dresden culturally or celebrate a special occasion, there is something for everyone. Tours range from short cruises to full-day tours on the Elbe, with options for catering and special themes. There are also adventurous dinghy tours through Saxon Switzerland.

What boat tours are available in Dresden?

Dresden offers a wide range of boating experiences - from cozy barbecue boats perfect for outdoor parties, to adventurous rafting tours through the breathtaking Saxon Switzerland, to relaxing canoe tours. Each tour is a unique experience:

• Barbecue Boat Rental Dresden: Enjoy a BBQ on the Elbe with a specially equipped barbecue boat. Ideal for socializing with friends or family.
• Dinghy Tour through Saxon Switzerland: Discover the natural beauty of Saxon Switzerland from the water. An adventure that perfectly combines peace and action.
• Canoeing in Dresden: Paddle down the Elbe River and experience Dresden from a whole new perspective. For those looking for active relaxation.

How much does a boat tour in Dresden cost?

A boat tour in Dresden usually costs between 39 and 100 Euros per person. The cost of a boat tour in Dresden varies depending on the type of adventure you are looking for:

Planning a boat trip in Dresden as a team event

A boat tour in Dresden is ideal as a team event . It provides the perfect opportunity to get together away from the office routine, strengthen team dynamics and create shared memories. When planning, consider the size of the group, the duration of the tour, and any special requests such as catering or themed tours.

The best boat tours in Dresden

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More currencies, 1.5-hour elbe sightseeing cruise from dresden.

• Instant confirmation
• Mobile ticket
• Transfers included

Sail through Dresden's past on this 1.5 hour Elbe River cruise with audio commentary, and see iconic landmarks like the Blue Wonder Bridge with pier transfers.

Go on a 1.5-hour cruise along Dresden’s Elbe River and marvel at the historic riverside landmarks like the Lingner Palace, perfect for families with children.

See 4 of Elbe’s famous bridges up close, including the 131-year-old Loschwitz Bridge aka ‘Blue Wonder’ as the audio commentary regales its past.

On the return leg, keep your eyes peeled for 3 palaces, especially the Albrechtsburg, a 15th-century Late Gothic Castle.

As you glide down the Elbe, tantalize your taste buds with a variety of delicious local dishes and drinks available to purchase on board.

Fun fact: Did you know, Dresden boasts the world's oldest and biggest paddle streamer fleet? Your boat might be from the 19th century!

1.5 hour sightseeing cruise in Elbe River

Round-trip transfers from the pier

Audio commentary

• Food and drinks (available for purchase on board)

Cancellation policy

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Your experience

Elbe bridges & blue wonder.

This pocket-friendly cruise is perfect if you’re short on time but want to make the most of your stay in Dresden. Your journey starts from Terrassenufer, Dresden's Old Town. As your paddle streamer makes its way through the Elbe River, journey through time as you see the city’s historic bridges and castles. You will sail under the river’s famed historic bridges, culminating in the Loschwitz Bridge. Nicknamed the “Blue Wonder,” it is a majestic blue ribbon stretched across the river.

See the past through Dresden’s palaces and castles

Dresden's whispers of grandeur start beyond the Blue Wonder, where the river murmurs of lavish parties hosted in the manicured gardens of Lingner Palace. Further upstream, the mighty Albrechtsburg Castle, perched on a rocky crag, pierces the sky with its proud towers. Finally, as you return to Terrassenufer, the whimsical Wasserwerk Saloppe, a water tower disguised as a Venetian palazzo, adds a touch of playful charm to your regal journey. Let these whispers enrich your Dresden experience with a touch of magic.

Know before you go

What to bring.

• Bring a valid ID card, a charged smartphone, and headphones.

What's not allowed

• Smoking is not allowed on board.

Accessibility

This cruise is wheelchair and stroller accessible.

Pets and guide dogs are allowed.

Additional information

• Cruise schedules are subject to change or be canceled in case of extremely high or low water levels.

Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

Please arrive at the boarding point 20 mins before the scheduled time of your visit to avoid any delays.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the boarding point.

Students must show valid Student ID.

Boarding point

Board your cruise at Servicestation Terrassenufer - Sächsische Dampfschifffahrt .

Address: Augustusbrücke, Terrassenufer, 01067 Dresden, Germany.

Landmark: Please take a look at our timetable next to the ticket office where you can find the correct pier at which the tour will start. All piers are reachable in about 5 minutes.

Get directions to the boarding point

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The 11 Best Things to Do in Dresden, Germany

• Pinterest 93

You’ll find Dresden and its glorious medieval, baroque, and neo-renaissance architecture on the serene banks of the River Elbe. Arrayed across the Elbe Valley, Dresden’s history can be traced back to the 12th century, while its famous Christmas market is not much younger, having been held almost continuously since 1434.

As you stroll through the Neumarkt and along Bruhl’s Terrace (nicknamed the “Balcony of Europe”), you’ll soon understand why the dukes, electors, and kings of Saxony made Dresden their royal capital. Along the banks of the River Elbe are grand palaces and palatial gardens, while the riches, treasures, and artwork of the Saxon nobility can be found in the Green Vault and the Old and New Masters’ Galleries.

With so many things to see and do, you might not know where to begin. That’s why we’ve compiled our list of the absolute best things to do in Dresden for you. Stick to these fun and unique Dresden bucket list recommendations, and there’s no doubt you’ll have an amazing time exploring this gorgeous European city!

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).

11 Fun and Unique Things to do in Dresden, Germany

1. see saxon royalty at dresden castle.

Dresden Castle is one of the most impressive Dresden attractions. Rising above the banks of the River Elbe, for centuries, this was the home of Saxony’s noble and royal families. 

Today, the sprawling royal complex is a mélange of baroque and Renaissance architecture largely dating from the 18th and 19th centuries when Saxony was an independent German kingdom. The history of Dresden Castle can be traced back much further than this, to when it was founded as a fortress in the 12th century AD.

