Ever wondered where Dresden’s highest point is? It’s not some grand, easily-spotted landmark. It is the Triebenberg. This unassuming hill reaches 383 meters. Since the incorporation of Schönfeld-Weißig, it has been Dresden’s highest elevation.
The Triebenberg may not shout its importance. However, it has a fascinating past and present. It sits about 15 kilometers east of Dresden’s city center. You will find it roughly 1.5 kilometers east of Reitzendorf. The Triebenberg’s summit is wooded. Its slopes are used for farming.
During the time of the DDR, the Triebenberg held a secret. A Soviet military post was hidden there. It was cleverly disguised within a pine forest. A concrete runway still leads to Freigut Eschdorf. This serves as a reminder of the past.
After the Russian army left Germany in 1994, the Triebenberg transitioned. Until 2017, it was an external location for the Technical University of Dresden. The TU Dresden maintained a special laboratory. This laboratory focused on high-resolution electron microscopy and electron holography. The location was chosen carefully. Its remoteness ensured freedom from electromagnetic disturbances. These disturbances could interfere with the microscopy.
Adding to its scientific credentials, the Triebenberg also hosted an observatory. It opened on July 18, 2007. The site was chosen because of relatively low light and air pollution. The observatory featured advanced observation technology. It was used to determine astrometric positions of asteroids. A mirror telescope was the main instrument. It had a 60 cm aperture and a CCD camera with 16 megapixels.
However, this scientific chapter closed in October 2017. The observation station was shut down after only 10 years. The telescope technology was then auctioned off. The specialized lab was also closed in September 2017.
Despite the closure of these facilities, the Triebenberg remains accessible. The Schönfeld-Weißig mountain trail passes by it. You can reach the summit from Eschdorf. Alternatively, you can use a road from Zaschendorf.
The Triebenberg offers beautiful views in every direction. Looking west, you can see across Dresden. To the south, Pirna is visible with its tall buildings. If you gaze east, the Saxon Switzerland National Park unfolds. The Lilienstein and Königstein Fortress are landmarks that stand out on a clear day.
So while the Triebenberg may seem like just another hill. Its story is a blend of military history and scientific research. It offers panoramic views and a connection to both the past and present.