Zwinger pond, Artificial pond in Dresden, Germany

The Zwinger pond lies along the western section of the Zwinger complex, with clear water where visitors can watch carp swimming. Adjacent to the palace building itself, the water feature includes benches and grass areas where people can rest while exploring the monuments.

The pond occupies part of the former fortress moat on Dresden's western edge, near the Bastion Luna built from 1569 under elector August by the Florentine master Rochus Quirin Count of Lynar, who redirected a Weißeritz arm and had the site prepared by Paul Buchner and Andreas Hesse. After the fortifications were demolished, the western stretch survived as a water basin beside the Zwinger.

The name Zwinger comes from the medieval term for the space between a city's inner and outer walls; Dresden's court used this strip as a garden from the 16th century, growing figs and fruit trees. The pond by the Zwinger complex keeps that name today, and in winter it is used for ice skating.

The pond sits right next to the Zwinger palace complex and is easily reached on foot from downtown Dresden. The area has plenty of space to sit and linger, whether on warm days or during winter when conditions permit ice skating.

The pond is known for allowing visitors to watch carp swimming near the Kronentorbridge, making it a quiet place to observe water life. This opportunity is often overlooked by guests who focus mainly on exploring the palace buildings themselves.