Like much of Dresden, the castle and its royal palace were destroyed during World War II. It was slowly rebuilt (renovations are still ongoing today), and as you tour through stately rooms and grand dining halls, you’ll see the lavish lifestyles lived by the Saxon royal family. 

2. Examine Treasures Inside the Green Vault 

A visit to the Green Vault is easily one of the best things to do in Dresden. Located within the Dresden Castle complex, the Green Vault is one of the oldest museums anywhere in the world.

The Green Vault (named for the green-colored pillars found within) was originally used in the 17th century as a secure vault for the Saxon nobility’s treasures. In the 1720s, Saxon ruler Augustus the Strong decided to open the vault, and its many treasures, to the public, inadvertently opening an early type of museum in the process. 

Augustus the Strong displayed treasures from across the world, including ivory and bronze from Africa and his royal family’s crown jewels. The Green Vault was damaged during World War II, but it was reopened in 2004. 

3. Join a Walking Tour of Dresden’s Old Town 

Nothing beats a walking tour, and if you’re looking to see the best sights in Dresden, it’s the best introduction to the city. 

Free, tips-based walking tours depart several times per day from the Martin Luther Statue (near the Frauenkirche) in the Neumarkt. From here, you’ll delve into the Saxon history of Dresden before learning how the city’s medieval and baroque architecture was almost obliterated during the Second World War. 

But Dresden is like a phoenix, and from local guides, you’ll also hear how the city was rebuilt, over many decades, from the rubble. There are niche tours you can book in Dresden, too, including food, beer, and most intriguing of all, the Night Watchman’s Tour by lantern light !

4. Walk Along Bruhl’s Terrace 

Taking a walk along Bruhl’s Terrace is one of the top things to do in Dresden. This beautiful terrace sits high above the River Elbe, offering sweeping views of Dresden’s cityscape from its lofty perch. 

Bruhl’s Terrace was originally part of the city’s defensive walls, but in 1814, after the Saxons won the Battle of Leipzig, the walls were opened to the public and transformed into a glorious viewing terrace worthy of victory. 

Bruhl’s Terrace is now nicknamed the “Balcony of Europe,” and as you stroll above the river banks, walking past the Frauenkirche and Dresden Castle, you’ll soon understand why!

5. Admire the Reconstructed Frauenkirche

One of the most iconic Dresden attractions, the Frauenkirche , with its beautiful baroque architecture, is both a symbol of Dresden’s past and its more recent history. 

Built as a Lutheran church in the 18th century, the Frauenkirche was the seat of religion in Saxony’s capital. The church’s splendid dome and lavish interior were a tribute to Dresden’s prestige, but during World War II, the Frauenkirche was razed to the ground.

The Allied firebombing of Dresden caused unprecedented loss of life and cultural destruction on a level unknown before. Much of the city was destroyed, and as a monument to those who lost their lives, the East German government decided that the Frauenkirche would remain a pile of symbolic rubble in the city center.

However, the citizens had other plans, and once Germany reunited in the 1990s, the Frauenkirche was pieced back together, brick by brick. Today, it stands proud once more, after a massive rebuilding effort brought this Dresden landmark back from the dead. 

6. Visit the New Masters’ Gallery at the Albertinum

Art lovers have made a great choice to visit Dresden, given the capital of Saxony is home to one of Europe’s most impressive art collections.

Head to the Albertinum (built in the late 19th century and named after King Albert of Saxony), and you can see the work of Europe’s New Masters on display. The gallery is home to several hundred classic paintings by a range of artists, including Claude Monet and Vincent van Gogh, who were active in the 19th and early 20th centuries. 

The Albertinum is located on Bruhl’s Terrace, where it forms a particularly aesthetic addition to Dresden’s skyline. 

7. And the Old Masters Gallery at The Zwinger 

Dresden’s baroque architecture found its apogee with the construction of The Zwinger, a vast palace and gardens built during the reign of Augustus the Strong in the early 1700s.

Located in the Old Town, the palatial grounds are home to lavish sculptures and pleasure gardens, just as the 18th-century Saxon nobles envisaged it. Much has been reconstructed, however, given The Zwinger was heavily bombed during the Second World War. 

The Zwinger is also home to one of the best art museums in Dresden, the Semper Galerie, which opened in 1855. The Semper Galerie is where you’ll find the Old Masters’ Gallery , an impressive collection of artwork created by the likes of Raphael, Rubens, and Rembrandt between the 15th and 18th centuries.

8. Cruise on the River Elbe 

The River Elbe is the lifeblood of Dresden, and there’s no better way to experience the city’s glorious skyline than with a cruise along the river.

The river is well-known for its historic paddle steamers, pleasure boats that have plied the waters for decades. One of the most fun Dresden activities, this is the oldest paddle steamer fleet in the world, and you can sit back in historic surroundings as you take in famous sights like the Frauenkirche and Bruhl’s Terrace.

You can take a short cruise through Dresden, book a romantic dinner cruise at sunset, or join a longer day tour along the River Elbe to romantic Saxon towns like Meissen. 

9. Get Festive at the Striezelmarkt 

The Striezelmarkt is one of the most famous things to see in Dresden. The city has hosted its iconic Christmas market almost every year without fail (World War II aside) since 1434. And if you’re planning an end-of-year trip, this is easily one of the best things to do in Dresden.

Celebrations begin at the end of November, as the start of Advent is marked as the market is officially opened.

For the Advent period, Dresden’s Old Town is thrown over to wooden market stalls, carol singers, and Gluhwein drinkers in one of the most traditional Christmas markets in Germany . 

10. Day Trip to Saxon Switzerland National Park

A day trip to Saxon Switzerland National Park is one of the most incredible Dresden activities. Located just a one-hour drive from the city, you’ll be awed by the dramatic rock formations of this spectacular national park.

The national park protects the Elbe Sandstone Mountains, a unique mountain range on the border with Czechia, where the rocks and peaks have been eroded over time into dramatic shapes.

