Cultural program summer term 2026
Table of contents
CURRENT EVENTS
Unfortunately, you’ve missed the Cultural Office’s events and excursions for the summer semester. We’re currently planning the program for the upcoming winter semester, which will be published at the end of September. Be sure to check back then – we look forward to seeing you!
You will receive up-to-date information via our newsletter on our social media channels Facebook and Instagram.
INDIVIDUAL OFFERS
Orienteering through the old town of Dresden
Can you find the right way only with a map and a compass? - Show it during an orienteering run in the old town of Dresden. You run or walk through the old town armed only with a map and have to find the right route between different stations. You will also have to answer small riddle questions. Send us the correct solution and win great prizes!
More detailed information can be found at this link: https://cloudstore.zih.tu-dresden.de/.../s/5CSYgq2NZ38Djif
Find more tracks in and around Dresden at: dresdner-stadt-ol.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html
PREVIOUS EVENTS
18/04 | Scavenger hunt through Dresden´s Neustadt
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Dresden-Neustadt has a lot to offer: In addition to the Alaunpark and various trendy bars, the artistic district is also home to many highlights such as Pfund’s Dairy, the most beautiful “milk shop” in the world with hand-painted tiles made by Villeroy and Boch. We want to discover these attractions on a treasure hunt. Each time we stop at a clue, we will solve a riddle to get to the next clue and in the process, learn a lot about the history of this hip nightlife district. Afterwards, we’ll grab an ice cream in Alaunpark.
Fee: free of charge
Included: City game, ice cream
24/04 | Meet & Greet Game Night
Friday, April 24, 2026, from 5:30 pm
Would you like to meet new people, chat and play fun board games? Then, why not take part in our board games evening! In everything from "Dixit" to "Mensch-ärgere-dich-nicht" (Ludo) to "UNO!", you can compete in exciting board games with new acquaintances or just have a chat. We will provide snacks and drinks. Feel free to bring along your favorite board game. We look forward to seeing you!
Fee: free of charge
26/04 | Hike in Saxon Switzerland
Sunday, April 26, 2026
Join us on a hike in the Saxon Switzerland National Park, which straddles the border between Germany and the Czechia, and enjoy the one-of-a-kind natural scenery of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. We hike from Bad Schandau to Hohnstein, where we will have lunch and visit the castle. Impressive rock formations, narrow gorges, enchanted valleys and sunny heights await us on our route.
Important: Please wear sturdy footwear!
Fee: EUR 7
Included in the price: hike, lunch, castle
02/05 | Bautzen – Capital of the Sorbs
Saturday, May 02, 2026
“Witajće k nam - Welcome!” is how you are greeted in the picturesque old town of Budyšin - Bautzen. But the Sorbian culture is not the only thing that is unique about this city - the narrow streets and many towers give Bautzen a medieval flair. On a guided tour of the city, you will learn more about its more than 1,000-year history and the world-famous Bautzen mustard. Afterwards, we will visit the Sorbian Museum and decorate Easter eggs according to tradition.
Fee: EUR 10
Included in the price: guided city tour, lunch, museum and decorating Easter eggs
09/05 | Bicycle tour to Pirna
Saturday, May 09, 2026
On a bicycle tour to Pirna, we will discover the beautiful landscape of the Elbe meadows. Once there, we will take a stroll through the picturesque old town of Pirna and experience the famous Canaletto view at first hand. Afterwards, we will have a reinvigorating lunch in a typical German beer garden. In the afternoon, a guided tour of the memorial site Pirna-Sonnenstein will provide an insight into the murky history of Sonnenstein Castle. Afterwards, we will cycle back to Dresden.
