A Strong Summer and Plenty to Look Forward To?

As the capital of Saxony, Germany, Dresden is reputed as "Florence on the Elbe" and a member city of the WTCF. It boasts not only Europe’s top tier Baroque style architecture and art treasures, but also diverse Christmas markets and an abundance of museums. Now let’s explore the latest updates of the Dresden Elbland region via Dresden’s letter to visitors.

Dear Tourist,

After an eventful summer, Dresden Elbland is heading into autumn with encouraging tourism figures. In Dresden, overnight stays in the first half of 2026 increased by 3.5 per cent year on year. Based on the official 2025 half-year figure of 1.99 million, this represents around 2.06 million overnight stays in Dresden alone; together with the surrounding Elbland, the destination remains around the 2.5-million mark.

International demand continues to be broad. In the latest complete annual source-market ranking, Poland, the USA, Austria, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, the UK, Spain, Denmark and Italy formed the Top 10. Particularly encouraging were the increases from the UK (+10%), Denmark (+8%) and Spain (+8%).

Autumn promises another highlight: the 2026 grape harvest at Schloss Wackerbarth started on 20 August with Saxony’s signature Goldriesling. Despite an exceptionally hot summer, the vines entered the harvest healthy and vigorous, giving the winemakers what they describe as the conditions for a very good vintage.

And 2027 brings a special anniversary: 300 years ago, in 1727, construction began on Count Wackerbarth’s baroque palace and gardens. The Schloss Wackerbarth estate enters the anniversary year in excellent form, awarded four red grapes by Henris Weinguide 2026, four stars by Falstaff and three stars by VINUM, which calls Wackerbarth a benchmark for sparkling wine in Saxony.

2027 will also mark 200 years since the death of Ludwig van Beethoven – an anniversary with a special connection to Dresden. Beethoven spent around a week in the city in April 1796 and performed for the Saxon court at the Royal Palace. Today, visitors can follow in his footsteps and experience his legacy through Dresden’s exceptional musical life – in the city where Friedrich Schiller completed his Ode to Joy, later immortalised in Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. Discover the story and the highlights of Beethoven 2027 here: Beethoven in Dresden.

Before then, Dresden’s famous Christmas season awaits – with plenty to discover beyond the best-known markets. 

P.S. In January, some museums will be closed for cleaning. You can find the current opening and closure times on the German website of Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden.

Our warmest greetings

Rodin and the Birth of Modern Sculpture

From 31 October 2026 to 22 August 2027, the Albertinum presents The Great Drama. Auguste Rodin and the Struggle for Modernism. Around 100 sculptures, complemented by photographs, paintings and letters, explore Dresden’s pioneering role in modern art. In 1894, museum director Georg Treu acquired Rodin’s The Age of Bronze and Man with the Broken Nose – the first Rodin works purchased by a German museum. Together with works by French and Belgian contemporaries, the exhibition shows how Dresden became an early centre of modern sculpture.

Correggio – A Once-in-a-Lifetime Exhibition

A rare constellation of Renaissance masterpieces has come together in Dresden: Correggio. Movingly Human is now open at the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister and runs until 10 January 2027. It is the first comprehensive survey of Correggio’s career ever presented outside Italy – a true once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Dresden’s exceptional holdings, including the newly restored Madonna of St. Sebastian, meet major loans from collections around the world. Together they reveal the master’s extraordinary use of light, emotion and deeply human figures. 

A Winter Secret Beyond the Striezelmarkt 

Dresden’s Christmas season offers more than its famous historic markets. From 13 November 2026 to 21 February 2027, the Konzertplatz Weißer Hirsch becomes DRESDNER WINTER, with a 1,250 m² natural ice rink, curling lanes, fire bowls, seasonal food and a varied programme. Handmade markets, puppet theatre and winter brunches create a relaxed atmosphere away from the city centre – and the season continues well beyond Advent into February.

350 Years of Venetian Carnival in Dresden

In February 2027, Dresden celebrates 350 years of Venetian carnival tradition. The first “Italian carnival” at the Saxon court is documented for 1677. From 5–7 February, masks and elaborate costumes return to the historic centre. The theme also comes alive in the Royal Palace, Porcelain Collection and Old Masters Picture Gallery. On 5 February, the SemperOpernball adds another Italian accent with the motto “Vivi il momento – Eine Nacht in Elbflorenz.”

10 Years of the New Kulturpalast

On 28 April 2027, Dresden celebrates ten years since the reopening of the modernised Kulturpalast. The Dresdner Philharmonie marks the anniversary with a gala conducted by Sir Donald Runnicles.  

A new Kulturpalast Erleben tour introduces in German architecture, history, acoustics and the organ in 60 minutes. The building also brings together the Central Library, political cabaret Herkuleskeule, COSMO Science Forum and gastronomy – making it much more than a concert venue.

Frauenkirche 2027 – Music in Motion

The Frauenkirche Dresden presents around 90 concerts in 2027 under the motto “In Bewegung” – “In Motion”. Daniel Hope, Cantor Matthias Grünert and organist Niklas Jahn shape a programme ranging from Bach and Beethoven to Max Richter, jazz, tango and live electronics. Guests include the Zürcher Kammerorchester, Gstaad Festival Orchestra, Sächsische Staatskapelle Dresden and Dresdner Philharmonie. Frauenkirche itself is a symbol for peace and reconciliation.

Contemporary Music Without Borders

Dresden’s contemporary music scene has major highlights in 2027. On 18 June, the Dresdner Sinfoniker premiere their Europasinfonie, linking musicians from twelve European countries in real time.

At HELLERAU, the season features experimental formats such as Happy New Ear and the Dresdner Tage der zeitgenössischen Musik. 

AuditivVokal Dresden, founded in 2007, also enters its 20th anniversary year as one of the city’s distinctive voices for contemporary vocal music.

Whisky & Beer Made in Dresden

Dresden is also developing an exciting craft drinks scene. At Alberthafen, theDresden Whisky Manufactory produces Hellinger 42 and offers guided tours and tastings. 

At Kraftwerk Mitte, Lohrmanns Brew combines beer, science, gastronomy and culture. Group programmes for 20 to 130 guests range from brewery tours and tastings to dinners and can be combined with a visit to the neighbouring Staatsoperette. Together, both venues offer a fresh taste of contemporary Dresden.

Source: Dresden