Getting to Loschwitz
Loschwitz lies on the right bank of the Elbe in the east of Dresden, about six kilometres from the old town. The central arrival point is Körnerplatz at the foot of the Blaues Wunder bridge. From there everything else is reachable on foot or by the hill railways. Anyone arriving by car should expect narrow streets and little parking.
By bus and tram
Körnerplatz is an interchange for several bus routes of the Dresden transport company and at the same time the valley station of both hill railways. From the city centre the usual way is via Blasewitz and the bridge, or along Bautzner Straße on the slope.
This site deliberately omits route numbers. Networks are reorganised regularly, and a wrong number annoys more than a missing one helps. For the current connection from your starting point, use the journey planner of the Dresdner Verkehrsbetriebe or the Verkehrsverbund Oberelbe.
Across the Elbe
The Blaues Wunder connects Loschwitz with Blasewitz and is open to pedestrians, cyclists, buses and cars. Because of the bridge's age there are traffic restrictions, which may change during repair work. Until the Waldschlößchen bridge opened on 26 August 2013 it was the only fixed Elbe crossing east of the city centre.
There are also ferry connections across the Elbe in eastern Dresden. Whether and when the ferry runs near Loschwitz depends on the season and the water level. Operations stop during floods and in low water. A quick check with the operator before setting out saves standing at an empty landing stage.
By car
From the city centre, Bautzner Straße runs along the slope to Loschwitz; from Pillnitz it is Pillnitzer Landstraße. Anyone crossing the Blaues Wunder arrives directly at Körnerplatz.
Parking is the difficult part. The old village centre has narrow streets, many residents' spaces and little free area. On the slope, gradient and tight bends are added. On fine weekends, and certainly during the Elbhangfest, the search is hopeless. If you are flexible, leave the car on the Blasewitz side and walk across the bridge; it takes a few minutes and saves the loop through the village centre.
| Destination | Distance | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Dresden old town, Frauenkirche | around 6 km | downriver, good by bike |
| Blasewitz, Schillerplatz | around 0.5 km | on foot across the Blaues Wunder |
| Weißer Hirsch | around 1.5 km | above the crest of the slope |
| Pillnitz Castle | around 6 km | the route of the Elbhangfest |
| Dresdner Heide forest | directly adjoining | access up the slope |
By bike
The Elbe cycle path runs through Loschwitz on the right bank. Coming from the city centre the ride is largely level along the water until Körnerplatz. From there it changes: going up means almost a hundred metres of climb, and Grundstraße rises steadily.
Combining bike and hill railway is practical. Whether and to what extent bicycles may be carried on the funicular and the suspension railway is set by the transport company; on a historic installation with limited space that cannot be taken for granted.
On foot up the slope
Footpaths run up alongside both railway lines. Allow 20 to 30 minutes for the climb from Körnerplatz to the crest, depending on your pace. The path is surfaced throughout, but steep. If you walk back down and use the railway only for the ascent, a single ticket is enough.
A pleasant circuit takes the funicular up to the Luisenhof, follows the crest to the upper station of the suspension railway and rides that back down. With breaks for the view it takes about an hour and a half.
Finding your way around
Loschwitz can be divided along three axes, and anyone who knows them will not get lost. Friedrich-Wieck-Straße runs parallel to the Elbe through the old village centre, where the Biedermeier houses and the Körnergarten stand. Grundstraße follows the Loschwitzbach up into the Loschwitzgrund valley, where the Leonhardi Museum and the Ortsverein's office are. Pillnitzer Landstraße leads upriver past the church, the cemetery, the Künstlerhaus and the Hegenbarth Archive towards Wachwitz and Pillnitz.
Everything above is reached by the two hill railways or by the hairpins of the hillside roads. The villa areas on Alpenstraße, Steglichstraße and An der Berglehne lie halfway up and are within easy walking distance of the upper stations.
When the water rises
The Elbe reached the district twice in quick succession, in 2002 and 2013. On both occasions the Loschwitz cemetery on Pillnitzer Landstraße was among the places under water. During floods the riverside streets are closed, parts of the Elbe cycle path become impassable and the ferries stop.
Low water is an issue too. If the level drops too far, ferries and paddle steamers stop running. If you plan to arrive by water, check the current gauge reading beforehand. For the bridge and the hill railways it makes no difference.
Accessibility
The old village centre has historic cobbles, narrow pavements and steps in several places. Both hill railways are listed installations where accessibility could only be partly improved and differs by station. If you depend on a wheelchair or walking frame, clarify the route with the transport company in advance and plan for the fact that the way between the lower village and the crest of the slope is not practicable without a railway.
Frequently asked questions about getting here
How far is it from Dresden old town to Loschwitz?
About six kilometres upriver. A comfortable half hour by bike on the Elbe cycle path, 20 to 30 minutes by bus depending on the connection.
Can you drive across the Blaues Wunder?
Yes, the bridge is open to cars, though with restrictions because of its age. During repair work this can change at short notice.
Is there parking at Körnerplatz?
Only a few spaces, and they are usually taken. In fine weather it is better to park on the Blasewitz side and walk across the bridge.
Is there a ferry to Loschwitz?
There are Elbe ferries in eastern Dresden whose operation depends on season and water level. Services stop in high or low water. Check with the operator before travelling.
How do you get from Loschwitz to Pillnitz?
Along Pillnitzer Landstraße, about six kilometres upriver. By bike, by bus or in summer by paddle steamer. This route is also the axis of the Elbhangfest.