Dresden – In the Heart of Europe
The state capital of Dresden extends across 328 square kilometers and has approximately 541,000 residents. Dresden is perfectly linked with the international transit network, and can be reached from every direction by rail, car or air. In terms of geographical size, Dresden is Germany's fourth-largest city after Berlin, Hamburg and Cologne.
The historic centre of the city on the River Elbe is supposed to be one of the most beautiful in whole of Germany: the Zwinger and the Semper Opera House to the Royal Palace, Frauenkirche and Brühl's Terrace form the typical “Canaletto View Silhouette”
After tremendous wartime destruction, Dresden has regained much of its original charm as a remarkable and attractive city. Modern architecture merges with the historical city centre.
The range of art and culture Dresden has in store for its visitors includes some of the world's greatest cultural achievements as well as the bustling, creative life in the urban districts, together with a fascinating “alternative scene”.
The city stretches out on both sides of the Elbe River and is embedded in the foothills of the East Erzgebirge Mountains, the Elbe Sandstone Mountains and the Lausitz granite plate and picturesque slopes along the River Elbe with wine-growing areas through the Elbe valley, Wilhelminian quarter, garden suburb and cultural metropolis – all this is Dresden abounding with art treasures, history, fascinating tales, full of charm, atmosphere and bustling life.
The Elbe River snakes its way through the city with a length of 30 kilometers. Nine bridges provide crossing points throughout the city. With 62 percent of its area covered by forest and green space, Dresden is one of the greenest cities in Europe. Within the city limits there are 3 nature sanctuaries, 11 landscape conservation areas and 112 natural monuments. Numerous public parks and recreational areas complete Dresden's green spaces.
Dresden is considered a city of art and culture, but it is also an important technology hub. A network of research, science and culture has been established in the city, with a total of nine colleges and universities. The Technische Universität, with 35,000 students, is one of the largest universities in Germany.
