Moritzburg Lighthouse
Maritime illusions in the heart of Saxony.
A real curiosity rises up in the middle of Saxony's inland: the Moritzburg lighthouse and its small harbor on the Niederer Großteich. Where walkers stroll today and photographers capture the golden reflections of the water, the Saxon court had a "mini-coast" built in the 18th century - complete with pier, bollards, cannons and a stage for re-enacted naval battles. An extraordinary place that weaves history, theater and nature into an unforgettable excursion.
Highlights of the lighthouse
Unique inland lighthouse
The Moritzburg lighthouse (21.8 m, 74 steps) is one of the oldest inland lighthouses in Germany - and the only one that was built especially for nautical spectacles.
Port facility in
miniature
The pier, stone bollards and jetty created a complete backdrop for maritime festivals - an open-air theater on the pond.
Dream backdrop at the Fasanenschlösschen
The lighthouse is just a few steps away from the rococo jewel Fasanenschlösschen - the perfect one-two punch for a stroll.
Moritzburg Game Reserve - historic wildlife garden (since 1580) & modern species conservation paradise
The maritime scenery was created in the late 18th century for the sheer pleasure of the spectacle. After the Russian fleet defeated the Ottomans in the naval battle of Çeşme in 1770, Elector Friedrich August III received Admiral Orlov in Dresden in 1775 - the reports impressed him so much that he had a coastal landscape built on Moritzburg's large pond for re-enacted naval battles (Naumachia). The centerpiece: the lighthouse built in 1775-1776 on a semicircular pier. Soon afterwards, a landing stage, bollards and cannons were added; even small warships were built for the performances on the pond.
Architecturally, the tower is a solid stone construction with surrounding balconies and a spiral staircase (74 steps) up to the lamp house. The red and white "brick" look is painted to imitate North German brick architecture - from a distance, the tower looks rose-colored.
Its location is part of an overall Baroque setting: only around 200 meters to the west stands the Fasanenschlösschen (1769-1782), the pheasantry was built as early as 1728 as an addition to the Moritzburg hunting and pleasure palace. Visual axes, staircases and water features linked the palace, pheasantry and large pond to create a landscape stage that impressively staged courtly festivities, hunts and maritime games.
After the great court days, the complex lost its importance, but survived the centuries. In 2006-2007, the lighthouse was extensively renovated by the Free State; since then, it has been shining again - including a small "beacon" for special occasions. Today, it is considered Saxony's only historic inland lighthouse and one of the oldest of its kind in Germany.
Visits & guided tours
- The lighthouse can be visited individually on June 29, 2025 and September 28, 2025 between 10:30 am and 4:00 pm.
- Safety: The steps are narrow, sturdy shoes are recommended. The pier can be slippery when wet.
- Photography: Drone flights only with permission; respect nature conservation and restricted areas.
Arrival and surroundings
The lighthouse is located on the west bank of the Niederer Großteich in Moritzburg, just a few minutes' walk from the Fasanenschlösschen and around 2 km from Moritzburg Castle.
By car: From Dresden (approx. 20 min.) via Radeburg/Moritzburg; park at the official parking lots at the castle or Fasanenschlösschen, then take a short walk to the pier.
Public transport: Bus lines from Dresden/Radebeul to Moritzburg; from there on foot along the ponds.
Combinations: Combine your visit with a tour of the Fasanenschlösschen (rococo interior & pagoda) or a walk around the Moritzburg ponds.
Stay overnight in
our house
Welcome to the Churfuerstliche Waldschaenke - a historical jewel in the middle of the Moritzburg cultural landscape!
Here you can stay in a unique ambience, surrounded by nature and history. Situated between the castle and the Fasanenschlösschen, our hotel invites you to leave everyday life behind and enjoy pure relaxation.