Dresden, Saxony's capital, averages 113 meters above sea level in the Elbe Valley – but the elevation difference within the city is striking: while the historic old town and Elbe valley sit at 100–110 m, southern districts at the Ore Mountain foothills rise to over 384 meters. This topography also explains the inner city's flood vulnerability.
That works out to roughly 371 feet above sea level. The nearby cities compared on this page average 82 m, putting Dresden about 31 m higher.
Quick Facts
| Elevation (above sea level) | 113 m |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 51.0504° N, 13.7373° E |
| Country | Germany |
| Continent | Europe |
Compare elevations – nearby cities
| City | Elevation (m) | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Berlin | 34 | Germany |
| Leipzig | 113 | Germany |
| Warsaw | 100 | Poland |
Cities with a similar elevation
The following cities sit at an elevation similar to Dresden (113 m above sea level):
| City | Elevation (m) | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Heidelberg | 121 | Germany |
| Halle | 104 | Germany |
| Karlsruhe | 122 | Germany |
| Mainz | 122 | Germany |
| Mannheim | 104 | Germany |
| Wiesbaden | 122 | Germany |
Frequently Asked Questions
How high is Dresden above sea level?
Dresden averages 113 m above sea level. The Elbe valley and old town sit at 100–110 m; southern districts near the Ore Mountains reach over 380 m.
Why was Dresden so badly flooded in 2002?
The historic old town lies just above normal Elbe water levels. During the 2002 century flood, the Elbe rose to 9.40 m gauge level – nearly 6 m above normal.
How high is the Dresden Heath?
The Dresdner Heide forest in the north sits at approximately 170–230 m above sea level – higher than the city center but well below the Ore Mountain slopes in the south.