Dresden: Town hall tower opens after 12 years – bureaucracy causes trouble!

Dresden: Town hall tower opens after 12 years – bureaucracy causes trouble!

Dresden has reason to be happy! From the beginning of July 2023, the observation deck of the town hall tower, which rises an impressive 100.30 meters high, will be reopened after a twelve-year closure. The view from the platform, which is 68 meters high, promises not only a breathtaking view of the Great Garden, the Frauenkirche and Saxon Switzerland, but also the opportunity to experience history from above. The town hall tower had been closed to visitors since 2012, when it was originally announced for a year due to construction work, but the closure was delayed because the old tower climb was no longer possible and the elevator could no longer be used due to its age. The route to the tower is via two narrow spiral staircases, which is considered an inadequate escape route, as reported by Sächsische.de.

In order to enjoy the view of Dresden's landmark, visitors must make an appointment on the city's booking portal. The appointment is also accompanied by a “self-declaration” that certifies that the guests are able to master the 270 steps – a challenge that could become a hurdle for some. Critics such as André Schollbach, the leader of the Left Party in the city council, find this requirement unusual, especially since other towers in the city do not have similarly strict requirements preventing their luck on the way to the viewing platform. The faction leader Holger Zastrow from Team Zastrow also criticizes this bureaucracy, finding it absurd and unrealistic.

Rescue under difficult conditions

The discussion about self-explanations in addition to the hurdles to advancement does not get any easier when you consider the challenges that can arise even if you are rescued from the platform. On Pentecost Sunday, a 71-year-old man was rescued from the viewing platform of the Frauenkirche after he collapsed. The narrow staircases made rescue extremely difficult. However, the city administration assures that in an emergency, visitors with a self-rescue declaration will also be rescued without incurring any costs.

Up to 100,000 euros have already been invested in the renovation of the town hall tower. The measures included, among other things, the removal of fire loads, cleaning and repointing the sandstone facade, a fire alarm system was also installed, the safety lighting was upgraded and escape route pictograms were installed. This means that the city is well prepared with extensive security measures when the town hall tower opens its doors.

Looking into the future

In 2025, Dresden will also face major changes. The renovation of the New Town Hall, which has been ongoing since 2020, will be completed by the end of the year. This also includes the installation of a photovoltaic system on the roof. In addition, the viewing platform on the 11th floor will be open to guided groups from July 1st to September 30th, 2025 - an additional highlight for everyone who wants to experience Dresden's lofty goals up close

Construction work on the Roman Bath at Albrechtsberg Castle will begin in June 2025 and is expected to take two years. In total, the costs amount to 4.2 million euros, with almost 60% being covered by funding from the federal government and the Free State of Saxony. In order to raise its own contribution of around one million euros, the city of Dresden is calling for donations. These measures impressively show that the city is continuing at full speed despite the strained budget situation.

The reopening of the town hall tower will not only be a big step for the city, but also a valuable piece of quality of life for Dresden residents, who can finally enjoy the heights again - despite all the bureaucratic hurdles that need to be overcome. Visit the booking portal, don't miss the view and get your own impression of this unique building that has shaped the city's history for centuries. As Bild.de reports, there is always “bureaucratic madness” to be experienced in Dresden, but the anticipation of the town hall tower should make us all smile Conjure up a face.