Moritzburg Lighthouse
The pagoda-like, 21.9-meter-tall tower was built around 1768 at the behest of Elector Friedrich August III. Together with the pier and specially constructed wooden frigates, it served as a backdrop for reenactments of historic naval battles. The inspiration for this came from the Battle of Çeşme in 1770, which attracted attention throughout Europe and in which the Russian fleet under Empress Catherine the Great defeated the Ottoman fleet. Reports of this event inspired the Saxon court to recreate the “Moritzburg Dardanelles” as a maritime experience in the heart of the country.
With its illusionistic facade painting featuring red rectangles, the lighthouse is reminiscent of North German brick architecture. Inside, a spiral staircase with 74 steps leads up to the lantern room. Following extensive restoration in 2006 and 2007, the tower was also equipped with a lighting system that is activated on special occasions.
Today, the Moritzburg Lighthouse is primarily of cultural and historical significance. As one of Germany’s oldest inland lighthouses and a popular photo spot, it is among the most extraordinary landmarks in the Moritzburg cultural landscape.
Good to know
Openings
- Seasonal opening hours from May 1 through October 31
Guided tours by request only Directions & Parking facilities
- Anreise
Coming from the A4 highway, take the Dresden-Wilder Mann exit and follow the signs to Moritzburg. Once in town, continue toward Fasanenschlösschen or Großteich. If you’re coming from Berlin, take the A13 highway to the Radeburg exit, then follow the signs to Moritzburg or Bärnsdorf.
Parken
Parking areas are signposted in Moritzburg. The nearest parking lot is the hiking parking lot at the Churfürstliche Waldschänke.
Öffentliche Verkehrsmittel
From Dresden, take tram line 3 to the Wilder Mann terminal. There, you can transfer to bus line 477 heading toward Moritzburg/Radeburg. Get off at the Fasanenschlösschen stop. From there, it’s about a 15-minute walk through the pond landscape to the Moritzburg Lighthouse.
Alternatively, you can take the historic Lößnitzgrundbahn to the Bärnsdorf stop. From there, it’s about a 20- to 30-minute walk along the ponds to the lighthouse. Author
Dresden Elbland Redaktion
Organization
Dresden Elbland
License (master data)
Dresden Elbland Redaktion
