Elbe low water in Dresden exposes historic 'Hungersteine' markers

The water level of the Elbe River in Dresden fell to about 53 cm, far below the usual 1.60 m. The drop halted most cargo traffic on the upper river and sharply reduced tourist boat trips. As the water receded, a series of historic stone markers known as “Hungersteine” reappeared. The stones bear engraved years and warnings such as the German phrase “Wenn du mich siehst, dann weine” (“If you see me, weep”), which historically signaled severe droughts, poor harvests, food shortages and rising prices.

These markers have been recorded for extreme low‑water events in 1778, 1893, 1904, 2003, 2015 and 2018, among others. Similar “Hungersteine” exist across Central Europe, including sites on the Danube in Budapest, in Slovenia and in Serbia, underscoring a broader regional tradition of marking extreme river lows.

The current low water raises concerns about water scarcity and its economic impact on river transport and tourism, while also providing a vivid reminder of past climate hardships.