Hertz at Dresden

Explore Dresden and discover a city that’s brought to life by its fascinating history. Brimming with beautiful baroque architecture and relaxed terraces dotted along the banks of the River Elbe, this is a city that combines old and new to stunning effect.

Dresden was one of the most heavily bombed German cities in World War Two, with the majority of the city being completely destroyed – or at least heavily damaged. But great effort went into restoring many original monuments, and today the city offers a mix of striking contemporary buildings and beautiful old architecture.

Renting a car from us is hassle free, with no hidden extras to pay. We have several pick-up locations located in Dresden, including at the railway station (Dresden Hauptbahnhof) and Dresden International Airport, so you can start exploring the city right away.

Choose your vehicle from our extensive range and whether you’re looking for a family car, SUV or compact city car, we’ll aim to have you on the road in no time.

Driving in and around Dresden

Dresden has an extensive and well-maintained road network, with links to the rest of the region via the main highways, known as autobahns. Saxony’s second city, Leipzig, is just an hour away, while Berlin is a two-hour drive away via the A13 autobahn.

There are parking lots throughout the city – public lots typically charge between €1 and €2 per hour, up to a maximum of €9 to €20 per day depending on location.

Germany’s autobahns are the key routes between cities in the country. Speed limits are displayed in kilometers per hour, and the usual autobahn speed limit is 130km/h (80mph), although this can vary, so always keep an eye on the signs. Only some sections have unrestricted limits and these are mostly in rural areas.

The typical speed limit in built-up areas is 50km/h (31mph), rising to 100km/h (62mph) outside. Like the rest of mainland Europe, Germany drives on the right, and on the autobahn you should stay in the inside lane (the right-hand lane) unless you’re overtaking.

A quick guide to Dresden

Situated in the heart of Saxony, Dresden is only 30 miles from the Czech border. The city dates back to the 18th century, and its historic center is neatly split in two by the River Elbe.

The imposing churches and museums of the Altstadt (old town) reside on the south bank, while the elegant shopping streets of the Neustadt (new town) sit on the northern side of the river.

It’s easy to see why Dresden is so attractive to visit, with its combination of 18th-century tradition and post-war modernity. Make time to isit the city’s Frauenkirche. This Lutheren church was destroyed in World War Two, but reconstruction began in 1994 and it was consecrated in 2005. It’s a symbol of Dresden and an unmissable attraction.

Likewise, the exhibits at the Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden art museum, such as the Green Vault and the Turkish Chamber, and performances at the Semperoper opera house are highlights of this cultural city.

Cultural tour of Dresden

Start your day in the gardens at Zwinger, a magnificent palace-turned-museum complex at Theaterplatz, designed by the Saxon monarch Augustus II. It has works by Raphael, Titian, Botticelli, Van Dyck, and Rembrandt. The palace was largely destroyed by Allied bombing in 1945, but was quickly restored after the war.

Afterwards, you can leave the palace and follow signs towards Sophienstrasse to reach the Katholische Hofkirche, Dresden's grand Catholic cathedral. From here you can climb the stairs to the Brühlsche Terrasse and enjoy spectacular views of the Altstadt spires and the Elbe river.

Learn about the war

You can discover more about Dresden’s destruction in 1945 through its two churches. On the south-east of the Altmarket sits the Kreuzkirche, which partly survived the bombs.

The photo exhibitions faithfully illustrate the devastating effect of war on the city. The 18th-century Frauenkirche was destroyed and later restored, reopening in 2005, and its visitor center includes images that tell the tales of its past.

City of music

Dresden has a reputation as a city built on music, with traditions going back over 700 years.

The Semperoper Opera House, the Staatskapelle orchestra, the Dresden Philharmonic, and the Kreuzchor choir offer Dresden visitors a glorious opportunity to discover more about its musical heritage and enjoy a performance for themselves.

Day trips from Dresden

From Dresden city center, the historic city of Zwickau is just an hour’s drive along the A4. The city dates back to 1451, and it’s a pleasant day trip for visitors looking to beat the crowds.

Industrial neighbor Leipzig is an hour's drive away, and its art scene is especially popular with students and younger travelers. Meissen is another scenic day trip from Dresden and is only 16 miles away from the city center.

If you’re renting a car on vacation, and want to explore the German countryside, then Saxon Switzerland National Park lies only 19 miles south-east of Dresden. The park rewards you with incredible views of the river Elbe, the Koenigstein hiitop fortress, and surrounding sandstone rock formations, such as the distinctive Lilienstein mountain.

If you enjoy a road trip, then Germany’s capital Berlin is only a two-hour drive away via the A13 freeway. With its north-east location, Saxony is perfect for exploring the rest of Germany. Rent a car in Dresden for an adventure in this historic town and the beautiful region beyond.