© ddpix.de
With over 60 percent of its area covered with forests and green spaces, Dresden is one of Europe’s greenest cities.
The Dresden Heath, the Grand Garden, the Elbe River meadows, vineyard slopes, and parks not only characterize the metropolitan area, but also the citizens’ lifestyle. For many centuries, farsighted urban planning has shaped and continues to shape Dresden’s image as a part of the Elbe River valley landscape. The Elbe winds its way through the city over a length of 23 kilometers. The Elbe Cycle Path runs directly along its banks. The whole Elbland Region is best explored by bike or on board a steamer. With a steamer you will pass the Pillnitz Palace and Park, an extraordinary ensemble of architecture and garden design directly on the banks of the Elbe River in Dresden.
© Martin Förster
With its vineyards and wine taverns, Radebeul lies on the Saxon wine route with vineyard terraces and wonderful castles. In Moritzburg, visitors flock to the Baroque palace on the island of an artificial lake, while Meissen has gained world acclaim as the home of European porcelain.
© Sylvio Dittrich
The surrounding area of Dresden has also lots to offer: Saxon Switzerland, the only rock national park in Germany, lies south-east of Dresden and is one of the most beautiful landscapes in Europe. Not far from Saxon Switzerland are the Erz Mountains. Just like the Elbe Sandstone Mountains, the eastern part of the Erz Mountains spans across German and Czech territory. Located East of Dresden is the Upper Lusatia, stretching from Bautzen to Görlitz to the border area between Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic around Zittau.
To make sure that for example all the beautiful green in and around Dresden will remain, the city of Dresden is currently developing a sustainability strategy.
The concept of sustainability actually originated in Saxony. In 1713, the Saxon chief miner Hans Carl von Carlowitz was the first to advocate “sustainable” use of the forest in his book "Sylvicultura oeconomica" and is internationally regarded as the creator of the concept of sustainability.
Sustainability projects in Dresden's urban society:
Sources:
Brochure on facts about Dresden Saxony’s State Capital in Figures2018/2019 www.dresden.de/en/tourism/attractions/art_and_culture/palaces-parks-and-gardens.php