River Elbe at Depleted Level

In the heart of Dresden, the Dresdner Verkehrsbetriebe AG (DVB) is responsible for the ferry services, maintenance, and upkeep of the city's ferries and facilities. However, due to the current low water levels in the Elbe, several ferry services have been affected.

The ferry service between Tolkewitz and Niederpoyritz suspended operations around 3:00 PM on July 5, 2025, and the car ferry service between Kleinzschachwitz and Pillnitz has been paused since early this morning. The ferry between Johannstadt and Neustadt is also expected to be suspended as the water level continues to drop.

Despite the predicted rain, the water level is not expected to suddenly rise, providing a glimmer of hope for a swift resumption of services. In the meantime, DVB and Dresdner Verkehrsservice (DVS) are making the best use of this forced break by performing minor repairs and maintenance on ferries and facilities.

Some ferry operators are temporarily driving buses, ensuring the smooth movement of passengers during the break. A portion of the staff is also needed for regular checks of the ferry points and ships. The operational duration of the ferries depends on factors like draft, passenger/vehicle capacity, and landing site condition.

The passenger ferry in Kleinzschachwitz is still operating, as it can operate for the longest duration during low water levels. This is a relief for passengers who rely on this service for their daily commute. However, the ferry service between Johannstadt and Neustadt is expected to be suspended.

The final decision to operate or not lies with the ferry captain, who is responsible for ensuring safety. All staff remains on standby, ready to resume operations should there be a sudden rise in water levels. Some landing points can be adjusted towards the river center or shore for flexibility with changing water levels.

The restrictions in ferry operations are likely to continue at least until the end of this week. The DVB urges passengers to check their website or contact customer service for the latest updates on ferry services.