Cruise port Dessau-Roßlau
Info for port Dessau-Roßlau on 23 Dec 2026
Port information & tips for Dessau-Roßlau
Dessau-Roßlau presents itself as a fascinating cultural center on the Elbe and is an essential stop for river cruises through Sachsen-Anhalt. The charming twin city impresses with its harmonious blend of world-famous architecture and the picturesque river landscape of the Middle Elbe Biosphere Reserve. Highlights include the legendary Bauhaus Dessau, the iconic Meisterhäuser, and the magnificent Dessau-Wörlitz Garden Realm with its extensive parklands. Ships dock at the modern passenger pier at Luchplatz in the Roßlau district, which serves as an ideal starting point. Thanks to a short connection of about five kilometers, it offers comfortable access to the city center as well as all the major sights of the region.
Dessau-Roßlau is a charming gateway to river cruises on the Elbe and is easily accessible thanks to its central location in Sachsen-Anhalt. Instead of large terminals, you will usually find central mooring points within the city.
Car
The A9 motorway (Berlin-Munich) takes you directly to Dessau-Roßlau; use the Dessau-Ost or Dessau-Süd exits. In addition, the B184, B185, and B187 federal roads lead into the city. Various public parking options are available in Dessau-Roßlau, including spaces near the Elbe. Parking apps like Parkster and PARCO allow for convenient payment. For the duration of your river cruise, it is recommended to research long-term parking options in the city or via specialized providers such as "Hafen-Parken," which arrange central parking spaces at the river cruise docks.
Train
Dessau Hauptbahnhof (Dessau Hbf) is an important hub with hourly regional connections to Berlin, Leipzig, Magdeburg, Halle, and other cities. The station is centrally located at Fritz-Hesse-Str. 47. From Dessau Hbf, you can easily reach the city center moorings by taxi or via one of the bus or tram lines departing directly from the station forecourt.
Airplane
The nearest major airport is Leipzig/Halle (LEJ), located approximately 46.5 to 60 kilometers from Dessau-Roßlau. Alternatively, Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) is an option, situated about 104 to 120 kilometers away. For a comfortable transfer, taxis and pre-bookable airport shuttles are available, providing reliable and punctual transport with fixed prices and "Meet & Greet" service. Due to the travel distance, an overnight stay in Dessau-Roßlau the day before embarkation can guarantee a relaxed start to your journey.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents usually include a fixed time slot for check-in, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is generally scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the cruise: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
Dessau-Roßlau is a charming gateway to river cruises on the Elbe and is easily accessible thanks to its central location in Sachsen-Anhalt. Instead of large terminals, you will usually find central mooring points within the city.
Car
The A9 motorway (Berlin-Munich) takes you directly to Dessau-Roßlau; use the Dessau-Ost or Dessau-Süd exits. In addition, the B184, B185, and B187 federal roads lead into the city. Various public parking options are available in Dessau-Roßlau, including spaces near the Elbe. Parking apps like Parkster and PARCO allow for convenient payment. For the duration of your river cruise, it is recommended to research long-term parking options in the city or via specialized providers such as "Hafen-Parken," which arrange central parking spaces at the river cruise docks.
Train
Dessau Hauptbahnhof (Dessau Hbf) is an important hub with hourly regional connections to Berlin, Leipzig, Magdeburg, Halle, and other cities. The station is centrally located at Fritz-Hesse-Str. 47. From Dessau Hbf, you can easily reach the city center moorings by taxi or via one of the bus or tram lines departing directly from the station forecourt.
Airplane
The nearest major airport is Leipzig/Halle (LEJ), located approximately 46.5 to 60 kilometers from Dessau-Roßlau. Alternatively, Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) is an option, situated about 104 to 120 kilometers away. For a comfortable transfer, taxis and pre-bookable airport shuttles are available, providing reliable and punctual transport with fixed prices and "Meet & Greet" service. Due to the travel distance, an overnight stay in Dessau-Roßlau the day before embarkation can guarantee a relaxed start to your journey.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents usually include a fixed time slot for check-in, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is generally scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the cruise: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
Thanks to its location on the Elbe and Mulde, the port in Dessau-Rosslau offers excellent access to the city's UNESCO World Heritage sites. The routes to the center are pleasantly short and can be flexibly planned.
On Foot
You can comfortably reach the city center and the Bauhaus Museum Dessau in about 20 minutes. The walk leads through well-kept green spaces and offers initial insights into the architecture of classical modernism.
Taxi
Local taxis are available at the pier or can be easily ordered by phone. Thanks to the port's central location, all important museums as well as the Meisterhäuser are directly accessible within a few minutes.
Public Transport and Bicycle
Buses of the Dessauer Verkehrs-GmbH reliably connect the port area with the main train station and other districts. Additionally, the city is ideally connected to the Elberadweg and can be wonderfully explored by bicycle thanks to numerous rental stations.
To make the most of your stay in Dessau-Roßlau, we recommend a combination of world-famous modern architecture and the extensive parklands of the UNESCO World Heritage Site directly on the Elbe.
Bauhaus Ensemble
The legendary Bauhaus sites fascinate with their visionary design language and pioneering architecture, and thanks to their central location in Dessau, they are an essential destination for culture enthusiasts.
Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Wörlitz
This magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site impresses with its harmonious connection of nature and architecture and is ideal for a relaxing gondola ride through picturesque canals, thanks to short transfer times to Wörlitzer Park.
City Center & Residenzschloss
The historical district around the Schloßplatz delights with the Johannbau as well as modern museums and, thanks to its direct proximity to the riverbank, is perfect for a relaxed stroll between the past and the present.
The Bauhaus Ensemble and the Masters' Houses
The world-famous Masters' Houses and the iconic Bauhaus Building are easily accessible from the river pier in Dessau in about fifteen to twenty minutes on foot or in a few minutes by taxi. These architectural milestones offer a fascinating insight into classical modernism and impress with their clear aesthetics in the midst of a picturesque, park-like setting. The modern visitor center and the inviting Bauhaus Café also provide the perfect setting for a stylish break with coffee specialties and small delicacies. Ideally, visit the area in the morning to enjoy the special light atmosphere in the light-flooded buildings in peace, and plan a relaxed walk back along the Elbe to be back on board in good time before departure.
The way back to the pier on the Elbe is very relaxed and safe thanks to the manageable city structure. You will reach your ship on time through good connections to the city center and the extensive park grounds.
Taxi
At central points such as Dessau Hauptbahnhof or the Rathaus-Center, you will find taxis ready at any time for a short trip to the port. In addition, the receptions of large hotels in the city center, such as the Radisson Blu, will be happy to call a car for you so that you arrive at the Leopoldshafen pier comfortably and promptly.
Local public transport
The bus lines of the Dessauer Verkehrsgesellschaft connect the most important sights, such as the Bauhaus, directly with the port area. Use the stops near the Leopoldshafen or the Kornhaus and enjoy an uncomplicated return trip with short distances directly to the ship.
On foot
A walk through the extensive Georgengarten leads you back to the Elbe and the pier on picturesque paths. The path is well signposted and, thanks to the flat, well-maintained paths, offers a pleasant opportunity to spend the last few meters to the ship safely in nature.
In port on 23 Dec 2026
