Perched high upon the Elbe slopes, why is Luisenhof Dresden called the Balcony of Dresden? It is a well-known restaurant offering a fantastic panoramic view. Many consider it a beloved destination.
The Luisenhof’s name honors Luise von Toscana. She was a Saxon Crown Princess around the turn of the century. She resided in Dresden.
In 1895, the Luisenhof Dresden opened around the same time as the Dresden Standseilbahn. Architect Richard Friedrich Reuter designed it. Friebel & Grossmann built and managed it in its early years. A large music pavilion was added to the east side by 1914. This addition unfortunately limited the view.
Albin Voigt and his family took over the Luisenhof in 1920. They purchased it from Friedrich August Reck. Between 1920 and 1925, the Lindengarten on the Elbe side was glazed. This allowed guests to be served even in bad weather.
The Luisenhof Dresden significantly expanded its dining areas. It reopened on April 6, 1928. The expansion allowed for about four times more guests. The restaurant’s revenue doubled. City tours began including the Luisenhof in their itineraries. The music pavilion in the Lindengarten was removed for this expansion.
In 1930, a major renovation focused on logistical improvements. A two-story underground garage and a gas station were added. Further glazing was done in 1935. This provided more protection from wind and weather.
The Luisenhof closed on May 8, 1945. But it reopened shortly after on June 1, 1945. The Sachsische Hotel und Gaststatten GmbH took over the business the following year.
A fire caused by smoldering tobacco damaged the Luisenhof on September 28, 1956. Helga Voigt, the restaurant owner’s daughter, died from smoke inhalation. The restaurant closed until April 1957.
From 1975 to 1990, the Handelsorganisation Gaststatten Dresden owned the Luisenhof. Hans-Otto Voigt regained ownership in 1990. The building was renovated in 1997. The Luisenhof reopened in August 1999.
The Schumann family ran the Luisenhof from May 9, 2002. The Luisenhof was recognized as a top training establishment for cooks in 2006.
The Luisenhof building was auctioned. Patria-Casa Vermogensverwaltung acquired it on December 15, 2014.
Armin Schumann announced that the Schumann family would leave the Luisenhof. This was due to increased rent demands. The family gave up the business on June 30, 2015.
Matthieu Caziot and Nick Murphy seasonally managed the terrace. It was named “Inges Weinterrasse” from June to October 2017.
The Luisenhof Dresden was reopened in March 2018. The Gastronomen couple Carsten Ruhle and Carolin Ruhle-Marten took over.
Today, the Luisenhof continues to welcome guests. It offers regional and modern cuisine with seasonal ingredients. You can enjoy fine dining with a unique view. The panorama stretches from the Blaue Wunder to Dresden’s Old Town. The Luisenhof Dresden is easily accessible. You can take the historic Standseilbahn from Kornerplatz.