Pirna

Gateway to Saxon Switzerland

A picture-perfect setting for your holidays

Between Dresden and Saxon Switzerland, the Elbe Valley is particularly picturesque with green hills complementing light sandstone. The small town of Pirna lies in the middle of this enchanting scenery and the Painters‘ Way, one of Germany’s most beautiful hiking trails, leads right through it. Its market square was made world-famous by the Venetian painter Bernardo Bellotto, better known as Canaletto, who captured it on canvas in 1853. Fun fact: the citizens of Pirna get together once a year to recreate the painting!

All around the market square, Pirna’s historic town centre is full of pretty houses with courtyards to be discovered and architectural details such as oriels and gables to be admired. Take your time to explore shops, cafés, and restaurants, and don’t miss highlights such as the town hall, the Canaletto House, and St. Mary’s Church, which is full of architectural treasures.

Pirna impressions

© Philipp Herfort Photography
© Philipp Herfort Photography
© Achim Meurer
© Philipp Herfort Photography
© Philipp Herfort Photography
© Wolfgang Gärtner
© Philipp Herfort Photography
© Wolfgang Gärtner
© Kultur- und Tourismusgesellschaft Pirna
© Tom Pauls Theater

Pirna's location in Saxony

Distances and how to get to Pirna

In Saxony, you benefit from short distances, making it easy to explore the region. The three major cities Dresden, Leipzig, and Chemnitz are all a short journey from one another, allowing you to travel quickly and conveniently from one attraction to the next.

Pirna – Dresden: 25 km
Pirna – Bautzen: 65 km
Pirna – Meißen: 55 km
Pirna – Freiberg: 55 km
Pirna – Görlitz: 110 km
Pirna – Erzgebirge: 140 km
Pirna – Hinterhermsdorf: 40 km
Pirna – Saupsdorf: 40 km

Pirna highlights not to be missed

Sights and attractions in Pirna

Discover beautifully adorned town houses

Pirna's market square

Experience Pirna's old town with its historic market square, marvel at the magnificent town hall, the imposing St. Mary's Church, and the famous Canaletto House. Let yourself be enchanted by the ornate town houses and the charm of bygone times!

Discover Pirna's market square

Marvel at a late Gothic treasure

St. Mary’s Church

St. Mary's Church in Pirna is a masterpiece of late Gothic architecture. Its impressive vaulted ceiling with ornate ribs and the “Pirna Picture Bible” make it an important testament to the Reformation period. The 60-metre-high tower and the magnificent altar from 1614 bear witness to its historical richness.

Discover St. Mary's Church

Above Pirna's rooftops

Sonnenstein Castle

Sonnenstein Castle is a historic landmark offering impressive views of the city and the Elbe Valley. The reconstructed bastions and terraced gardens invite visitors to explore. In summer, the “Sculpture Summer” exhibition held within the fortifications offers a unique experience.

Discover Sonnenstein Castle

Elegance in green

Großsedlitz Baroque Garden

Großsedlitz Baroque Garden is one of Germany's most beautiful gardens. Visitors can admire artfully designed terraces, picturesque fountains, 150 orange trees, and over 60 exquisite sandstone sculptures. The garden is a sight to behold and offers a glimpse into the splendour of bygone eras. A perfect blend of nature and architecture!

Discover Großsedlitz Baroque Garden

Near Pirna

Richard Wagner sites

Not far from Pirna, the Richard Wagner sites in Graupa offer a unique insight into the life and work of the composer, with the Richard Wagner Museum displaying originals and memorabilia from his creative period. The idyllic surroundings invite you to immerse yourself in the history of music.

Discover the Richard Wagner sites

Unforgettable moments

48 hours in Pirna

Unique architectural monuments, exciting museums, and culinary delights, such as the Eierschecke cake at “Ilses Kaffeestube”. Take a look at the most beautiful sights, things to do and insider tips for a long weekend in Pirna!

