Radebeul's industrial history(ies)

Systematic viticulture was already practised in Radebeul in the 13th century and can therefore be considered the first economic sector in this region.

At the beginning of the 18th century, Saxony rose to become a major European power and Dresden grew into a royal seat.

The construction of the long-distance railway link between Leipzig and Dresden was a milestone in the history of transport. It was the beginning of the development of an all-German railway network. Following the opening of the line in 1839, the Kötzschenbroda stop was inaugurated just one year later.

In 1861, Saxony introduced unrestricted freedom of trade. The shackles of the guilds were thus cast off - further economic impulses swept through the country.

A heavy blow followed at the beginning of the 1880s. The phylloxera catastrophe brought Saxon viticulture to an almost complete standstill. However, the uprooting of the vines freed up plots of land. Wealthy Dresdeners built prestigious villas on them, giving Radebeul a new charm and attractiveness that is still appreciated today.

The up-and-coming communities on the outskirts of Dresden also attracted many an entrepreneur, especially as it was decided to offer building land for industrial settlements at favourable prices. The forerunners of today's industrial estates, so to speak.

Thanks to a lucrative tax reform, Saxon industry boomed. Increases in production and productivity led to steady economic growth. From 1895, fuelled by the use of the electric motor, an intensive start-up phase began.

The Dresden entrepreneur Oskar Ludwig Kummer endeavoured to build an electric tramway from Dresden to Kötzschenbroda and set up the power station in Lößnitzgrund for this purpose.

Dresden's industry was booming and Radebeul, like the other Lößnitz villages, benefited from this. The waterworks in Lößnitzgrund went into operation in 1875. An important building block in industrial history. Just like the post and telegraph station in Kötzschenbroda.

We invite you to take a journey through the very interesting and multifaceted industrial history of Radebeul. Discover with us the big and small stories about Radebeul's companies.