Walking Through Dresden’s Past with Dr. Fraser Macdonald
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
In this rare opportunity, Dr Fraser Macdonald, anthropologist and historian, takes you on a deep journey into the hidden 700 year history of Dresden before, during, and after it became an icon of Baroque splendour. Across visits to a range of crucial sites in the city, you will learn of the prehistoric significance of the Elbe Valley for Paleolithic and Neolithic populations, the ancient origins of Dresden as a small fishing village, its growth from a tiny city to a flourishing centre of the Holy Roman Empire, the enormous impact of Luther's Reformation, as well as the damage and destruction produced by centuries of warfare.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Infants must be carried by adults
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Here the tour begins on the banks of the Elbe where Dresden was first permanently settled. We will pause to consider the history, culture, language, and eventual displacement of the people who first lived here.
Museum fur Sachsische Volkskunst mit Puppentheatersammlung
Here we will explore the fascinating history of this site, beginning in the 15th century as a fabulously wealthy Augustinian monastery before being demolished and turned into a royal hunting lodge in the 16th century after Luther's Reformation. Please note we will not be entering the building and its museums, but participants are free to do so at their own leisure. Ticket prices can be found here: https://volkskunst.skd.museum/besuch/
What‘s Included
Professional Guided Tour
Entrance to Dreikönigskirche (5 Euro to climb the tower)
Entrance to Residenzschloss (14 Euro entrance fee)
Entrance to Museum für Sächsische Volkskunst (5 Euro entrance fee)
Haus der Kirche - Dreikoenigskirche
Museum fur Sachsische Volkskunst mit Puppentheatersammlung
Options
Walking Through Dresden’s Past with Dr. Fraser Macdonald
Reviews
70 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Incredible and...
Benjamin A,,Jan 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Incredible and informative tour through Dresden. Dr. Fraser really brought out the charm of the city with his perfectly planned route and stops that allowed us to fully embrace the atmosphere and history of Dresden. From large well-known landmarks to hidden away sites, the tour thoroughly allowed us to explore the city with the added bonus of stopping at places with the most photogenic views.
Excellent introduction to Dresden.
Steven P,,Jan 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Fraser was an excellent guide. So glad we took. the time to learn more about the history and architecture of Dresden. Recommended.
10/10, Necessary Dresden Tour
shanehF3095ZD,,Dec 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.0010/10 guide, we had a wonderful conversation about Dresden, and the culture in Dresden and larger Germany as he showed me around Dresden to see the sights. Super lovely guy, really made Dresden stand out to me! Highly worth the price!
Excellent Walking Tour of Dresden’s past with Dr Fraser MacDonald!
Boyd M,,Nov 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very informative and very engaging walking tour of Dresden’s history and highlights. Dr MacDonald gave detailed information and was personable by interacting with the group. Stellar Tour!
A wonderful day and tour in wonderful Dresden
David S,,Nov 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00A fantastic walk through new and old town. A good pace to cover a lot of ground in a couple of hours. Not rushed but not slow! Fraser was awesome. Knowledgeable w a great attitude and personality. The story telling was fun with some great specificity and detail. HIGHLY recommend this tour!
A Truly EXCEPTIONAL Dresden Guide
X5109ZXdenisew,,Nov 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had an outstanding tour with Fraser. He introduced me to parts of Dresden I would never have discovered on my own. There’s so much more to this city than the Baroque postcard landmarks! His knowledge of the city’s history was deep and engaging, and he explained everything in a way that made it easy to connect the past with what I was seeing. The pacing was perfect and the route thoughtful. Fraser combines expertise with warmth and genuine enthusiasm for Dresden. I left with a far richer understanding of the city and its stories. Highly recommended booking with him if you want a memorable and meaningful experience.
A lovely walk through the history of Dresden - highly recommended
Karen B,,Nov 18, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a lovely walk through Dresden’s beautiful and historic city streets with Fraser. He is very knowledgeable and engaging about Dresden’s history, buildings and architecture. We had a chance to see inside some of the beautiful churches and take in the views of a truly breathtaking skyline. We also saw areas and buildings outside of the Altstadt that are well worth a visit, but are not high on any “Dresden highlights” Google search. It didn’t feel rushed and Fraser made us all feel very welcome and took time to chat to us all personally. A lovely guy, great guide, highly recommended ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Must book!
Emily K,,Nov 14, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Fraser was a fantastic tour guide. He showed us many of the highlights of the beautiful Dresden. Fraser was very knowledgeable and answered any questions we had. He was also a kind, friendly person. We wish all tour guides were like him. Highly recommend!
Great Dresden Tour with Dr. Fraser
Nancytraveler123,,Nov 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My daughter and I had a wonderful walking tour of Dresden with Dr. Fraser Macdonald yesterday. It’s a lovely city. Dr. Fraser was knowledgeable and engaging. We enjoyed our experience and would highly recommend.
It's a walk. But nice to...
Joseph L,,Nov 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It's a walk. But nice to be show around the city if you get a nice day for it. It's around a mile long walk.
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