The most famous sight in Saxon Switzerland is the Bastei Bridge, which offers glorious views as it weaves its way through tall rock formations. The national park is the perfect place for hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, and many more active pursuits, making it a great place for outdoor lovers to visit during their stay in Dresden.

11. Admire Pillnitz Palace and Park

Saxon king Augustus the Strong left an indelible mark on Dresden’s skyline, especially so when he commissioned the lavish Pillnitz Palace for his mistress. 

Located on the serene banks of the River Elbe, in what were then the suburbs of Dresden, Pillnitz Palace quickly became the favored summer escape for Saxony’s nobility. 

Surrounded by vineyards and home to English and Chinese gardens as well as greenhouses and exotic flora sourced from all over the world, today, the Pillnitz Palace and Park continues to offer a refreshing escape from the city. 

There you have it! The 11 best things to do in Dresden. What’s your favorite thing to do in Dresden?

Planning a trip to Germany? Check out our favorite books and travel guides!

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About the Author:

Richard is an award-winning travel writer based in Southwest England who’s addicted to traveling off the beaten track. He’s traveled to 75 countries and counting in search of intriguing stories, unusual destinations, and cultural curiosities. Richard loves traveling the long way round over land and sea, and you’ll find him visiting quirky micronations and breakaway territories as often as he’s found lounging on a beach (which is a lot). When he’s not writing for BBC Travel, National Geographic, or Lonely Planet, you can find Richard writing for the Wandering Wheatleys or updating his off-beat travel blog, Travel Tramp.

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• About this activity

Dresden: Sunset Paddle Steamer Tour on the Elbe River

• Free cancellation available
• Mobile voucher
• Instant confirmation
• Multiple languages
• Lean back and enjoy peaceful boat trip along the Elbe
• Listen to the history of Dresden as you roll down the river
• Pass by the 4 Bridges of the Elbe, and the famous “Blue Wonder"
• See the castles of the Loschwitzer district
• Experience the ship turnaround at Pillnitz Castle

Activity location

• Dresden, Sachsen, Germany

Meeting/Redemption Point

• You can find out which pier your ship departs from on the displays at each pier or on the large display board at the activity provider's ticket office. This tour has the line number 61; this is shown as "Line 61" or L61.
• Sun, May 12 -
• Mon, May 13 -
• Tue, May 14 -
• Wed, May 15 $33
• Thu, May 16 -
• Fri, May 17 -
• Sat, May 18 -
• Sun, May 19 -
• Mon, May 20 -
• Tue, May 21 -
• Wed, May 22 $33
• Thu, May 23 $33
• Fri, May 24 -
• Sat, May 25 -
• Sun, May 26 -
• Activity duration is 3 hours 3h 3h

What's included, what's not

• What's included What's included Boat trip
• What's included What's included Audio commentary via on-board announcements or via the app
• What's excluded What's excluded Food and drinks
• What's excluded What's excluded Transfer to and from the Pier

Know before you book

• Not allowed: Smoking

What you can expect

Gently roll down the Elbe on a relaxing boat trip to Pillnitz and back. Sit back and relax as you float by the scenic landscapes of the Elbe Valley. See the Albrechtsberg castle, the Eckberg castle, the Lingner Castle and the Blue Bridge. Start your tour by boarding a historical steamship in the Terrasanufer, located in the heart of Dresden.

Admire the stately manors of the Loschwitzer district. In the 1920s and ’30s, the district was the most expensive living area in all of Europe. Marvel at the vineyards that line the banks of the Elbe. Pass by the 4 famous bridges of the Elbe. Listen to the onboard commentary and learn about the history of the area.

Take a peek at your steamboat’s engine. Look down into the engine room and watch the pistons as they propel the boat forward. This is an authentic steamboat, not a replica.

Be mesmerized by the soft glow of the evening light at your return to the old city center. Enjoy food and drinks available for purchase onboard.

• Expeditions
• Complimentary Brochures

Elbe River Cruises

Sail the Elbe to reaches seldom seen in Germany and the Czech Republic. Insights greet you at every bend as you explore majestic Berlin and Prague, delve into Wittenberg’s religious history and contrast the delicacy of Meissen porcelain with the rocky brawn of Saxon Switzerland.

Elegant Elbe

• PRICE & BUILD

Christmas Along the Elbe

Highlights of elbe river cruises.

The once divisive Elbe River is today a symbol of unity. Along this scenic river, East Germany became free, and cities that once lay in rubble now stand tall. With much of this breathtaking river unaltered by mankind, it is a truly inspirational waterway. Here are some sample highlights you will see with Viking:  

• Berlin’s ultra-modern, forward-thinking architecture
• Rococo splendor of Potsdam
• The incredibly preserved medieval city of Prague
• Dresden’s baroque wonders, risen from wartime ashes
• The natural beauty of the Elbe Biosphere Reserve
• Saxon’s Switzerland’s monoliths of natural rock formations
• Wittenberg, birthplace of the Protestant Reformation
• Meissen’s famed porcelain factory

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Elbe River Cruises

Ditch the conventional way of visiting Central Europe and take a boat cruise on the Elbe river. Feed your thirst for travelling with epic sceneries from ports located in Germany and Czech Republic. We offer adventures in close collaboration with cruise companies recognized for their premium services.

17 Elbe cruises with reviews

• River Cruise
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Prague, Dresden, and the Castles of Bohemia: A Spectacular Cruise on the Elbe and Vltava Rivers

From Amsterdam to Berlin (port-to-port cruise)

Wonderful Onboard staff and a most interesting itinerary. Well paced and good excursions . Having a dedicated bus and driver while in Germany was a very nice touch. The food was excellent but I would suggest a choice of portion sizes be offered. It was impossible to eat three extra bountiful meals each day served at one’s chair without a good deal of good wastage. The ship was clean and well maintained and perfect for the small canals and low bridges en route. English only speakers should be aware that while the staff are multi-lingual, the guests are for the most part older French folks who didn’t mix with English only speakers, at least on our trip

From Hamburg to Berlin: Discover the Medieval Charms of Hanseatic Cities

From Berlin to Amsterdam (port-to-port cruise)

From Berlin to Prague: Cruise on the Elbe and Vltava Rivers (port-to-port cruise)

They mostly succeeded in accommodating me as the only english speaker on March-April 2019 cruise. Slightly disappointed by the itinerary - We cruised during daytime hours on at least 3 days; The Berlin excursion was terrible (too few stops, not enough time). Hoped for more regional cuisine. The boat itself was awesome and the staff was terrific, although one person on the cruise director's team snapped at a guest in Prague (he was frustrated with the tour guide and took it out on the guest). Got a great tip from the cruise director about an alternate excursion that he figured (correctly) would be to my liking.