Check out our 48 hrs in Pirna guide

Auf einem Tisch in Ilses Kaffeestube stehen eine Eierschecke und eine Tasse Kaffee. Die Kaffeestube ist im Tom Pauls Theater in Pirna. — © Tom Pauls Theater

Hidden treasures off the tourist trail

Insider tips for Pirna

Canaletto Trail: this enchanting walk features beautiful views of the region’s vineyards from below Sonnenstein Castle and taking in Schifftorvorstadt, Pirna's oldest neighbourhood.
Don't miss Tom Pauls Theatre, a beautiful historic building, which today houses a theatre, and try the famous Saxon Eierschecke cake in the on-site coffeeshop!
Discover the enchanting Liebethaler Grund, a lush and romantically rugged rocky valley that marks the official starting point of the famous Malerweg (Painters’ Way). One of its highlights is the world’s largest Richard Wagner Monument, accompanied by the stirring overture from Lohengrin playing in the background.
Step through the gates of a beautifully restored 16th-century Dominican monastery to discover Pirna’s rich history. Just off the historic market square, the Pirna City Museum brings the town’s heritage to life, from its medieval trading roots to its celebrated depiction by Bernardo Bellotto (Canaletto).
Experience history brought to life as dozens of costumed actors, horses, and carriages recreate Bernardo Bellotto’s famous 18th-century masterpiece on Pirna’s historic market square. Usually held each spring in April, this unique free open-air event transforms a world-renowned Baroque painting into a living spectacle before your eyes.

Hiking and recharging your batteries

Pirna, gateway to Saxon Switzerland

Situated on the banks of the Elbe River at the entrance to Saxon Switzerland, Pirna is known as the “gateway to the national park”. The charming town is the ideal starting point for exploring the impressive rock formations of the the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. Thanks to its excellent transport connections, you can easily reach key locations in Saxon Switzerland from Pirna: the S1 S-Bahn line takes about 20 minutes to Wehlen, Rathen, Königstein, Bad Schandau, and Schmilka. Pirna is also an ideal starting point for day trips to the Elbe Sandstone Mountains by car.

Discover Saxon Switzerland

Blick auf die Weinbergkirche Pillnitz // Vineyard Church Pillnitz

A small, but mighty wine region

Explore the Saxon Wine Route

The Saxon Wine Route starts in Pirna, following the Elbe River for 55 kilometres through Germany’s easternmost and one of its smallest wine regions. Blessed with a mild microclimate and steep sunlit vineyards, the area offers a unique introduction to Saxon winemaking.

With more than 850 years of viticultural heritage, the region is now defined by passionate independent growers. Just beyond Pirna’s historic centre, terraced hillsides and dry-stone walls lead visitors to outstanding local wineries.

Among them, Weinbau Wolfgang Winn is known for handcrafted wines from historic vineyards overlooking Pirna, including a rare regional variety, called Goldriesling. Nearby, Weingut Klaus Zimmerling combines viticulture with fine art, producing elegant Riesling, Pinot Gris, and Gewurztraminer on the renowned Pillnitz vineyard slopes.

The best way to explore Saxony's wine region is on foot or by bicycle. The first 12-kilometre of the Saxon Wine Route connect Pirna with Pillnitz, rewarding visitors with panoramic views, charming wine taverns, and authentic local flavours.

Castles, culture and stunning scenery

Places to visit around Pirna

Pirna is the perfect base for discovering the highlights of the Dresden Elbland and Saxon Switzerland regions. From here, you can easily explore the nearby state capital, Dresden, renowned for its magnificent Baroque old town, world-class museums and vibrant cultural scene.

A short journey away lies Glashütte, the historic centre of German luxury watchmaking, where visitors can learn about centuries of craftsmanship at the German Watch Museum Glashütte.

The surrounding area is also home to some of Saxony’s most remarkable landmarks. Discover Weesenstein Castle, famous for its unusual architecture that appears to have been built upside down, or visit the imposing Königstein Fortress, which rises high above the Elbe River and rewards visitors with breathtaking views across the landscapes of Saxon Switzerland.

Your local contact

Pirna Tourist Information

+49 3501 556 446

Pirna Tourist Information

Unforgettable moments

48 hours in Pirna

From paddle steamer moments to historic architecture to die for – you won’t regret your 48 hours in Pirna!

Day 1 in Pirna: Friday

Pick and choose from culinary adventures, a special guided city tour or wellness moments.

Ein komfortables Hotelzimmer mit Doppelbett — © Kultur- & Tourismusgesellschaft Pirna

Check into one of the hotels in the historic old town of Pirna right on the banks of the Elbe River and you, literally, have everything you need on your doorsteps, including great views of the local Sonnenstein Castle. Holidaymakers receive a mobile guest card from their hotel for free use of public transport. Some cultural offers are also available at a discount.