Fee:
EUR 5 (with own bike)
EUR 10 (with rental bike)
Included in the price: guided tour of the memorial, lunch, (rental bike)
17/05 | Plauen & Syrau Dragon Cave
Sunday, May 17, 2026
We will take a trip to Plauen and the nearby village of Syrau. In Plauen, we can explore the charming old town and learn about the city’s famous lace-making tradition and explore the history of the Vogtland textile industry. In Syrau, we will visit the well-known Dragon Cave and enjoy the peaceful natural surroundings. Afterwards, we will have lunch at the Vogtlandgarten. Once we have satisfied our hunger and quenched our thirst, we will explore the Dragon Cave in Syrau and experience a unique laser show. The excursion offers a mix of culture, history, and beautiful landscapes in the Vogtland region.
Fee: EUR 8
Included in the price: museum, lunch, cave
22/05 | Creative Friday: crafts, scrapbooks, and conversation
Friday, May 22, 2026, 5pm
Spend your Friday evening in a relaxed and cozy atmosphere! Together we will make bracelets or design scrapbooks, engage in conversation, and exchange creative ideas. Whether you want to meet new people or simply enjoy a creative break, this evening offers the perfect opportunity. Light snacks and drinks will be provided. Get inspired, bring your ideas, and start your weekend off right!
Fee: EUR 3
Included in the price: craft supplies, soft drinks
24/05 | Semperoper – Verdi´s “Rigoletto“
Sunday, May 24, 2026 The Semperoper is considered one of the most beautiful theaters in the world and offers opera and music entertainment of the highest standard. During a guided tour, you will first learn more about the eventful history and impressive architecture of the building and gain insights into everyday opera life and stage technology. After a small snack, we will enjoy a performance of Giuseppe Verdi's “Rigoletto”. The opera tells a dramatic story of love, betrayal, and revenge, accompanied by powerful music and famous arias. It will be an elegant cultural evening.
Fee: EUR 8
Included in the price: guides tour, opera, snack
30/05 | Altenberg in the Ore Mountains
Saturday, May 30, 2026
Come with us to visit Altenberg! The morning will be pretty fast paced: We’ll ride the summer toboggan 1,000 meters down the mountain, at your own speed, of course. After lunch, we’ll visit the wildlife park and have a stroll through the grounds. You’ll get to see a number of our native animals, such as fallow deer, lynx and raccoons, as well as non-native animals such as marmosets, coatis and Benett's tree-kangaroos.
Fee: EUR 10
Included in the price: toboggan ticket, entrance to the wildlife park, lunch
05/06 | "Amazonia" - Concert Dresden Philharmonic
Friday, June 05, 2026 At the Kulturpalast Dresden, we will experience “Amazonia”, a fascinating multimedia concert project accompanied by photographs by the world-renowned photographer Sebastião Salgado. The performance combines powerful photographs of the Amazon rainforest with live music, creating an immersive and emotional atmosphere. We will enjoy the impressive visuals, the sound experience in the modern concert hall, and reflect on the beauty and importance of nature. It will be an inspiring cultural evening in the heart of Dresden.
Fee: EUR 5
Included in the price: concert ticket, snack
07/06 | European City of Görlitz
Sunday, June 07, 2026
Görlitz is located in the very east of Saxony – right on the Polish border. Over the years, this has resulted in the development of a very diverse culture in the city. You will stroll through the narrow, idyllic streets and even be able to see some movie sets, because "Görliwood" has been the setting for many famous movies, such as “Inglorious Basterds” or “The Reader”. You will also listen to a real Silbermann organ, experience Silesian culture at the museum, and visit the Polish twin city of Zgorzelec, just a stone's throw away on the other side of the Neisse River.
Fee: EUR 10
Included in the price: city tour, organ concert, admission Silesien Museum, lunch
13/06 | Silver City Freiberg
Saturday, June 13, 2026
Experience the UNESCO World Heritage in Freiberg: "Glück auf!" is still the miners’ greeting today, as Freiberg is known for its more than 800 years of mining tradition. Look forward to a tour in a real silver mine. We go 150 meters underground in a pit cage! Afterwards, we go on a scavenger hunt through Freiberg and discover the city highlights.