From Prague to Berlin: Cruise on the Vltava and Elbe Rivers (port-to-port cruise)

This was the most expensive of all the river cruises I have ever done and the worst value for money. It was not company's fault that water level in Elbe was a problem but it was their decision NOT to notify travellers in advance (and today I read the reviews of other travellers that this is their practice not to inform travellers, keep them in the dark; they have been doing this in the past). We had to be transferred by coach to most tours, we have not been told how long the drive will be, we were NOT provided with water despite the fact that the price includes "unlimited drinks" even with alcohol. Such gross overcharge. Last year we travelled with Avalon and when the weather was awful due to pouring rain travellers were refunded money for the optional tour as a good will gesture. Due to all this coach rides there was no free time in the towns we visited as we had to rush back to the ship which was far away, often docked in boring "nothing to do" locations. CroisiEurope sell themselves as luxury cruises but compared to Uniworld, Viking and Avalon there is barely necessities covered, no luxury at all. Their accommodation is 3*, amenities in the bathroom include only soap and shampoo (no body lotion), 2 towels of 3* quality due to small size and no fluffiness. Food 4*. If you want fried eggs or an omelette, you have to queue as scrambled eggs are not in the menu and the choice of cold meats for breakfast is very poor.

• Christmas & New Year

Christmas on the Elbe (port-to-port cruise)

Christmas on the Elbe

New Year's Eve on the Elbe from Dresden to Berlin (port-to-port cruise)

Holiday Cheer Along the Elbe River (port-to-port cruise)

New Year's Eve on the Elbe from Dresden to Berlin

Elegant Elbe Wittenberg to Decin

Cruise on the Elbe River from Prague to Berlin (port-to-port cruise)

From Berlin to Strasbourg (port-to-port cruise)

From Copenhagen to Berlin: The Baltic Sea, the Oder and Havel and Elbe Rivers (port-to-port cruise)

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Popular Cruise Ships

• MS Elbe Princesse from CroisiEurope River Cruises
• MS Elbe Princesse II from CroisiEurope River Cruises
• MS Victor Hugo from CroisiEurope River Cruises
• MS Mona Lisa from CroisiEurope River Cruises
• Viking Astrild from Viking Cruises
• Viking Beyla from Viking Cruises

Travel Styles

• Singles and Solo (11)
• For Couples (12)
• Seniors (11)

Dine-Out Cruise

• 17:30, 18:00, 19:00, 19:15
• from 33€
• Culinary & Gastro
• Evening Cruise

Dinner on the water!

Go on a culinary journey aboard the Weiße Flotte. Experience Dresden’s sights from the water while enjoying a seasonal 3-course meal on board. The vessel sails along the three Elbe castles and the Loschwitz Bridge, also known as the “Blue Wonder” to the castle complex in Pillnitz and, after a turning maneuver in the evening glow of the Elbe, takes you back downstream to the old town.

Booking details

Choose your cruise, more matching cruises for you.

• Party & Music

Sounds like a perfect party night on the water! Celebrate with us on our party ship to the hottest hits and enjoy delicious drinks in an extraordinary atmosphere.

Advent-Lunch

Enjoy contemplative hours with family and friends at our Advent lunch on board. Culinary delights and festive mood await you!

Whitsun Coffee Cruise

Enjoy during a special coffee cruise at Whitsun - coffee, cake and entertainment on a boat trip with a view of the picturesque Elbe landscape.

Depeche Mode Party

Celebrate at the biggest Depeche Mode party in Dresden on our salon ships! Two floors, four hours of music history, pure ecstasy. Experience a journey through time with our DJs.

Mother’s Day Lunch

Dear mothers, we spoil you and your loved ones with a special Mother's Day lunch with culinary delights in a relaxed atmosphere.

Take advantage of the search to browse through the World Heritage Centre information.

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• Description

The 18th- and 19th-century cultural landscape of Dresden Elbe Valley extends some 18 km along the river from Übigau Palace and Ostragehege fields in the north-west to the Pillnitz Palace and the Elbe River Island in the south-east. It features low meadows, and is crowned by the Pillnitz Palace and the centre of Dresden with its numerous monuments and parks from the 16th to 20th centuries. The landscape also features 19th- and 20th-century suburban villas and gardens and valuable natural features. Some terraced slopes along the river are still used for viticulture and some old villages have retained their historic structure and elements from the industrial revolution, notably the 147-m Blue Wonder steel bridge (1891–93), the single-rail suspension cable railway (1898–1901), and the funicular (1894–95). The passenger steamships (the oldest from 1879) and shipyard (c. 1900) are still in use.

Description is available under license CC-BY-SA IGO 3.0

Vallée de l’Elbe à Dresde

Le paysage culturel des XVIIIe et XIXe siècles de la vallée de l’Elbe à Dresde s’étend sur quelque 18 km le long du fleuve, du palais d’Übigau et des champs d’Ostragehege au nord-ouest jusqu’au château de Pillnitz et à l’île sur l’Elbe au sud-est. Ses prairies basses servent d’écrin au château de Pillnitz et au centre de Dresde, où abondent parcs et monuments surgis entre le XVIe et le XXe siècle. Le site comprend également des villas et des jardins des XIXe et XXe siècles. Les terrasses sur les coteaux sont toujours en partie consacrées à la viticulture, et certains villages anciens ont conservé leur structure d’époque, et des éléments datant de la révolution industrielle, notamment la « Merveille Bleue », un pont en acier de 147 m de long (1891-1893), le monorail funiculaire suspendu (1898-1901) et le funiculaire (1894-1895). Les bateaux à vapeur (le plus ancien remonte à 1879) et le chantier naval (vers 1900) sont toujours en activité.

