Elbe Cruise?
 

We would love to cruise the Elbe while we are in Dresden, but there are so many cruises offered, I would love to hear opinions about the most enjoyable ones. We, of course, hope for the least crowded. We now have 3 days left in Dresden (Saturday to Monday) and any advice you could supply would be greatly appreciated!

If the weather co-operates then all of them will be crowded. Weekends are more busy than Monday, of course. Definitely choose one on a paddle steamer, not the motorships.

Depends on time as well. Most scenic are the cruises upstream in the Saxon Switzerland National Park area. But it's pretty far, so you better take a train to Pirna and hop on a paddle steamer there - and take the train back to Dresden from Bad Schandau.

For a short cruise take the one from the old town to Pillnitz Palace and gardens. Lovely landscape, mansions/villas along the green hillsides, churches, some vineyards, too. And Pillnitz is very beautiful as well. Bus or tram back to the old town.

Another option, also lovely, is downstream to Meißen, maybe even to Diesbar-Seußlitz. It's most likely least crowded. Vineyards, lovely villages, hills along the way. Meißen is well worth a visit as well, you can take the train back to Dresden from there.

Thank you so much, Ingo, that's very helpful! Thank you for taking the time to help us.

We did the Dresden to Pillnitz trip on a paddle steamer that Ingo recommends. It's a wonderful day trip when you combine it with a visit to the Palace.

Thank you for your input, wanderfrau. With both your help, I have decided to take a paddle steamer to Rathen, then take the train back from there - unfortunately, my husband cannot sit still long enough for the return journey to Dresden ;-) As much as I would love to see Meissen, we are sadly running out of time. Thanks again for your help!