The Grand Garden of Dresden

Just a few minutes away from the city center of Dresden lies the largest and most beautiful park in Dresden: the Grand Garden of Dresden (German: "Großer Garten"). This historic park is located southeast of the city center, covering an area of 147 hectares, and offers visitors a wealth of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and cultural treasures.

The Park Grounds

As soon as you enter the Großer Garten through the Hauptallee or Querallee, you'll find yourself in a green oasis with tree-lined avenues, intricately designed flower beds, and picturesque bodies of water. Additionally, there are over 20 smaller entrances to the park. In the eastern part of the park, you'll find the Carolasee, a lake surrounded by meadows and trees, often used for boating.

While strolling through the Großer Garten, you'll come across many historical monuments and sculptures. Moreover, the park is home to a variety of plant and animal species. If you're looking for a suitable spot for picnicking, sunbathing, or simply relaxing, the spacious lawns provide the perfect place.

The Palais

The most impressive attraction within the park grounds is the Palais. This grand Baroque-style building serves as the centerpiece of the garden and is now a venue for cultural events and exhibitions. The accompanying Palaisgarten (Palace Garden) impresses with its symmetry and magnificent garden architecture.

Recreational Activities

The "Grand Garden" also offers a wide range of leisure activities. A park railway runs through the garden, allowing for a comfortable exploration of the extensive grounds. It traverses the southern part of the park in approximately 35 minutes and stops at five stations. The miniature railway also provides a direct connection between the "Grand Garden" and the Dresden Zoo. So, you can use the park railway to travel between the "Grand Garden" and the zoo or vice versa.

For the sporty individuals, there are football and volleyball fields, as well as a golf course. Children can enjoy an adventure playground with climbing frames, swings, and sandboxes. Additionally, you'll find various dining facilities within the park, where you can indulge in a variety of food and beverages.

Events

The "Großer Garten" is also a popular venue for events. These include cultural events such as concerts, ballet and theater performances, as well as open-air film screenings.

The history of the "Großer Garten" dates back to the 17th century. It was established in 1676 by Elector Johann Georg III as a baroque pleasure garden. Originally, the garden served as a private retreat for the electors and their guests. Designed as a baroque garden, it was later transformed, expanded, and lovingly restored in the English landscape style after being damaged during wars.

By Car

If you wish to arrive by car, you will find parking facilities near the "Grand Garden". However, please note that parking spaces may be limited during special events or peak times.

By Public Transportation

From Dresden Hauptbahnhof (main train station): Take tram and get off at the "Großer Garten" stop. From there, it's just a few minutes' walk to the entrance of the garden.