Pirna Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Town

Facts and practical information

With its picturesque location in the heart of the Saxon Switzerland region, Pirna is a charming town that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, history, and culture. Nestled along the banks of the Elbe River, this idyllic destination is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and art lovers alike.

One of the main attractions in Pirna is its stunning historic old town, boasting well-preserved Renaissance and Baroque buildings. The colorful facades and intricate architectural details make for a delightful stroll through the town's narrow cobblestone streets. Don't miss the magnificent Sonnenstein Castle, perched on a hill overlooking the Elbe Valley. This impressive fortress dates back to the 13th century and offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

For nature lovers, Pirna serves as a gateway to the breathtaking landscapes of Saxon Switzerland National Park. Just a short drive away, this natural wonderland is characterized by towering sandstone formations, deep gorges, and dense forests. Hiking trails abound, catering to all levels of fitness and offering spectacular vistas at every turn. Be sure to visit the iconic Bastei Bridge, a sandstone bridge that spans a dramatic rock formation and provides unparalleled views of the Elbe River.

Art enthusiasts will find plenty to admire in Pirna as well. The town is home to the Richard Wagner Museum, dedicated to the life and work of the renowned composer. Housed in a beautiful villa, the museum showcases a collection of Wagner's personal belongings, as well as exhibits on his music and influence. Additionally, Pirna hosts a vibrant cultural scene, with art galleries, theaters, and music festivals throughout the year.

After a day of exploration, indulge in the local culinary delights of Pirna. Traditional Saxon dishes such as Sauerbraten (marinated pot roast) and Quarkkeulchen (fried curd cheese pancakes) can be savored in cozy restaurants and beer gardens. Don't forget to try the local wines and spirits, produced in the nearby vineyards and distilleries.

Alternative names: Population: 38.3 thous. (2020)Area: 20.49 mi²Elevation: 407 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 50°57'45"N, 13°56'31"E

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SaxonyGermany

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Pirna Top Attractions

Pirna Attractions - What to See and Explore

Pirna offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Schloss Sonnenstein, DDR Museum Pirna, Richard-Wagner-Museum, Stadtbrücke. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Forts and castles
Schloss Sonnenstein
The Sonnenstein Castle is a castle in Pirna, near Dresden, Germany. It housed a mental hospital, which operated from 1811 to the end of World War II in 1945. During the War, it functioned as an extermination centre for the Nazi Aktion T4 program. It was shut down following the war, and reopened in 1970.
50°56'38"N • 13°56'38"E
DDR Museum Pirna
History museum • Museum
51°0'0"N • 13°55'13"E
Richard-Wagner-Museum
Specialty museum • Museum

Bridge
Stadtbrücke
The Stadtbrücke Pirna is a 295.45 m long bridge over the Elbe River in Pirna built in 1875. As a combined road and railroad bridge, the stone arch bridge crosses the state road 164 as well as the railroad line Kamenz-Pirna and connects at the Elbe...
50°59'57"N • 13°55'20"E
Jagdschloss Graupa
Specialty museum • Museum • Historical place
50°57'44"N • 13°56'34"E
Canalettohaus
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50°57'45"N • 13°56'34"E
Peter-Ulrich-Haus
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50°57'39"N • 13°56'32"E
Julius-Otto-Denkmal
Memorial
50°57'46"N • 13°55'49"E
Deutsch-Sowjetisches Jugendfestival 1970
Memorial
Neighbourhood
Copitz
Copitz is a subdivision of Pirna, in Saxony, Germany. It was incorporated into Pirna in 1923. The place was mentioned for the first time in 1417. It is situated on the right bank of the river Elbe, directly opposite Pirna town centre.

Day trips

Pirna – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Pirna, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister (Dresden), Schloss Pillnitz (Dresden), Mathematisch-Physikalischer Salon (Dresden).

11 milesNW
World-renowned collection of paintings
Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister, Dresden
Nestled in the heart of Dresden, Germany, the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister, or the Old Masters Picture Gallery, stands as a testament to the splendor of European art. Housed within the resplendent Dresden Zwinger, a baroque palace that is an architectural marvel in its...
4.4 miNW
Restored renaissance palace with gardens
Schloss Pillnitz, Dresden
Nestled along the banks of the Elbe River, Schloss Pillnitz is a splendid baroque palace that graces the outskirts of Dresden, Germany. This majestic complex serves as a museum and a testament to the region's rich cultural heritage.
11 milesNW
Scientific instrument and clock museum
Mathematisch-Physikalischer Salon, Dresden
Nestled in the heart of Dresden's Zwinger Palace, the Mathematisch-Physikalischer Salon stands as a testament to the intellectual curiosity and scientific achievements of the past. This museum, a jewel of baroque architecture, is home to a remarkable collection of...
10 milesNW
Museum, Science museum
Deutsches Hygiene-Museum, Dresden
The Deutsches Hygiene-Museum is a unique institution located in the city of Dresden, Germany, that stands at the intersection of science, culture, and society. Unlike traditional museums that focus on art or history, the Deutsches Hygiene-Museum is dedicated to the...
5.9 miSE
Hilltop fortress overlooking the Elbe
Festung Königstein, Königstein
Perched atop a table mountain in the town of Königstein, within the scenic region of Saxony, Germany, Festung Königstein (Fortress Königstein) is a historic citadel that has stood the test of time. With origins dating back to the 13th century, this formidable...

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Best Time To Visit Pirna

Learn when is the best time to travel to Pirna weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

JFMAMJJASOND

May, June, July and August are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in September.

Average temperatures in °F

JFMAMJJASOND

The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.

Monthly rainfall in inches

JFMAMJJASOND

The lowest rainfall is recorded in January, February and April. Most of it rains in July and August.

Length of day in hours

JFMAMJJASOND

We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Pirna?

The top attractions to visit in Pirna are:

What is the best time to visit Pirna?

May, June, July and August are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in September. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.