Search for accommodation

Der Marktplatz von Pirna mit Rathaus, Marienkirche und Canalettohaus — © Jens Dauterstedt

To make the most of your stay in Pirna, use the services of the Tourist Information on the market square inside the Canaletto House, for helpful tips and information, and admire some of the painters works on display.

Pirna Tourist Information

It’s time for "Ilses Kaffeestube", a cosy café on-site the Tom Pauls Theatre, which in turn is located in the Peter Ullrich House on the market square, one of Saxony's oldest houses. Try the famous Eierschecke cake, a beloved speciality in Saxony, and just enjoy.

Ready for more? Then join a guided tour of the historic old town. There are culinary and historical tours to choose from, or follow in the footstep of the Venetian painter Canaletto who painted eleven large-scale paintings of Pirna. Trust your expert guides to provide you with interesting insights and details.

Eine Frau entspannt sich im Whirlpool — © istockphoto

To relax and unwind, head to Geibeltbad leisure pool where you can indulge into anything from massages to aromatherapy, not to forget a health boost at the vitamin bar of the on-site bistro.

Geibeltbad Pirna

Day 2 in Pirna: Saturday

Today, we’ve got a bit of shopping, a rustic brewery, a scenic hike and a paddle steamer tour on the agenda.

Außenansicht des Museums — © Paul Tittel

You might already have spotted some favourites on yesterday’s guided city tour and now’s the time to take a closer look at the shops in Pirna’s historic centre. You can easily spend your morning just shopping, however, a visit to Pirna City Museum, housed in an old Dominican monastery, might be a nice break.

Pirna City Museum

Brauhaus Pirna — © Kultur- und Tourismusgesellschaft Pirna

Local brewery "Zum Gießer" is not only highly recommended for its beer but also for its hearty fare. Five traditional types of beer are brewed by this brewery, plus the unique Pirna Schlafmützchen variety. By the way, you won’t get bored waiting for your food as the open kitchen allows you to follow live how the regional specialities are being prepared.

Eine Familie steht auf der Basteibrücke und betrachtet die Umgebung. — © Dennis Stratmann

Take the local train to Rathen (10-minute journey) and hike up to the world-famous Bastei bridge for glorious views of Saxon Switzerland’s stunning rock formations.

Raddampfer fährt auf der Elbe entlang — © Manfred Lohse

Enough of hiking? No problem. To make the most of the wild-romantic Elbe valley, board one of the historic paddle steamers of the Saxon Steamship Company, which operates a fleet of nine nostalgic vessels. Enjoy the views of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains and relax!

Saxon Steamship Company

Eine Familie speist in einem Restaurant und hat einen wunderschönen Ausblick. — © Jens Dauterstedt

We have a feeling you might be hungry again now and are confident that you’ll find something to your liking in Pirna. From fine dining and quaint historic taverns to great beer gardens – enjoy your evening with some Saxon cuisine.

Day 3 in Pirna: Sunday

Save the best for last? We wouldn't go that far but Richard Wagner and Sonnenstein Castle are definitely a very good choice to round off your Pirna weekend.

Besucher betrachten die Ausstellungsstücke der Richard-Wagner-Stätten — © Richard-Wagner-Stätten Graupa

Something for the music lovers out there: the great composer Richard Wagner spent time in the village of Graupa, just outside Pirna, and an exhibition provides interesting insights.

Richard Wagner sites

By now, the view of Sonnenstein Castle might be familiar to you. Before it’s time to leave Pirna, we recommend walking up to enjoy the magnificent views over town to be had from the old fortress. Should you be travelling between May and September, you will also be able to see exhibits of the yearly "Pirna Sculpture Summer" show. For a final meal, the atmospheric castle tavern is just the right choice.

Sonnenstein Castle

Pirna

A picture-perfect setting for your holidays

Pirna impressions

Pirna's location in Saxony

Distances and how to get to Pirna

Sights and attractions in Pirna

Pirna's market square

St. Mary’s Church

Sonnenstein Castle

Großsedlitz Baroque Garden

Richard Wagner sites

48 hours in Pirna

Insider tips for Pirna

Pirna, gateway to Saxon Switzerland

Explore the Saxon Wine Route

Places to visit around Pirna

Pirna Tourist Information

48 hours in Pirna

Day 1 in Pirna: Friday

Day 2 in Pirna: Saturday

Day 3 in Pirna: Sunday

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