45 Fun and Interesting Facts About Dresden That You May Not Know
Looking to learn a few fun facts about Dresden? Then you are in the right place!
We have travelled to Dresden several times with our family over the years. And we always enjoy exploring this wonderful city.
From the wonderful architecture to the cool museums, attractions and delicious food, there is something for everyone.
So before you head to Dresden on your own adventure, why not learn a few interesting facts?
Let’s jump right in!
We have put together a variety of fun and interesting facts. They are organized into several categories to make it a little easier to follow.
General Facts About Dresden Germany
1. Dresden is known as the ‘Florence of the Elbe.’
This nickname comes from its stunning baroque art and architecture, as well as its location along the Elbe River. This gives Dresden a romantic, Italian-like charm.
2. Dresden’s Christmas Market is one of Germany’s oldest
Known as Striezelmarkt, it dates back to 1434. It’s one of the oldest and most famous Christmas markets in Germany.
3. Dresden is a green city
Over 62% of the city is green space. This makes it not only one of the greenest German cities but in all of Europe.
4. Dresden is home to the biggest porcelain collection in the world
The Zwinger’s Porcelain Collection showcases pieces from Japan, China, and the famous Meissen porcelain.
5. Dresden is home to one of the world’s oldest porcelain factories
Established in 1710, the Meissen Porcelain Factory produces incredible porcelain pieces that are known worldwide for their fine craftsmanship.
6. Dresden has an extensive tram network
With its efficient tram system, getting around Dresden is remarkably easy and convenient.
7. Dresden is a hub for science and technology
Home to top-notch universities and research institutes, Dresden is at the forefront of breakthroughs in diverse fields.
8. Dresden is known for its eclectic mix of architectural styles
Take a look at Dresden’s skyline and you’ll see a timeline of styles. You can admire the spires of Gothic to the elegance of the Renaissance, the flair of Art Nouveau, and the sleek lines of modernist architecture, as you walk through the city.
Facts About Dresden Attractions
9. The Zwinger Palace is a Baroque masterpiece
Originally built for lavish parties, it now houses several museums, and its gardens are a great place for a family stroll.
10. The Dresden Frauenkirche was reconstructed using the original stones
After being destroyed in WWII, the church was rebuilt exactly as it was, using the original stone where possible.
11. The Frauenkirche has impressive acoustics
After its reconstruction, the Frauenkirche became home to exceptional sound quality. As a result, the venue now plays host to a variety of concerts and performances.
12. The Semperoper Opera House is a cultural icon
Not only is the Semperoper one of Europe’s most prestigious opera houses, it is also home to incredible architecture and world-class performances.
13. The ‘Brühl’s Terrace’ offers stunning views
Brühl’s Terrace started off as a part of Dresden’s defensive ramparts. Then, between 1739 and 1748, Count Henrich von Brühl turned it into a terraced garden for his palace. It was Goethe who dubbed it the ‘Balcony of Europe’, a name that’s stuck ever since.
14. Dresden’s Blue Wonder Bridge is an engineering marvel
Officially named Loschwitz Bridge, it was a groundbreaking feat of engineering when built in 1893. This was due to the fact that the bridge did not have supporting piers in the river. With its unique blue colour, the bridge is still impressive today.
15. Dresden’s German Hygiene Museum is unexpectedly interesting
This museum is all about the human body and health, with interactive exhibits that are both educational and fun.
16. Dresden has a massive porcelain-tile mural called the Fürstenzug
Stroll through Dresden and you can’t miss the Fürstenzug, also known as the “Procession of Princes.” This massive artwork stretches over 101 meters and is crafted from 24,000 porcelain tiles. It’s the largest of its kind in the world and depicts dukes, kings, and scientists.
17. The Transparent Factory is where VW’s electric cars are made
Visitors can tour this glass-walled factory to see how the e-Golf and other electric vehicles are assembled.
18. The Green Vault holds Europe’s largest treasure collection
Housed in the Residenzschloss, it features rooms filled with precious gems, gold, and other treasures.
19. The Yenidze building is a former cigarette factory
Resembling a mosque, this unique building is now an office space but still a fascinating part of the city’s skyline.
Dresden Facts About History
20. Dresden is a very old settlement
Dresden was already settled in the Neolithic part of the Stone Age, but the first written record of the city was in 1206.
21. The city was almost completely destroyed in the Second World War
The bombing of Dresden in 1945 left the city in ruins, but it’s been impressively rebuilt, making its history even more poignant.
22. The Dresden Codex is one of the oldest Mayan manuscripts
Housed in the Saxon State and University Library, this ancient book offers a glimpse into Mayan culture and astronomy. The Dresden Codex is one of the oldest surviving books written in the Americas, dating to the 11th or 12th century.
23. Dresden lost its UNESCO Status
In 2009 Dresden lost its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is because the modern “Waldschlosschenbrucke” was built too close to the ancient city. It’s the only time a European site has ever been delisted and only the second time worldwide.
Dresden Food Facts
24. The city is famous for its Stollen, a traditional Christmas cake
Baked in Dresden since the 15th century, the Christmas Stollen is known worldwide.
