Dresden Travel Forum

Can someone help me to find a schedule and an itinerary of the steamer from the city to National Park Saxon Switzerland on http://www.saechsische-dampfschiffahrt.de, german isn`t my forte :)

I saw on http://www.germanplaces.com/germany/dresden-attractions-activities.html that the top tip in Dresden is to make "an unforgettable trip on the old paddle steamer to the nearby National Park Saxon Switzerland to see the unique sandstone formations".

Just scroll down and you will see the English version.

http://www.saechsische-dampfschiffahrt.de/?sprache=en

Personally I found these paddle streamers (some of the oldest still in use on the planet) more interesting than the sandstone formations. For the latter hiking up there is anyway the more intense experience.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bastei
http://wikitravel.org/en/Bastei
You can reach Rathen/Wehlen by the paddle steamers.
For time reasons you may want to return by train.

I'm not knocking the paddle steamer experience but they've never been running when I'm there and I've used the train which I found a wonderful experience on its own. It also allows you more flexibility to see the sights as you can get off wherever you want and see the nearby sights. For instance, I did Konigstein and the Bastei on the same day and utilizing the train made it much easier than the ferry would have.
I'll actually be staying in Bad Schandau next month for five nights myself!
Cheers.

I once did a day trip, which worked out well: Train (S-Bahn) to Bad Schandau and back by boat. The boat ride downstream is faster, so I'd recommend going that way. I had to change boats once, at Pirna, where I had an hour or so to walk around, which was worth it, Pirna is an interesting small town. I don't remember if we got the paddle steamer, though, it's been a couple of years.

I personally think the paddle steamers are worth a day trip, but be prepared that it is a loooong trip upstream. Also, between Pillnitz Palace and Pirna the scenery is quite boring, flat. From Pirna up to Rathen it is most interesting IMO.

Top tip? Hm, there are other things to do that are better IMO, but if you have enough time it is a good idea.

Thanks for all avices. We`ll come in Dresden from Prague just for a day

In this case you'll see the same scenery on your train ride from Prague to Dresden. Given that you'll travel by train, which is most economical. There are plenty other things to do in Dresden than a steamboat ride.

Paddle steamer + a short hike makes a nice day trip from Dresden.
But not from Prague.

If you have just one day stick to Dresden itself. And alone therefor you need normally more time. If you arrive by train the route from Prague is along the river Elbe anyway. Thus similar views like from the boats.

Agree with the others (cheers Ingo!!) - if you have but one day, minus travel time from and to Prague, stick to Dresden. You'll need your precious time in town.
The boat trip to Saxon Switzerland requires at least half a day and is recommended to those who stay longer in Dresden and want to do a day trip from there.