Elbe River Paddle Steamer Cruise

Overview

The Sächsische Dampfschiffahrt operates the world's oldest and largest fleet of historic paddle steamers on the Elbe River. Nine paddle steamers (some dating to 1879) and several modern motor ships offer scenic cruises between Dresden and Saxon Switzerland.

Highlights

• Historic Steamers: Vessels like the PD Stadt Wehlen (1879) and PD Diesbar (1884) still run on original steam engines.
• Canaletto View: The upstream departure from Terrassenufer passes the full Baroque skyline.
• Saxon Switzerland Route: A full-day cruise reaches Kurort Rathen and the Bastei rock formations.

History

Steam navigation on the Upper Elbe began in 1837. The fleet survived both World Wars and GDR nationalization. After reunification, the ships were restored; the fleet was designated a technical monument.

Visitor Tips

• Book the 9:00 departure to Saxon Switzerland for the full-day experience.
• Season runs April to October; limited winter sailings.
• Duration: 1.5 hours (short cruise) to 8 hours (full day).