Dropped Elbe Water Level

In the heart of Germany, the historic city of Dresden has been affected by a recent development in its ferry services. The low water levels in the Elbe River have caused several ferry services to temporarily suspend operations.

On July 5, 2025, around 3:00 PM, the ferry service between Tolkewitz and Niederpoyritz was the first to halt operations due to the dropping water levels. The passenger ferry in Kleinzschachwitz, known for its ability to withstand low water levels, continues to operate, but the ferry between Johannstadt and Neustadt may soon follow suit as the water level continues to drop.

The car ferry between Kleinzschachwitz and Pillnitz has also temporarily paused operations, adding to the disruption in the city's transportation network.

During this suspension, Dresdner Verkehrsbetriebe (DVB) and Dresdner Verkehrsservice (DVS) are making use of the downtime for minor repairs, maintenance, and some ferry workers are driving buses to ensure smooth transportation within the city.

Experts do not anticipate a sudden rise in the Elbe's water level, and the restrictions in ferry operations are likely to continue at least until the end of this week. All staff remains on standby, ready to resume operations if the Elbe's water level rises.

Some landing stages can be adjusted to accommodate changing water levels, but they have their limits. A portion of the staff is needed for regular checks of the ferry points and ships during the suspension.

The final decision to operate or not lies with the ferry captain, who is experienced and knowledgeable about the Elbe's unique characteristics.

As the city navigates through this temporary disruption, residents and visitors are advised to plan their travel accordingly and check the latest updates on the ferry services in Dresden.