Pirna is the gateway to Saxon Switzerland, with a preserved Renaissance market square painted by Canaletto in the 1750s.
Pirna's old town retains its medieval layout and the Marktplatz has gabled Renaissance houses. Canaletto painted the town from the Elbe in 1753-55, and the viewpoint is signposted.
| Distance | About 20 km southeast of Dresden |
|---|---|
| Travel time | 25 minutes by S-Bahn |
| Getting there | S-Bahn S1 |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | Marktplatz 1, 01796 Pirna, Germany |
How to get there
- Mode
- S-Bahn S1
- Duration
- 25 minutes by S-Bahn
- Cost
- About €5 (~$6)
- Notes
- Every 30 minutes
Suggested itinerary
- Take the S1 to Pirna, walk through the old town, climb to Sonnenstein and continue by bus to the Bastei or the Elbe viewpoint.
Location
Marktplatz 1, 01796 Pirna, Germany
50.9618, 13.9445 View on map
Highlights
- Marktplatz and the Rathaus
- Marienkirche
- Sonnenstein Castle
- Canaletto Viewpoint and Elbe walks
Tips for visiting
- Combine with a Bastei day.
- Visit the Saturday market.
- Use the Canaletto-Blick walk to compare views with the painter.
When to visit
Spring to autumn.
Accessibility
Old-town streets are cobbled but mostly flat.
Frequently asked questions
Is Pirna a good base for Saxon Switzerland?
Yes. It is on the S1 S-Bahn line and has buses to the Bastei and to Königstein.