Wasserwerk Hosterwitz, Waterworks and heritage monument in Hosterwitz district, Dresden, Germany
Wasserwerk Hosterwitz is a water treatment facility on the right bank of the Elbe River in a protected nature area of Dresden. The site combines original industrial buildings from the early 1900s with modern operational structures and draws from multiple water sources to supply the city.
Built between 1905 and 1908, this facility became Dresden's third water treatment plant and was designed under city building director Hans Erlwein. It followed two earlier installations at Saloppe and Tolkewitz.
The original industrial buildings show the craftsmanship of their construction period and remain visible landmarks in the landscape. Visitors can see how this facility shaped the area and continues to serve the city's daily needs.
The facility sits in a protected nature area and can be viewed from outside, though the operational areas are not open to public tours. The best approach is to appreciate the exterior of the heritage buildings and explore the surrounding paths along the river.
The Elbe floods of 2002 severely damaged the facility, requiring extensive repairs to pumps and systems. This natural disaster revealed how vulnerable such critical infrastructure can be and shaped the site's recent history.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