In fact, only Christstollen which is baked by bakers in Dresden is allowed to be sold as Dresdner Christstollen.
It’s so important to the city, that they even have Stollenfest, a festival dedicated to this sweet treat.
25. Dresden is the birthplace of the first milk chocolate
Back in 1839, a local company, Jordan & Timaeus, whipped up the first-ever milk chocolate using donkey milk, and they even advertised it in the newspaper. I love chocolate, but donkey milk??
26. Dresdner Eierschecke is a traditional dessert
This layered cake has a base of yeast dough, a creamy quark layer, and a topping of egg custard. It’s a local favourite and a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth.
27. Dresden Gave Us Coffee Filters
Love your morning coffee? You can thank a Dresden housewife, Melitta Bentz, for that. In 1908, she got tired of coffee grounds in her coffee and invented the first paper coffee filter. The Melitta company is still big today.
28. Saxon Wine is a hidden gem
The Saxony region around Dresden is known for its wine, especially white varieties. The Saxon Wine Route offers a chance to explore local vineyards and taste some unique German wines.
29. Quarkkäulchen is a sweet treat you’ll find in Dresden
These are delicious fried dumplings made from quark (a type of soft cheese), potatoes, and flour, usually served with apple sauce or fruit compote.
30. Pfund’s Dairy is the world’s most beautiful dairy shop
Founded in 1880 by the Pfund brothers, this place is covered from floor to ceiling in colourful tiles featuring playful scenes. It’s so uniquely charming that in 1997, it was crowned the “World’s Most Beautiful Milk Shop” by the Guinness Book of Records. Definitely a must-see!
Fun Facts About Dresden
31. Dresden hosts an annual Dixieland Festival
Europe’s biggest jazz festival of its kind, it’s a week-long celebration of traditional jazz and swing music.
32. Dresden has hosted several international sporting events
As a city, Dresden has hosted various sporting events, including the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the World Figure Skating Championships.
33. The Dresdner Kreuzchor is one of the oldest boys’ choirs in the world
Founded in the 13th century, the Kreuzchor continues to enamour audiences with their angelic voices.
34. Toothpaste was invented in Dresden
In 1907, a German pharmacist named Ottomar Heinsius von Mayenburg cooked up the first-ever toothpaste, calling it “Clorodont.”
35. The city is famous for its Semperoper Ball
This annual ball held at the Semperoper is a glamorous event featuring ballroom dancing and live performances.
36. Dresden celebrates its own version of Mardi Gras
Known as Fasching, this carnival period is filled with parades, costumes, and revelry before the fasting season. The festivities of Karneval (or Fasching) date back to the Middle Ages. In fact, the word Karneval stems from the Latin “carne vale” (without meat).
37. The Dresden Suspension Railway is one of the world’s oldest
Operating since May 6, 1901, this unique railway offers a fun and historic way to see parts of the city. The line is 274 metres (899 ft) long and is supported by 33 pillars.
38. Dresden’s University is one of the oldest in Germany
Founded in 1828, the University of Dresden is one of the oldest colleges of technology in Germany. The school was founded to teach trade workers subjects such as mechanics and ship construction.
39. Dresden’s street art scene is vibrant
The city has become a canvas for local and international artists, with some incredible murals in the Neustadt district.
40. Dresden has a thriving contemporary art scene
Dresden is also home to a thriving contemporary art scene. You will find numerous galleries, museums, and cultural institutions that showcase the work of modern artists. Dresden also hosts several annual art and design events that attract visitors from all over the world.
41. Dresden was once the chocolate capital of Germany
In the 1920s, Dresden was home to more than 30 chocolate factories. Before the First World War, the city processed a whopping 550 tonnes of cocoa per year. This equated to a quarter of Germany’s total cocoa sales!
Facts About Famous People from Dresden
42. Frederick Forsyth smuggled secrets for MI5 out of Dresden
The famous writer of thrillers like Day of the Jackal wrote about how he smuggled secrets out of Dresden during the Cold War, in his autobiography entitled “The Outsider.”
43. Renowned composer, Richard Wagner, spent much of his life in Dresden
Wagner was born in Leipzig but spent a significant part of his life in Dresden. There, he composed several of his iconic works.
44. Matthias Sammer is a prominent name in soccer
Born in Dresden, he played for Dynamo Dresden and the German national team. He was a key player in Germany’s Euro 1996 win and later became a respected coach and sports executive.
45. Katarina Witt trained extensively in Dresden
Though born in Staaken, she is a two-time Olympic gold medalist in figure skating and one of the most successful figure skaters of all time.
Final Thoughts
Dresden is a pretty interesting city packed with a lot of cool stuff.
It’s not just about stunning views and historical buildings. There are quirky facts like Dresden being the birthplace of milk chocolate and the spot where the first coffee filter popped up.
So, whether you are visiting the city soon, or just looking to learn a little about this incredible place, we hope our list of facts has been both a source of entertainment and knowledge.
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- Is Dresden Worth Visiting?
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