Due to low water levels, Dresden’s Weiße Flotte has further reduced its sightseeing cruises. Only one steamboat set out today for three city tours, according to spokesperson Christoph Springer. All other routes have been suspended.
On Thursday and Friday, at least one additional ship will be able to cruise along the Elbe in Dresden, allowing for six city tours. A decision on whether the service will be expanded again over the weekend will be made on Thursday.
Restrictions in Place Since Friday
Restrictions on sightseeing steamboats were already in effect last weekend. To mark the 190th anniversary of Saxon Steamship Navigation, the ships in Dresden were still operating without restrictions. However, since Friday, there have been no more trips toward Saxon Switzerland, and since Saturday, none toward Meissen.
The water level at the Dresden Elbe gauge stood at 59 centimeters in the afternoon—almost 90 centimeters below the average. Overnight, the water level even dropped temporarily to 51 centimeters. Steam boat trips are only possible when the water level is at least 50 centimeters. According to forecasts, however, the trend has been upward since then.