وادي إلبة في دريسدن

يمتدّ المنظر الثقافي الذي يعود إلى القرنين الثامن عشر والتاسع عشر في وادي إلبة في دريسدن على حوالى 81 كلم على طول النهر وعلى طول قصر أوبيغو وحقول " أوستراجيهيج" في الشمال الغربي وصولاً إلى قصر بيلنتز والجزيرة التي تقع في جنوبلشرقي نهر إلبة. وتشكّل المراعي إطاراً طبيعياً لقصر بيلنتز ووسط دريسدن حيث تكثر الحدائق والنصب التي شيّدت بين القرنين السادس عشر والقرن العشرين. ويشمل الموقع أيضاً بيوتا وحدائق أنشئت في القرن التاسع عشر والقرن العشرين. ولا تزال الجلول على السفوح مخصصة في غالبيتها لزراعة العنب وقد حافظت بعض القرى القديمة على بنيتها القديمة وعلى عناصر تعود إلى الثورة الصناعية، ولا سيما منها "الروعة الزرقاء" وهو جسر من معدن طوله 741 متراً (1898- 1901) والقطار الجبلي المعلق ذو سكة وحيدة (1898-1901) والقطار الجبلي العادي (1894-1895). أما البواخر البخارية والأقدم بينها يعود إلى (1879) ومصنع السفن (حوالى1900)، فلا تزال كلها تعمل.

source: UNESCO/CPE Description is available under license CC-BY-SA IGO 3.0

18世纪和19世纪的德累斯顿的埃尔伯峡谷景观起始于西北部的于毕高宫(Übigau Palace)和奥斯特拉葛黑葛平原(Ostragehege fields)，东南一直延伸到皮尔尼茨宫(Pillnitz Palace)和易北岛(Elbe River Island)，沿着河谷纵深有18公里长。这里主要有低洼草地，顶部的皮尔尼茨宫，遗迹德累斯顿中心，还有16至20世纪的无数古迹和公园，同时这里还拥有19世纪和20世纪的郊区别墅、花园以及极具价值的自然风光。今天，一些沿河梯田仍然种植着葡萄，一些古老的村庄仍然保留着工业革命时期的历史建筑和设施，特别是长147米的钢桥（1891年至1893年）、单轨吊索铁路（1898年至1901年）和索道（1894年至1895年）。古老的汽船（起源于1879年）和成立于1900年的造船厂至今仍在使用。

Valle del Elba en Dresde

El paisaje cultural del Valle del Elba en Dresde, creado durante de los siglos XVIII y XIX, se extiende por las orillas de este río a lo largo de 18 kilómetros con un eje de orientación noroeste–sudeste, desde el Palacio de Übigau y las praderas de Ostragehege hasta el Palacio de Pillnitz y la isla del Elba. En este espectacular paisaje formado por praderas bajas, destacan el palacio de Pillnitz y el centro histórico de la ciudad con sus numerosos monumentos y parques que datan de los siglos XVI al XX. En las laderas del valle se sigue cultivando la viña en bancales. Algunos pueblos antiguos de los alrededores han conservado su estructura ancestral, así como vestigios de la Revolución Industrial, entre los que destacan la “Maravilla Azul”, un puente de acero de 147 metros de longitud, construido entre 1891 y 1893, así como un monorriel suspendido (1898-1901) y un funicular (1894-1895). Los barcos de vapor (el más antiguo data de 1879) y el astillero (construido hacia 1900) están aún en funcionamiento.

ドレスデン・エルベ渓谷

source: NFUAJ

Justification for Inscription

Criterion (ii): The Dresden Elbe Valley has been the crossroads in Europe, in culture, science and technology. Its art collections, architecture, gardens, and landscape features have been an important reference for Central European developments in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Criterion (iii): The Dresden Elbe Valley contains exceptional testimonies of court architecture and festivities, as well as renowned examples of middle-class architecture and industrial heritage representing European urban development into the modern industrial era.

Criterion (iv): The Dresden Elbe Valley is an outstanding cultural landscape, an ensemble that integrates the celebrated baroque setting and suburban garden city into an artistic whole within the river valley.

Criterion (v): The Dresden Elbe Valley is an outstanding example of land use, representing an exceptional development of a major Central-European city. The value of this cultural landscape has long been recognized, but it is now under new pressures for change.

List of World Heritage in Danger

Inscription Year on the List of World Heritage in Danger

State of Conservation (SOC)

Dresden river tour: Elbe, Spree and Neiße

The Florence of the North

This bike tour offers a worthwhile combination of nature and culture. Starting in Dresden, the so-called Florence on the Elbe, the route leads via Kamenz, town of Lessing, to the lakes of the Lausitz which once evolved through the influence of former mining activites. You will spend your nights in Bad Muskau, in Fürst Pückler Park (part of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage), and in Görlitz, uniting different styles between Gothic and Jugendstil. Discover the thousand-year-old town of Bautzen and the Elbe Sandstone Mountains with its bizarre rock formations before finally returning to Dresden. The route leads through a flat landscape and over the Elbe and Oder-Neiße bike trail. Calm side streets can be accomplished in a relaxed pace, the only longer ascent of 1 kilometre challenges you already on the first day.

This trip is perfect for people who:

• River fans: cycle along the Elbe, Spree and Neisse rivers on your journey.
• City lovers: Be enchanted by the small towns along the route.
• Culture seekers: Your cultural well-being will also be catered for on this trip.

Frauenkirche Since October 30, 2005, the world-famous church has surpassed the city panorama.

Frauenkirche Dresden

New Synagogue The New Synagogue was built on the eastern edge of Dresden's Old Town, close to the river Elbe, designed by the architets Wandel, Höfer, Lorch and Hirsch.

