Dresden steamers continue their journeys despite the bridge being demolished!

Dresden steamers continue their journeys despite the bridge being demolished!

The Saxon steamship remains a popular excursion destination for locals and tourists, even during the current construction work on Dresden's Carola Bridge. The White Fleet, led by managing director Astrid Rockel, has announced that all nine paddle steamers and two saloon ships will continue to operate between the Czech border and the wine villages of Diesbar and Seußlitz. Despite the upcoming restrictions due to the Elbe closure, which came into force on June 4, 2025, the people of Dresden and their visitors are not letting their mood be spoiled. This Saxony reports that popular trips such as the city trip to the Blue Wonder and the castle trip to Pillnitz will continue to be carried out without restrictions.

Construction work on the bridge is expected to take around ten weeks. The Elbe will remain closed until the beginning of September, but Rockel remains confident and hopes for a return to usual summer operations soon. “We are working to ensure that our guests can enjoy access to our full offering again,” says Rockel. The ships of the White Fleet are stationed both below and above the bridge and serve the routes indicated in the timetable. This means that the prospect of relaxed shipping on the Elbe is maintained even in these times.

A long tradition

The Saxon steamship is not only a tourist attraction, but also the oldest and largest paddle steamer fleet in the world. With over 140 years of history, it has developed into an indispensable part of Dresden's cultural landscape. The steamer trip not only offers breathtaking views of sights such as the Frauenkirche, Pillnitz Castle and the old town, but often also the opportunity to enjoy Saxon cuisine on board. A variety of tours are also available, including one-hour tours and multi-day cruises that take you through picturesque landscapes. Dresden city tour highlights that the ships of the White Fleet impress with their elegant white paintwork.

From lunch cruises to festive evening events, the steamboat cruise has something to offer for every taste. Particularly noteworthy is the small but traditional steamship “Diesbar”, which is considered a technical monument and was built in 1884. It has the oldest operating paddle steam engine in the world, which makes its visit even more attractive for technology enthusiasts. Another highlight are the various themed trips, which offer numerous insights into the culture and nature around the Elbe. Saxony Tours lists a variety of trips that lead to Saxon Switzerland or to the historic cities.

Convenient accessibility

After the construction work, the Terrassenufer in Dresden remains a central point of contact for guests who don't want to miss a boat trip on the Elbe. From September, access can be used again without restrictions, and the White Fleet will start the new season after the summer months with a full number of passengers and the usual comfort. Since work on the steamers and preparations for the next trips are already in full swing, there should continue to be lively life on the Elbe in Dresden.