Transparent Factory

The basics

While the Transparent Factory aims to represent a new era in car production, it also reflects an innovative and modern approach to museums. Interactive exhibits and display vehicles are presented alongside a real-life production area, where some of Germany’s most innovative modern cars are made. Most travelers visit independently, and it’s conveniently located close to the central city.

Things to know before you go

• Entry fees included a guided tour. Under-7s are free, and older kids, students, trainees, and people with disabilities pay a reduced entry fee.

• Most guided tours are in German only, but tours are run in English once a day, Czech and Polish once a week, and Russian every two weeks (the latter three by request only).

• The onsite e-VITRUM restaurant serves seasonal organic dishes.

• The Transparent Factory is well-equipped for travelers with accessibility needs. It has ramps and lifts and accessible toilets and parking spaces. The guided tours are suitable for wheelchair users.

How to get there

The Transparent Factory is near the center of Dresden, a 10-minute walk from the Old Town (Altstadt). It’s also easy to reach by tram: Get off at the Straßburger Platz stop. There’s a paid parking lot for anyone who drives, with real-time occupancy maps available online and plenty of electric charging stations.

When to get there

The Transparent Factory is generally open from mid-morning until evening, Monday to Saturday, and is closed on Sunday. It’s closed for the full or partial day on select German holidays, including a 2-week break in early January. Car production typically alternates from early morning until early afternoon on one week and from midday until evening the following week. Check the schedule ahead of your visit if you want to see the production.

Test drive a Volkswagen e-car

If looking at and learning about Volkswagen’s state-of-the-art electric vehicles has given you car envy, test drive an ID.3, ID.4, or ID.5 vehicle for yourself. An instructor will show you how to operate the car before you take it for a 3.7-mile (6-kilometer) spin around Dresden. Reservations are recommended, and you’ll need a European driver’s license.