Fee: EUR 10
Included in the price: scavenger hunt, mine tour, lunch
20/06 | Historic steam train ride to Dippoldiswalde
Saturday, June 20, 2026
We will travel to Dippoldiswalde on the historic “Weißeritztalbahn” steam train. On the way, we will cross the Rabenauer Grund valley in the foothills of the Ore Mountains and pass the Malter dam. In Dippoldiswalde, we visit the archaeological museum and marvel at the finds from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Ore Mountains/Krušnohoří mining region, which are unique in Europe. They provide an insight into the life and work of medieval miners both above and below ground.
Your fee: EUR 7
Included in the price: museum, narrow-gauge railway and snack
27/06 | "Cultures Connect" @TUD
Saturday, June 27, 2026, 4pm
This event is the best opportunity to find out more about the cultures and traditions of your fellow students' home countries - all in a relaxed atmosphere with engaging presentations, fun games, dance and popular music. Of course, there will also be some traditional food for us to try.
Everyone is welcome to bring some snacks from their home country for the others to try! Or perhaps you would like to organize an evening featuring your home country? Let us know and we can help you out!
Fee: free of charge
Location: Fritz Foerster-Bau, room FOE 101, Mommsenstr. 6
05/07 | Deutsches Hygiene-Museum & Carolasee
Sunday, July 05, 2026
A day full of exciting activities awaits you in Dresden! Come with us to the German Hygiene Museum, founded in 1912! Together, we will explore the exhibition “Wie geht's?” (How are you?) and embark on a journey of discovery to our inner selves, our thoughts and feelings. The exhibition explores mental health in a sophisticated way and examines it from new perspectives. Afterwards, we will paddle across Lake Carola and end the afternoon together with coffee and cake in the Grand Garden.
Your fee: EUR 7
Included in the price: Museum, boat tour, coffee and cake
11/07 | Hiking in Zuschendorf
Saturday, July 11, 2026
Join us on a hike through Zuschendorf near Pirna. We will walk through the beautiful countryside and visit Zuschendorf Park. Originally eszablished in 1730, over the years it has developed into a romantic park with a botanical collection. Here, you will find camellias, azaleas, rhododendrons, hydrangeas, and bonsai trees of East Asian origin. We can also visit the castle that is part of the park. Important: Don't forget sturdy shoes!
Fee: EUR 3
Included in the price: Hike, park admission, ice cream
17/07 | Ostra Beach - Volleyball
Friday, July 17, 2026
Relax with us on the sand, soak up the sun, and enjoy the open atmosphere at Ostra Beach! Lean back on the beach chairs, play volleyball or table tennis, or simply listen to music and let your mind wander off. When the sun goes down, we celebrate together: dance at the beach disco and end the day in an unforgettable way. Come with us, experience Dresden's summer atmosphere up close and enjoy a perfect day at the beach!
Fee: EUR 5
Included in the price: Admission, volleyball courts, snack
FAQ
Please fill out the online registration form and then pay the fee as soon as possible during office hours at the Cultural Office in the International Office. Only after payment the place is bindingly booked. Please bring your student ID with you when paying. Payment via bank transfer or card is not possible.
Note: Your registration is NOT valid as a reservation. First come, first served.
The cultural programme is open to international and German undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at TU Dresden. The programme for PhD students and international guest scientists is organised by the Welcome Center.
With your registration you accept the terms and conditions of the Cultural Office.
The excursions are mainly offered in English.
- our Cultural Office website,
- our Facebook page and
- our info board at the International Office, Mommsenstr. 6, 1st floor,
- or register for our newsletter.
- You may also subscribe to our instagram channel
- and check out our videos in the YouTube channel of TU Dresden.
The programme offers some excursion classics and new destinations, every semester. If you are interested in the details and pictures of our past activities check out the archive and our Facebook events.
I honestly would like to thank the Kulturbüro of the TUD for the big chances they gave me to get to know better the city Dresden. The organisation and the involvement in different kind of activities have to be considered as a treasure. I think it is not so common to go abroad and find people who are good and kind.
The Cultural Office staff keep you in discovering a new city, giving you little advices in order to enjoy every day pleasures the city can give (without them this couldn’t be the same!)
