2 Hour Historical Walking Tour in Dresden

In this rare opportunity, Dr Fraser Macdonald, anthropologist and historian, takes you on a deep journey into the hidden 700 year history of Dresden before, during, and after it became an icon of Baroque splendour. Across visits to a range of crucial sites in the city, you will learn of the prehistoric significance of the Elbe Valley for Paleolithic and Neolithic populations, the ancient origins of Dresden as a small fishing village, its growth from a tiny city to a flourishing centre of the Holy Roman Empire, the enormous impact of Luther’s Reformation, as well as the damage and destruction produced by centuries of warfare.

Here the tour begins on the banks of the Elbe where Dresden was first permanently settled. We will pause to consider the history, culture, language, and eventual displacement of the people who first lived here.

Here we will explore the fascinating history of this site, beginning in the 15th century as a fabulously wealthy Augustinian monastery before being demolished and turned into a royal hunting lodge in the 16th century after Luther’s Reformation. Please note we will not be entering the building and its museums, but participants are free to do so at their own leisure. Ticket prices can be found here: https://volkskunst.skd.museum/besuch/

At this now beautiful Baroque church we will explore the unseen history of this crucial site in the former Altendresden., beginning in the early 15th century. Please note we will not be entering the building or climbing the tower, but participants are free to do so at their own leisure. Prices to climb the tower can be found here: https://www.hdk-dkk.de/dreikoenigskirche/der-turm/

From Altendresden we then cross the famous Augustus Bridge to enter the Altstadt, to continue our explorations of the deep medieval history of Dresden

Here you will learn of the 700 year history of the Frauenkirche before it was constructed in the Baroque period and the various structural and religious changes it witnessed during this time. Please note we will not be entering the building and its museums, but participants are free to do so at their own leisure.

Listen to the story of how this famous church was originally built in the 13th century, destroyed multiple times in its history, and also bore witness to crucial moments in the Reformation.

Listen to the amazing story of the first Franciscan monastery in Dresden, originally constructed in the 13th century, including its demise and later resurrection as the iconic yet sadly lost Sophienkirche. This church, perhaps more than any other in Dresden, is a window on to the changing political and religious currents in the city’s history.

The magnificent Residenzschloss is our final stop on the tour and here we examine how Dresden went from being a small, largely insignificant city to one of the most important in the entire Holy Roman Empire. This royal residence was built to house the Electors and Kings of Saxony, and we will learn about the incredible transformations this palace represents. Please note we will not be entering the building and its museums, but participants are free to do so at their own leisure. Ticket prices can be found here: https://www.skd.museum/en/visit/royal-palace/

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
• All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Infants must be carried by adults

• 2 Hour Historical Walking Tour in Dresden
  Add

• Professional Guided Tour

• Entrance to Dreikönigskirche (5 Euro to climb the tower)
• Entrance to Residenzschloss (14 Euro entrance fee)
• Entrance to Museum für Sächsische Volkskunst (5 Euro entrance fee)

Trending Dresden Nearby Tours Likely To Sell Out

Please be advised..

• This Tour is Provided by Fraser Macdonald.
• Tour Timezone & Starts at Europe/Berlin.
• Mobile or paper ticket accepted.
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
• This Tour is Rated 5 Stars based on 23 valid reviews on VIATOR.
• Minimum 1 Travelers is required to book.
• Maximum 15 Travelers is accepted for booking.