Dreamlike landscapes, historic cities and cultural highlights – the travel options in the Free State of Saxony could hardly be more diverse. You can unwind here on a leisurely hiking or cycling tour through picturesque meadows and forests and a picnic in the middle of the countryside. Perhaps you would prefer to experience the history of the region up close or enjoy a city trip – Germany’s easternmost state has something for everyone.
The best destinations for a city trip in Saxony
If you want to visit a city in Saxony, you are spoilt for choice: numerous cities offer historical and cultural sights, shopping opportunities or an exciting nightlife.
Dresden
Saxony’s state capital Dresden is particularly popular with tourists and locals. Located in the beautiful Elbe Valley, the baroque city is best known for its interesting, albeit tragic, history: after it was almost completely destroyed in World War II, many of its unique historic buildings were rebuilt. These include, for example, the Royal Palace with one of the largest treasury museums in Europe and the famous Frauenkirche. The city impresses not only with its historical flair, but also with modern elements. These include the waterfront promenade lined with shops and cafés and the countless celebrations for night owls.
Leipzig
Leipzig, the largest city in Saxony, also combines the historical and the modern. Leipzig’s landmark is the Monument to the Battle of the Nations, which commemorates the victory over Napoleon in 1813. The Old Town Hall, built during the Renaissance, as well as numerous shops and restaurants adorn the modern city centre.
Chemnitz
In Chemnitz you can expect a multifaceted architecture, which is expressed, among other things, by residential buildings from the Wilhelminian period, buildings in the Bauhaus style and Art Nouveau villas. The city centre is home to a huge selection of tourist attractions and shopping opportunities, and its modern design contrasts with the buildings of different historical periods.
In addition, the spa town of Bad Düben, the residential town of Altenburg, the traditional Zittau and many other places can serve as wonderful destinations.
Holidays in a natural idyll
Region of Upper Lusatia
The region, located on the Zittau Mountains, is particularly known for its impressive pond and lake landscape. The Moscow Heath and the Lusatian Highlands also attract walkers, cyclists and hiking enthusiasts to the area.
Saxon Switzerland
The Elbe Stone Mountains of Saxon Switzerland fascinate with their unique rock formations and picturesque natural scenery. The Malerweg, one of the most attractive hiking routes in the region, and the Bastei are particularly popular with holidaymakers. With its 194-metre-high viewing platform, the gigantic rock offers an indescribable view of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
… and much more
One of the most popular holiday regions is also the Ore Mountains with its idyllic forests, meadows and fields. The Saxon Elbe region between Dresden, Meissen and Torgau and the Vogtland are also always worth a visit. The latter convinces with centuries-old springs, which are said to have healing powers, as well as enchanting hills and river valleys.
Culture and History of Saxony
In addition to the cultural sights already mentioned, Saxony has a lot more to offer.
Castles and palaces
Spread over the entire country, there are a variety of castles and palaces to marvel at. For example, there is the moated castle Klaffenbach, which invites you to travel back in time to the 16th century, the baroque castle Delitzsch with its enchanting garden and the late Gothic Albrechtsburg Meißen.
Music and theatre
In the Gewandhaus in Leipzig and in the Dresden Semperoper you can experience musical masterpieces. If you prefer to see theatre performances, you should plan a visit to the Landesbühnen Sachsen, the Staatsschauspiel Dresden or the Felsenbühne Rathen, a natural stage in Saxon Switzerland.
Dresden Zwinger
If you like to visit museums, you should not miss the Dresden Zwinger. The world-famous Baroque building houses unique museums and exhibitions, including the Mathematical and Physical Salon, in which scientific instruments from different eras are exhibited. The Old Masters Picture Gallery and an international porcelain collection are also part of the Zwinger’s equipment.
Family holiday in Saxony
Saxony is also ideal for family holidays. In addition to the activities described above, the Leipzig Zoological Garden, the Belantis amusement park , which is also located there, and the Monte Mare Neustadt adventure pool are also available. In addition, a ride on Saxony’s historic steam locomotives or a boat trip across the Elbe can also become an adventure for young and old.
Culinary specialties
Perhaps you have already been lucky enough to taste a Dresden Christmas stollen or Pulsnitz gingerbread. During a holiday in Saxony, you can also enjoy the four-layer fairground cake and the Saxon Bäbe, also a type of cake. But even those who prefer it hearty will not miss out in Saxony: Typical hearty dishes are the Dresden Sauerbraten, the Saxon potato soup and the Kamenz sausages. You should also try the Sorbian wedding soup, which is considered a Lusatian speciality and – as its name suggests – is traditionally served at wedding celebrations.
If you want to combine the meal with a typical drink, you can choose one of the Saxon beers or an Erzgebirge herbal liqueur. With the traditional Meissen wines, wine lovers will also get their money’s worth.
All in all, a holiday in Saxony offers a lot of variety and can be an unforgettable experience for solo travellers, couples, families and seniors as well as in every season.