Neue Synagoge

Spremberg Mountain Sprem and the surroundings are rich in worth seeing constructions.

Görlitz Nowhere is the sun rising sooner than here, in the eastern most city of the country.

Görlitz

Pirna Whether in Marienkirche, Devil's or Engelserker, in Prina there is much to discover. Take a tour of the old town and learn about the city.

Make sure to arrive early in Dresden where famous and imposing structures such as the Zwinger or the Semper Opera will be waiting to be visited. Thousands of visitors come to the Saxon kings’ former seat of royal power every year. In the late afternoon bike handover and briefing.

You will leave Dresden on the beautiful Elbe bike trail to cycle through the "Dresden Heath" to Radeberg, town of beer. For those who seek to learn more about the Pilsener from Radeberg, the brewery of the export beer. After this short break, Kamenz lies ahead of you. The historical town centre expresses a special charm. The market place, the Renaissance style town hall, the central St, Mary’s church and the Malzhaus are absolute must-sees. A final highlight is the fantastical view over Kamenz offered from the top of the Red Tower.

Today’s route leads through the beautiful lake landscape of the Lausitz. A total of 23 lakes constitute the largest artificial water landscape in all of Europe. Pure nature and small Sorbian villages wait to be discovered here. The bilingual signage reveals that you find yourselves in the German-Sorbian region here. The fact that the Lausitz hosts two cultures with different languages and traditions contributes to the region’s unique flair. In the afternoon, you will reach Spremberg with its historical old town situated on an island in the Spree.

The Neiße will accompany you today. The closer you get to Bad Muskau, the more beautiful it gets. Embedded in one of Europe’s most beautiful landscapes, the town awaits to be discovered. It has come to fame through the brilliant landscape designer Hermann von Püc kler-Muskau, who constructed a park of 830 hectars around the town. In July 2004, the park was nominated UNESCO World Cultural Heritage. This masterpiece of garden engineering with majestic trees, lakes and rivers makes your route a real experience.

The impressive Oder-Neiße bike trail will be your host for today. Enjoy this beautiful landscape and take in the calmness of the river. On your way, you will discover Rothenburg, Germany’s easternmost small town. The day’s highlight will be Görlitz, proudly presenting itself in its richness of architectural styles ranging between Gothic and Jugendstil. A walk around the very well-preserved old town with its numerous Baroque, late Gothic and Renaissance style houses allows every visitor to discover the country’s largest-surface monument.

The time to leave the Neiße has come today, but only in exchange for the Saxon towns’ bike trail. Impressively, the silhouette of the thousand-year-old town of Bautzen with its historical town centre sticks out of the varied landscape. Be looking forward to the lovely monuments, towers, medieval lanes and atmospheric pubs. Bautzen is the cultural and political centre of the Sorbs in the Oberlausitz. Anyone who does not fear climbing one of the town’s towers is rewarded with a fantastical view over the town and the surrounding landscape.

Forests, grasslands and, most importantly, the Saxon Switzerland National Park will dominate your day. Discover the historical town centre of Neustadt and enjoy the beauty of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. What is so characteristic about these rutted mountains is their exceptional wealth of forms on such little space. A special uniqueness is presented by the continuous alteration of lowlands, canyons, table mountains, rocky peaks and homogenous forest plains. Give your bike a break and walk up to the bastion with its spectacular rocky bridge. The scattered architecture of the rocks will impress you just as the fantastic view over the Elbe that you will come to enjoy here. On the level Elbe bike trail by the waterside, the final 12 kilometres to Pirna will be accomplished in no time.

A very beautiful route comes to end this tour. Marvel at the magnificent castles by the Elbe, visit the one in Pillnitz with its gorgeous park and discover the Blaue Wunder in front of the town gates of Dresden. This very diversified bike trip will end around noon in Dresden where you will be handed over your luggage (no further night stop). In case you wish to spend the day in Dresden, we will gladly book an additional night for you.

Prices / Dates

Services / info.

• Accommodation incl. breakfast
• Room with shower/bath/WC
• Luggage transport
• Map of bike trails with marked route
• Digital route guidance via smartphone app
• Tips for tour preparation
• Touristic information
• 7 days hotline service
• personal tour breefing

Worth knowing about the bike trip on the Dresdner River Tour

Below you will find specific information about the bike trip on the Dresdner River Tour. If you have further questions about this trip, you simply call us: Phone 06421-886890.

Parking facilities

Underground parking available at the hotel, payable on site. No reservation is required, daily rate per night: 24,00 €.

Information session

On the day of arrival, a member of staff will be waiting for you in the late afternoon at the hotel for an information meeting. Here you will also be handed booked rental bikes. Should there be any changes to this appointment, we will inform you in advance or through the hotel reception upon arrival. If you are unable to make it to the information meeting, please inform us via the service number.

Available rental bikes

You can choose between unisex and men's bicycles either with 7-speed gear shift and coaster brake or 21-speed gear shift and freewheel as well al electric bikes (unisex). You simply specify your wishes at time of booking.

Extra costs

A tourism tax is not part of the tour price and must therefore be paid on site at the hotel.

7 day hotline service

Just in case the bike chain breaks, flooding makes it impossible to continue your tour or any other nasty surpise: You can reach us seven days a week and we will do anything to help you as fast as possible.

Passport and visa requirements

For EU citizens, there are no special passport or visa requirements and no health formalities to be considered for this trip.

Travel insurance

The tour price already includes the statutory insolvency insurance. In addition, we recommend that you take out travel cancellation insurance upon receipt of your travel confirmation in order to protect yourself against financial disadvantages in the event of travel cancellation, interruption of travel, illness or accident.

I provide you with advice and assistance

Steffi Groß

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Extra time at Euro 2024: day trips and more from Berlin, Hamburg, Munich and Leipzig

Spectacular scenery and rich culture from the Alps to the North Sea are just a train ride away from the main hubs at this summer’s football tournament

From Munich: chill out by Lake Constance

Of all the ways to explore southern Germany this summer, the most memorable is not by train, bus or hire car but by boat. Lake Constance, nearly 40 times bigger than Windermere and two hours south-west of Munich by public transport, is a wonderful water world ringed by harbour towns, and it makes an idyllic break from the Bavarian capital.

