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2 Hour Historical Walking Tour in Dresden
4.9
16 Ratings
Dresden
Join Dr. Fraser Macdonald for a 2-hour walking tour uncovering Dresden's 700-year history, from prehistoric times to Baroque splendor and beyond.
Duration:
2 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Köpckestraße - The tour kicks off on the Elbe’s banks, where Dresden was first permanently settled. We’ll take a moment to reflect on the history, culture, language, and eventual displacement of the area’s original inhabitants.
- Museum fur Sachsische Volkskunst mit Puppentheatersammlung - We’ll delve into the intriguing history of this location, which started as a wealthy Augustinian monastery in the 15th century before being demolished and converted into a royal hunting lodge in the 16th century following Luther’s Reformation. Note that we won’t be entering the building or its museums, but participants are welcome to do so at their own pace. Ticket prices are available here: https://volkskunst.skd.museum/besuch/
- Haus der Kirche - Dreikoenigskirche - At this stunning Baroque church, we’ll uncover the hidden history of this vital site in the former Altendresden, dating back to the early 15th century. Please note that we won’t be entering the building or climbing the tower, but participants are free to do so at their own leisure. Tower climbing prices can be found here: https://www.hdk-dkk.de/dreikoenigskirche/der-turm/
- Augustus Bridge - From Altendresden, we’ll cross the renowned Augustus Bridge to enter the Altstadt and continue our exploration of Dresden’s rich medieval history.
- Frauenkirche Dresden - Here, you’ll learn about the 700-year history of the Frauenkirche before its Baroque construction and the various structural and religious changes it underwent during this period. Please note that we won’t be entering the building or its museums, but participants are free to do so at their own pace.
- Holy Cross Church - Hear the tale of how this notable church was originally built in the 13th century, faced multiple destructions, and witnessed key moments in the Reformation.
- Denkraum Sophienkirche - Discover the incredible story of Dresden’s first Franciscan monastery, built in the 13th century, its downfall, and its later revival as the iconic yet tragically lost Sophienkirche. This church offers a unique perspective on the shifting political and religious tides in Dresden’s history.
- Royal Palace (Residenzschloss) - Our tour concludes at the splendid Residenzschloss, where we’ll explore how Dresden evolved from a small, relatively unimportant city to one of the most significant in the Holy Roman Empire. This royal residence was constructed to house the Electors and Kings of Saxony, and we’ll learn about the remarkable transformations it symbolizes. Please note that we won’t be entering the building or its museums, but participants are free to do so at their own pace. Ticket prices are available here: https://www.skd.museum/en/visit/royal-palace/
What's Included
- Professional Guided Tour
What's Not Included
- 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)
Additional Information
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.
- Infants must be carried by adults
Location
Golden Rider
Neustädter Markt
Please meet at the large golden statue of August the Strong riding his stallion, you can't miss it. It is an easy walk across the Augustus Bridge from Altstadt, or take one of the many trams that stop there.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(16 Ratings)
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Smokey1517
May 3, 2024
Great Introduction to Dresden - My husband and I were the only ones on the tour. Frasier was on time, very knowledgeable and very easy to understand. We learned a lot about Dresden and would highly recommend this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sherri_l
Apr 24, 2024
Memorable and thought provoking. - Fraser was an excellent tour guide and led us on a fascinating walk through old and new Dresden. He was responsive to individual questions and never rushed us. We learned so much about the history of Dresden and Saxony. Knowledgeable and very personable. Thanks, Fraser!
Review provided by Viator
Storyteller605417
Apr 3, 2024
Great experience walking tour of Dresden - Fraser gave us a great walking tour of Dresden. We learned a lot about architecture and the history of the city. We would highly recommend him.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lorraine_p
Mar 18, 2024
Don’t leave Dresden without a tour! - We had a wonderful informative time and we enjoyed it immensely. Our guide was very pleasant , friendly and walked us through Dresdens beautiful history.
Review provided by Viator
450olap
Feb 26, 2024
Great guide! - Fraser took us on an unexpected journey. Instead of the "usual suspects", we wandered around the old town, learning about the complicated history of the town. Highly recommended!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Adam_m
Feb 10, 2024
Great Tour of Dresden - Had a great time on this tour! Fraser was very friendly and knowledgable. I'd recommend this tour to anyone that is interested
Review provided by Viator
Sunshine37552347341
Feb 9, 2024
Fraser is the best - We toured with Fraser. He was kind, funny, and knowledgeable. Would definitely recommend this trip for anyone visiting Dresden
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Wanderer48940
Feb 3, 2024
Excellent experience - Very enjoyable walking tour. Fraser was very knowledge and friendly. He was very happy to cover all topics Dresden and beyond!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
L4405gdmarianner
Jan 31, 2024
Would definitely recommend this walking tour, the history of Dresden was so interesting! - We enjoyed our leisurely walk around the beautiful buildings and historic sights of Dresden with our very knowledge guide Fraser. We would highly recommend taking this walking tour, as we learnt a lot about the history of Dresden through the ages. Surprising learning about the reconstruction of the old and new towns.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Robin_g
Apr 11, 2024
Engaging guide - It happened to be a private tour and for that it was very good, and personal. Dresden is not so big and there is plenty of time for visiting the churches and adking the guide questions. Two hours is plenty for so much walking and receiving many facts. We liked that there were quite a lot of history about Neustadt also.
Review provided by Viator
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