Dresden, Germany (PG City)

The Flight Experience

Dresden, often nicknamed "Florence on the Elbe," offers an unforgettable flight experience steeped in Baroque beauty and historical resonance. The city sits on a wide, sweeping bend of the Elbe River, which separates the historic Altstadt (Old Town) from the modern Neustadt. The flying environment is dominated by the near-perfect reconstruction of its historical landmarks. The photogrammetry added in World Update VI (DACH) captures the spectacular density of the Baroque core, presenting a skyline defined by domes and spires against the backdrop of the rolling hills of Saxony.

Dresden Airport (EDDC)

EDDC is a key regional and cargo hub located about 9km north of the city center.

• The Strip: The airport features one primary runway, 04/22 (2,800m), which is long enough to handle heavy jet traffic.

• The Challenge: While the approaches are generally clear of major terrain, the airport itself features a unique architectural detail: the main apron is connected to the runway via Taxiway E, which runs over a highway tunnel. Sim pilots can look for the distinct trench as they taxi across the link to the apron. The airport also serves as a fantastic gateway to the rugged terrain immediately to the south.

Visual Highlights

• Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady): The single most important symbol of Dresden. Its massive, towering stone dome dominates the Altstadt skyline. The precision of the photogrammetry highlights the church's unique architecture and its central position in the Neumarkt square.

• Semperoper (Opera House) and Zwinger Palace: These Baroque masterpieces sit side-by-side near the river. The Semperoper is recognizable by its ornate, curved facade, while the sprawling, intricate Zwinger Palace is a complex of galleries and pavilions that create a unique geometric pattern when viewed from the air.

• Brühl's Terrace (The "Balcony of Europe"): Look for the long, elevated promenade that runs along the southern bank of the Elbe. It connects many of the key Altstadt buildings and provides a clear dividing line between the buildings and the river.

• The Elbe River: The broad, navigable river defines the entire flying region. It flows gently through the city, crossed by several historic bridges that are clearly defined in the PG data, making it the perfect navigational guide.

Pilot’s Note: The "Saxon Switzerland Run"

For a thrilling VFR contrast, take a high-performance GA aircraft (like a C208 Grand Caravan) and depart EDDC to the south.

The Maneuver: Fly south, following the Elbe River out of the city and into the Saxon Switzerland National Park. This area features spectacular, rugged sandstone cliffs, flat-topped mesas, and unique rock formations (like the Bastei Bridge). You must navigate the winding river valley, practicing your terrain-following skills and enjoying the dramatic shift from Baroque city to wild, pre-Alpine geography.