The trips and the chances to win tickets for concerts or other activities are a gift for me and I guess for every foreign student who comes here. I really appreciate their work and the way they organize things. The more activities they would organize, the more I would like to be present to enjoy Dresden with fun, happiness and joy! J
When I first arrived in Dresden to start my Erasmus I was completely lost and alone, I had no friends and I didn’t know where to go. Basically, the normal feeling that everyone can experience when arriving in a new country.
When at the Immatriculation day I saw for the first time the poster of the Cultural Office, I must admit that I was a little suspicious but curious at the same time.
Some time I can be very shy and stubborn, but then I thought:” Why not? Let’s start this adventure in the right way, I should try and register for a few things”.
So, I tried the Welcome tour on our very own DVB tram and I was really amazed, everyone was so friendly and enthusiastic and in just one hour or so (while sitting on a tram going around the beautiful city of Dresden) I felt that I had made the right decision. A few days later I decided to register to all the trips that they were offering during this Winter Semester. And I have to say that I absolutely didn’t regret it.
In my opinion the best trip of all was Berlin, we have seen so many things in just four days, the price of the trip (only 90 euros everything included) was ridiculous considering that everything was so well planned and organized that I was more and more amazed every day, even if the weather was very bad and cold. Everyday there was a new reason to get ready and start the day in the best way possible: with the huge buffet breakfast of the hotel. I am just kidding, but it’s true 😊
The girls working for the Cultural Office are like angels (yes, exactly like the three Charlie’s angels 😊), they are always so enthusiastic and ready to help and give you advices and tips about the trips or the life in Dresden and they never hesitate to give you a big smile even if it’s freezing cold and pouring rain, yes, we didn’t have a lot of luck, because the weather was always very bad, only for us.
During all these trips I have seen breath taking beautiful places in the region of Saxony, places that I didn’t even know that existed, I have been amazed by castles, stories, ballets, history, museums and the stunning nature of this beautiful region.
The most important thing was that I met so many new people, coming from different countries, different cultures, speaking every kind of possible language. I opened my self-up, trying new things and doing my best to enjoy every moment as much as I could. Even if I was thousands of km far from home, with these weekly plans I never felt homesick or alone, because I had found a new international family.
Even if my week had been stressful or full of lessons and new challenges, during these trips I really felt free and happy to have done the right decision of coming to Dresden, almost blessed.
Last but not least, what about the food? I have tried so many different and delicious thing from all around the world, more that I could have ever imagined; from the super classic German Schnitzel eaten inside and old medieval castle, to the vegan food of the hipster restaurant in Leipzig, to the classic Christmas meal of the German tradition.
Tip for the readers: Just register on time and be ready for a surprise!
P.S. See you next semester!
International X-Mas Party of TU Dresden 2017 © Salt & Pepper Photography
The International X-Mas Party of TU Dresden is a highlight of the university year.
Find impressions of the past parties on the website (see link above).
Show us your best snapshots of the excursions and make them the motif for next semester's flyer! Take part in the photo competition and win cool prices!
Find all information in the Facebook events and on the TUD website. Please send us an email if you prefer not to participate on Facebook.
The competition is supported by the Studentenwerk Dresden.
By the end of each term we ask you to participate in our online survey. Take 5 minutes and win a 5€ travel voucher or a TUD merchandise-set!
Find up-to-date information in our Cultural Office Facebook events
One more detail: All TUD students can take part - regardless whether they already joined one of the events offered by the Cultural Office or not. Good luck!
Contact
© Cultural Office
Cultural Office at the International Office
Send encrypted email via the SecureMail portal (for TUD external users only).
Visiting address:
Fritz-Foerster-Bau
SG 8.3 International Office, 157
Mommsenstraße 6
01069 Dresden
Postal address:
TUD Dresden University of Technology
SG 8.3 International Office
Cultural Office, Room 157
Frau Kožica
Mommsenstraße 6
01069 Dresden
Office hours:
Appointments by prior arrangement.