History of the Hotel
From a pilot project of GDR post-war modernism to a family-run hotel on the Elbe – the story of this building is also a piece of Dresden’s own history.
Between 1962 and 1964, a modern high-rise in the style of GDR post-war modernism rose on the banks of the Elbe. It was an architectural pilot project: the first building in Dresden with ceramic-tile cladding and one of the city’s first high-rises built with prefabricated concrete panels.
What began as a symbol of socialist reconstruction is today a defining example of GDR architecture in the Dresden cityscape – a building that stands for tradition and change, connecting past and present.
From its windows, the view opens onto the Elbe and the old town – a harmonious meeting of baroque splendour and architectural modernism.
A chronicle in stages
A modern high-rise takes shape
A high-rise in the style of GDR post-war modernism is built on the banks of the Elbe – an architectural pilot project with Dresden's first ceramic-tile cladding and one of the city's earliest prefabricated-panel constructions.
"Hotel Dresden – Tourist"
On 14 May 1964, the building opens its doors. 216 single-room units of around 30 m² serve both hotel guests and long-term residents – a combination of living and hospitality that was new at the time, and a symbol of socialist reconstruction.
Residence by the river
In the 1980s, the high-rise is used in part as a workers' residence.
Hotel Am Terrassenufer
After the fall of the Berlin Wall, the building takes on its present name. A comprehensive modernisation and a new operating structure lead the hotel into a new era.
Deliberately preserved
While an identical neighbouring high-rise is demolished, the hotel remains. Planned demolitions are not carried out – a conscious decision is made in favour of preservation and careful renovation.
Tradition and change
To this day, Hotel Am Terrassenufer remains a defining example of GDR architecture in the Dresden cityscape – and, with its view of the Elbe and the old town, unites baroque splendour with architectural modernism.
Our hotel has been part of Dresden’s skyline since the 1960s. And if you’re fascinated by our house’s eventful history, Dresden has so much more in store for you – from the Residenz Palace to the Frauenkirche.
And if you’d like to trace history back to its very origins, take a trip to Meissen, the thousand-year-old cradle of Saxony – conveniently reachable by bike via the Elbe Cycle Path, which starts right outside our door.
A building with character
The first building in Dresden with a façade of ceramic tiles – a novelty of the early 1960s.
One of Dresden's first high-rises built with prefabricated panels, and a pilot project of its time.
Set right on the Elbe with a view of the old town – both the source of the name and the heart of the hotel.
Experience this history for yourself
Stay where Dresden’s city history and the view of the Elbe come together.