With pomp and pageantry to spare, the medieval gateway town Lindau is the most memorable place to start your exploration. First impressions are a serious business there. Upon arrival, you see the same Germany that travellers saw 200 years ago. The seated lion statue that eyes the quayside is still visible from miles around, as is the chess piece lighthouse and the Mangturm , a Rapunzel tower that colours the skyline with zigzag tile patterns in gold and green.

On Lake Constance’s German shore, running north-west from Lindau and accessed by the affordable, shoreline-hopping BSB ferry service , is an even older world. There are old vineyards, old churches, old castles and older monasteries, many of which could well outlive Munich’s tower blocks and football stadiums. The delights of sailing and windsurfing on one of Europe’s largest lakes – as well as swimming in it – worked wonders on me when I first visited after the 2006 World Cup.

After enjoying Lindau’s fortified walls, ivy-draped towers, promenade streets and beer gardens, it’s a 90-minute boat trip to Friedrichshafen , 15 miles up the lakeshore. Here there is often a strange, keel-like structure in the sky above the lake. As much a reminder of the first world war and the Hindenburg disaster as it is of Germany’s engineering prowess, the Zeppelin remains the symbol of Friedrichshafen, and the rigid airships whirr visitors on sightseeing tours above Lake Constance daily in summer. The Zeppelin was born here – on 2 July 1900, the blimp’s initial test flight took place over the shore – and its history can be traced at the harbour Zeppelin Museum . From up in the airship, the blue, far below, makes the inland sea look as if it belongs in a Romantic painting by Caspar David Friedrich.

Most people think Germany is for beer drinkers, but Lake Constance is less about the grain and more about the grape. Pinot gris, blanc, noir and local cultivar Müller-Thurgau have revered status here, and the lakeshore’s pitched sides are braided with vineyards and wine hiking trails.

Meersburg , 12 miles west of Friedrichshafen, offers lakeshore taverns, delicious €4 glasses of plonk and a summer coat of vines, as well as an extraordinary, rose-tinged castle. There are plenty of wineries to choose from, but a long favourite is the Staatsweingut Meersburg , a former prince’s pet winery a steep stroll from the quayside.

From Meersburg’s ferry landing, it’s a 20-minute crossing to Mainau , an extravagant island off the lake’s western shore with a party piece baroque castle. It’s owned by a foundation started by the Count of Wisborg, and in summer its vast gardens – with arboretum, swathes of alpine flowers and an Alice in Wonderland vibe – are open to the public. It’s so wild you can lose yourself among the evergreens, and it feels a world away from any pitch, penalty or football score.

Where to stay Hotel Zum Schiff in Meersburg (doubles from €139 B&B) is on the lakeshore, has comfy rooms, a chaotic restaurant and a terrace that’s the best location on the water. Mike MacEacheran

From Leipzig: visit Saxon Switzerland

It’s best to try to pronounce Sächsische Schweiz after a couple of strong schnapps. Or just cheat and use the less tongue-tying English translation, “Saxon Switzerland”. However you manage to say it, it’s certainly worth taking some time to see it.

A 25-minute train ride from Saxony’s magnificent state capital, Dresden, and two hours from the its biggest city, Leipzig, this picturesque national park rises impressively from the east bank of the River Elbe and is one of the region’s most popular recreational areas. Yet Saxon Switzerland remains fairly under the radar for most non-German visitors.

The park is the German section of the broader Elbe Sandstone Mountains, which straddle the Czech border (the larger Czech side is called Bohemian Switzerland), and its generous 340-square-miles are characterised by undulating landscapes, craggy sandstone formations, vertiginous valleys, waterfalls and sweeping ravines.

Discovered as a tourism destination a couple of centuries ago, it captured the imaginations of Romantic artists such as Caspar David Friedrich, who painted his classic Wanderer above the Sea of Fog here.

The park was also one of the birthplaces of rock climbing, a pursuit that continues on the area’s thousand-plus free-standing rock faces and climbing peaks. More recently, the park’s scenery has found cinematic fame in films such as Cloud Atlas , The Reader , and The Grand Budapest Hotel .

But even though it drew 1.6 million overnight stays in 2023, it never feels as crowded as, say, the Bavarian Alps further south – with the exception of the park’s obvious tourist magnet, the Bastei Bridge, an attractive outcrop of sandstone offering sweeping, Instagrammable views across the winding Elbe and surrounding mountains.

Just a short way beyond the bridge, however, is quiet, almost deserted forest and 750 miles of crisscrossing hiking trails and climbing routes. Even the most famous multistage trail, the Malerweg (Painters’ Way), which runs for more than 70 miles – divided into eight official day-hikes that vary from easy to demanding – gets immediately quieter after the initial Bastei section. Deeper into the park, there may be the chance to spot peregrine falcons and black storks, kingfishers and Eurasian pygmy owls, lynx and deer, chamois and beavers.

There are restaurants and accommodation options peppered throughout the park, as well as public transport options for many hikes and even luggage transportation services. For cyclists, there are about 30 miles of mountain bike trails, as well as the more leisurely Elbe Cycle Route , which can be picked up at Dresden and remains reassuringly flat and delightfully curvaceous all the way to the mountains and the Czech border.

The pretty spa town of Bad Schandau, at the foot of the Saxon Switzerland mountains, is one of the park’s main gateways and easily accessible by train from Dresden. A few miles further, reachable by car, bus or train, is the tiny village of Schmilka, which has its own Bio Village – a complex of sustainably built hotels and eco-restaurants with equally excellent access to the park.

