Nestled in the picturesque Elbe Valley, Pirna is a historic town that serves as a gateway to Saxon Switzerland and the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. It centres around a beautifully preserved medieval old town that is watched over by a monumental castle with a chequered past.
Things to do in Pirna
Stroll through the winding streets of Pirna’s medieval town centre, which was largely spared from damage during World War II. Elegant townhouses line its historic squares and there are charming cafes where you can sit and watch the world go by. Not to miss is the Marienkirche, a 16th-century church with a magnificent vaulted ceiling and paintings depicting biblical scenes.
You can delve into the past at the StadtMuseum Pirna, which was established in 1861 to bring the region’s natural and cultural heritage to life. It occupies part of a former Dominican monastery and was awarded an architectural prize for its fusion of old and new. While browsing the exhibits, you can learn about the development of Pirna in the Middle Ages and the significance of Elbe sandstone in its construction.
Perched atop a rocky plateau overlooking Pirna’s town centre is the recently restored Sonnenstein Castle. From 1811, it housed a psychiatric hospital before being taken over by the Third Reich as part of its Aktion T4 campaign. Explore the exhibits relating the history of the castle before enjoying spectacular views across Pirna and the Elbe River from its terraced gardens.
Getting around Pirna
Pirna is around 30 minutes’ drive from Dresden and 40 minutes from Dresden Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe. Trains connect to the Pirna railway station while ferries travel to Pirna along the River Elbe. The centre of Pirna is compact enough to explore on foot and the Elbe Cycle Route explores the scenic surroundings.