Pirna

Gateway to Saxon Switzerland

Pirna: a picture-perfect setting for your holidays

Between Dresden and Saxon Switzerland, the Elbe Valley is particularly picturesque with green hills complementing light sandstone. The small town of Pirna lies in the middle of this enchanting scenery and the Painters‘ Way, one of Germany’s most beautiful hiking trails, leads right through it. Its market square was made world-famous by the Venetian painter Bernardo Bellotto, better known as Canaletto, who captured it on canvas in 1853. Fun fact: the citizens of Pirna get together once a year to recreate the painting!

All around the market square, Pirna’s historic town centre is full of pretty houses with courtyards to be discovered and architectural details such as oriels and gables to be admired. Take your time to explore shops, cafés, and restaurants, and don’t miss highlights such as the town hall, the Canaletto House, and St. Mary’s Church, which is full of architectural treasures.

„Music is a second revelation of the world, the ineffable, sounding mystery of existence. ”
- Richard Wagner, German composer, 1813-1883 -

48 hours in Pirna

Unique architectural monuments, exciting museums, and culinary delights, such as the Eierschecke cake at “Ilses Kaffeestube”. Take a look at the most beautiful sights, things to do and insider tips for a long weekend in Pirna!

Our insider tips

  • Canaletto Trail: enchanting walk featuring beautiful views of the region’s vineyards from below Sonnenstein Castle and taking in Schifftorvorstadt, Pirna's oldest neighbourhood.

  • Tom Pauls Theater: Don’t miss this beautiful historic building, which today houses a theatre, and try the famous Saxon Eierschecke cake in the on-site coffeeshop!

  • Grosssedlitz Baroque Garden: one of Germany’s most beautiful gardens with 150 orange trees, more than 60 sandstone sculptures, water features and colourful flowerbeds

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