Where to stay : Hotel Helvetia (doubles from €229 half-board) has riverside views, a sauna complex, an organic restaurant, daily yoga classes and guided hikes. It’s on the Elbe Cycle Route and close to the Malerweg too. Paul Sullivan

From Hamburg: head for the North Sea coast

Less than two hours’ drive from the hustle of Hamburg, Sankt Peter-Ording is a popular seaside spa town that also offers untamed nature, as it sits within the Unesco-listed Wadden Sea, one of the world’s largest stretches of wetland. Blurring the lines between water and land, and running from the northern Netherlands across Germany’s north-west coast and up Denmark’s west, this is a panorama that offers visitors a rare glimpse into the cycles of nature.

At low tide, a vast mudflat world is revealed, while at high tide porpoises can be spotted. Away from designated surfing and land sailing zones, photographers and nature lovers come to spot migratory birds (geese, waders, ducks) flying over the salt marshes and dunes on the “ east Atlantic flyway ” from the Arctic to Africa. The only points of orientation are the occasional stilt houses, a symbol of humanity’s adaptation to this unique natural backdrop.

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In this remarkable landscape, Sankt Peter-Ording offers another feature that may appear contradictory to the natural surroundings – cars parked on the beach. This may appear absurd, but is a clever approach to enabling a direct experience with nature while funding conservation efforts. Parking fees go towards the preservation of this ecosystem, a sustainable model that strengthens the connection between people and nature.

While the birds gorge on delicacies in the mudflats, the culinary offerings in Sankt Peter-Ording are equally rich.  Salt & Silver is a stilt restaurant run by Johannes Riffelmacher and Thomas Kosikowski, who also have two branches in Hamburg. Recently recommended in the Michelin guide, it offers locally sourced meat and fish cooked with Nordic finesse. Nearby, Yamacito Seafood Bar serves fresh fish sandwiches, while Auntie Clara in the Urban Nature hotel (see below) serves “soul” food such as hotpot curry.

From the Good Times Surfshop in the Beach Motel (doubles from €85), Tobias Seemeier and Katharina Simon organise punk concerts, skateboarding and surfing events that add a youthful vibe to the town. But at the oldest pub, the Thalamegus, innkeeper Lisa maintains the Frisian tradition. Here, Frisengeist , a flambéed grain brandy, is served with a special toast, which is not only a ritual, but a tribute to Frisian hospitality.

Where to stay The Urban Nature hotel (doubles from €69 room-only) pitches itself as “somewhere in between for city kids and nature freaks” and contrasts a modern design with the rugged beauty of the surroundings. There’s a range of activities from morning walks to yoga. Malte Brenneisen

From Berlin: take a tour of the Spreewald

“Taste the best pickles in town!” beams the ruddy-faced stall-holder, proffering a large gherkin on a stick. I have to admit it’s pretty good – but best in town? That’s a bold statement given that I’m walking along the Gherkin Mile in Lübbenau, the gherkin capital of Germany.

Lübbenau, a market town 60 miles south of Berlin, is also known as the gateway to the Spreewald (Spree Forest). The remarkable landscape of this vast wetland was shaped during the last ice age, when the River Spree split into a labyrinthine network of narrow waterways, creating an inland delta with swathes of meadows interrupted by dense woodland.

Over the years, settlers converted the streams into irrigation canals in order to drain the mineral-rich land for farming. This unique and abundantly diverse ecosystem was designated a Unesco biosphere reserve in 1991, so that its thousands of species of plants, trees, birds, insects and mammals could be protected.

Unsurprisingly, this green haven is popular with tourists and with Berliners looking to escape the city. Trains run frequently from Berlin Hauptbahnhof to Lübbenau, taking just over an hour and costing about €23 return with Deutsche Bahn . As there are more waterways here than roads, the best way to explore is by boat. I head to the lively harbour area to join a tour on one of the traditional punts, or Kahns .

This region is home to the Sorb people, a Slavic ethnic minority whose descendants settled here in the sixth century. Sorbian customs, crafts, clothing and language have been fervently preserved here, having survived the repression of the Nazi regime. Women wear long colourful skirts, pretty lace shawls and large embroidered headdresses.

Helped aboard by Dirk, our ferryman, I squeeze on to one of the cushioned benches around a wooden table. Dirk pushes off and tells us about the history of the region while we munch on gherkins and thick black bread.

Our half-day trip meanders past quaint villages full of traditional half-timbered buildings. Dirk navigates under rickety pedestrian bridges and through hand-operated locks with impressive dexterity, while pointing out birds, trees and insects.

Dragonflies flash across the water, and I’m sure I spot an otter sliding slinkily beneath the surface.

We stop at Lehde, a village of just 130 inhabitants, to visit its open air museum (the Freilandmuseum Lehde), which celebrates Sorbian culture. Farmsteads have been rebuilt in the original Sorbian style, and I wander around farms from the 18th and 19th centuries, seeing how these rural communities used to live. It’s a fascinating insight into the customs and traditions of this small community. At harvest time, the whole community would come together to pick little cucumbers to pickle. It’s the mineral-rich soil, high humidity and iron oxides in the water that make the Spreewaldgurken the perfect pickle.

So unique are this region’s pickled cucumbers, they have achieved Protected Geographical Indication status; the humble Spreewaldgurken is the champagne of the pickle world.

Exploring independently is easy too: there are kayaks and canoes to hire for about €30 a day or bikes from about €15, to paddle or cycle around the tree-canopied canals.

A picturesque 160-mile bike trail, the Gurkenradweg , winds through the Spreewald. After spending a sweaty hour or so on a bike from Lübbenau, cyclists can stop off for a gherkin ice-cream (yes, really) at the Cafe Kleinod in Burg, or a few bottles of gherkin beer.

Deep in the forest a mile or so north of Lehde and accessible only on foot or by bike or boat, Gasthaus Wotschofska is one of the oldest restaurants in the area and has a shady waterside terrace, and large beer garden, naturally.

Where to stay Guesthouse Bludnik (doubles from €130 B&B), on the three-mile circular walk between Lehde and Lübbenau, makes a perfect base. This beautifully restored wooden building is right on the water and has boats and bikes to hire. Celia Topping

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