Plizio Visual Lab
Augustus Bridge Dresden
The Augustus Bridge in Dresden is the city's most historically significant crossing over the Elbe, connecting the historic Old Town with the Baroque New Town. A bridge existed at this site as early as the 12th century, but its contemporary identity is inextricably linked to Elector Augustus the Strong. Between 1727 and 1731, he had the bridge grandly reconstructed in Baroque style by the famous master builder Matthäus Daniel Pöppelmann. For a long time, the bridge was a bottleneck for river traffic on the Elbe, leading to its replacement between 1907 and 1910 with a concrete structure faced in sandstone that allowed for wider arches. The bridge provides one of the most beautiful views of the Dresden skyline, the famous 'Canaletto view.' It was partially destroyed during World War II but later meticulously rebuilt. Following an extensive renovation between 2017 and 2022, the bridge is now largely reserved for public transport, cyclists, and pedestrians, emphasizing its importance as a scenic walkway.
- Location: Saxony, Germany
- Top sights: Nymphenbad · Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister · Zwinger
- Nearby: Radebeul (7 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -2 | -1 | 3 | 8 | 13 | 17 | 20 | 19 | 14 | 9 | 4 | 0 |
| Rain mm | 61 | 41 | 48 | 38 | 64 | 73 | 87 | 81 | 58 | 54 | 56 | 56 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- Construction of Baroque predecessor: 1727–1731
- Current bridge completed in 1910
- Number of arches: 9
- Total length: approx. 328 meters
- Architect of Baroque structure: M. D. Pöppelmann
- Partially blown up at the end of WWII
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Augustus Bridge Dresden (9)
Wallpavillion
Pavilion in the Zwinger, richly decorated with sculptures and a carillon.
Zwingergarten🌳 park
Baroque garden between the Zwinger wings, featuring fountains and hedges.
Semper Zwei
Smaller theatre in the Semperoper complex, used for chamber music and modern plays.
Am Zwingergraben
Viewpoint at the Zwinger canal, overlooking the Wallgrabenbrücke bridge and old town.
Wallgrabenbrücke
Stone arch bridge over the Zwinger canal, connecting the Zwinger to the old town.
Porzellansammlung🏛 museum
Museum in the Zwinger housing one of the world's largest porcelain collections.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Can you drive a car across the bridge?
When was the current bridge built?
Does the bridge offer a good view of the Old Town?
What statues are on the bridge?
Is the bridge illuminated at night?
Augustus Bridge Dresden: where is it located?
Augustus Bridge Dresden: what is there to see?
Augustus Bridge Dresden: when is the best time to visit?
Augustus Bridge Dresden: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
