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Observation deck · Dresden, Saxônia
Brühlsche Terrasse
An elevated promenade over the Elbe, nicknamed the Balcony of Europe, with views of the river and the Neustadt. It connects the Schlossplatz to the Albertinum.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Brühlsche Terrasse
The Brühlsche Terrasse is a promenade built on the old city walls, about ten meters above the Elbe River. The name comes from Count Heinrich von Brühl, a court minister who in the 18th century turned the area into a private garden. Later it was opened to the public and earned the nickname Balcony of Europe.
From the top you can see the Elbe, the bridges, the boats moored at the Terrassenufer and, on the other side, the Neustadt. The wide staircase rising from Schlossplatz is one of the most used accesses. Along the promenade are the building of the Academia de Belas Artes, with a glass dome locals nicknamed the lemon squeezer, and the Albertinum at the eastern end.
Beneath the terrace are the Kasematten, remains of the old city fortifications that can be visited in an underground exhibition. The Frauenkirche and the Neumarkt are a few steps away via side streets.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 20 to 40 minutes on foot.
Best time
Late afternoon and at sunset, when the light falls on the river. At night, the central buildings are illuminated.
How to get there
You can go up via the staircase from Schlossplatz, next to the Hofkirche, or via streets leading from the Neumarkt. The tram stops at Theaterplatz and Synagoge.
Tip
Combine it with a walk along the Terrassenufer, the riverbank just below, from where the steamships depart in season. For the classic photo of the old town, cross the Augustusbrücke and view the city from the Neustadt side.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Brühlsche Terrasse
Why is the Brühlsche Terrasse called the Balcony of Europe?
The nickname comes from the elevated view over the Elba and the fame the promenade gained among foreign visitors in the 19th century.
What is the best time to go to the Brühlsche Terrasse?
Late afternoon and sunset, when the light hits the river and the façades. At night the illuminated city centre also makes for good photos.
What is near the Brühlsche Terrasse?
The Hofkirche and the Schlossplatz at one end, the Albertinum at the other, and the Frauenkirche and Neumarkt a few steps away.