Welcome to Saxony

Discover a German region like no other

Saxony is a place where 1,000 years of cultural history meet scenic beauty. Discover top-class art and culture, world-famous traditional handicraft and a unique musical landscape. The region's historic towns and cities are charming destinations full of character and stunning castles, palaces and gardens delight with their splendour and beauty. Saxony is also home to historical steam trains and has a long and fascinating history of automobile manufacturing which makes for special visitor experiences. 

For travellers looking to relax, unwind and support their well-being, Saxony's famous health and spa resorts offer high-quality wellness and health holidays, and the region's varied nature provides ample grounds for active breaks and fun-filled family holidays. Saxony also features a wide range of accessible travel options. In other words: #VisitSaxony!

 

Celebrating a Hiking Legend

20 Years of the Painters’ Way

In 2026, the Painters’ Way — one of Germany’s most beloved long-distance hiking trails — celebrates its 20th anniversary. This 116-kilometre route through the breathtaking Elbe Sandstone Mountains of Saxon Switzerland has become a must-visit for walkers from around the world.

Born from historic paths once wandered by romantic painters and poets like Caspar David Friedrich, the Painters’ Way invites hikers to follow in the footsteps of artists who were captivated by this dramatic landscape of deep gorges, towering sandstone rocks and panoramic views.

For lovers of nature, culture and active travel, the 20 years of the Painters’ Way is not just a milestone — it’s an invitation to discover (or rediscover) the trail’s magic in every season.

Discover a World of Ice and Wonder

Antarctica at the Panometer Leipzig

Discover the frozen beauty of the far south without leaving Germany at ANTARCTICA, the spectacular new 360° panorama by artist Yadegar Asisi at the Panometer Leipzig. This immersive exhibition transports visitors to the heart of Antarctica, surrounding them with towering icebergs, vast glaciers and captivating wildlife in a monumental circular artwork.

Complemented by an informative exhibition on Antarctic research, climate and nature, ANTARCTICA blends art and science into an inspiring experience for all ages. A must-see highlight for visitors to Leipzig, it offers a rare and powerful glimpse into one of the world’s most remote and fragile regions.

© Andreas Franke

Embrace the magic of winter in Saxony! Cross-country skiing and romantic winter hikes, cultural highlights and soothing spa retreats are waiting for you.

These routes are made for walking...

Step into nature and explore Saxony’s stunning hiking trails, where breathtaking views have inspired artists for centuries. Whether you prefer leisurely strolls or more challenging hikes, even during the cold season there’s a perfect route for you. Discover scenic paths in Saxon Switzerland, the Ore Mountains, and the Zittau Mountains—all just a stone’s throw from the cities.

Top Tip: Try something different! Grab a Sachsenticket for just €33 (train ticket for up to 5 adults valid for one day) and hop on a train from Dresden, Leipzig, or Chemnitz. In just 1.5 hours or less, you’ll find yourself strolling through one of Saxony’s 14 romantic towns—perfect for a scenic day trip!

Our tips for unsettled days 

  • Wellness and Spa days are the best treat when the weather is getting wet and chilly. Saxony offers you a variety of options.  From certified thermal springs and health spas to Spa Hotels in Saxony's towns and cities, luxury Spa resorts in Upper Lusatia and an Eco village retreat with Spa in Saxon Switzerland- the opportunities will warm the Spa lovers heart.

  • A great season to fall into an art frenzy. Visit the current Caspar David Friedrich exhibitions or the Dresden State Art Collections. Lovers of contemporary art will find plenty galleries at "Alte Spinnerei" in Leipzig where once Europe largest Cotton Mill was turned into Art Studios. Find your art digest here.

  • Whether rain or shine, Saxony is a treat for music lovers. From enchanting classical concerts in the evenings to lively daytime performances and vibrant festivals, the region offers a rich variety of musical experiences to lift your spirits and make every day unforgettable. Check out our events page for some highlights.

  • Embark on an interactive adventure through Saxony’s enchanting castles like Moritzburg Castle, Albrechtsburg Castle and Colditz Castle. With the HistoPad, explore centuries of history through augmented reality, 3D animations, and immersive sound. Enjoy treasure hunts, historical selfies, and guided tours via an interactive map—bringing the past vividly to life. Take advantage of the “SchloesserlandCARD” which gives you great discounts on numerous attractions.

Our highlights

Cities and towns

© Tomy Heyduck

Castles and palaces

© Franco Cogoli

10 good reasons for a trip to Saxony! 

© DZT Francesco Carovillano

UNESCO World Heritage

© Dirk Rueckschloss

Nature and activities

© Philipp Herfort Photography

Typical Saxon

© Meissen

Our highlights in Saxony´s holiday regions

Upper Lusatia

  • Baroque Castle Rammenau
  • Zittauer Lenten cloths
  • UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Upper Lusatia Heath and Pond Landscape
  • Narrow-gauge railways Zittau and Bad Muskau
  • Dinosaur park in Bautzen
  • Christmas stars show workshop in Herrnhut
  • Zoo in Görlitz
  • Elementarium museum Kamenz
  • "Stone zoo” in the Zittau mountains
  • Water and leisure park “Trixi” in Großschönau
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Dresden

  • Semper Opera and Saxon State Orchestra
  • Dresden Residential Palace
  • Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady)
  • 14 museums of the State Art Collections of Dresden
  • Grand Garden with park railway
  • German Hygiene Museum 
  • Transport Museum
  • City tours
  • ZwingerXperience and FortressXperience multimedia time travel
  • Rides on historic steamboats
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Vogtland

  • World’s largest brick-built bridge Göltzschtalbrücke
  • Poehl dam lake - water sports and recreation
  • Musical instrument Museum in Markneukirchen
  • Musicon Valley - Europe`s center of musical instrument manufacturing
  • Dragon Cave in Syrau
  • Leisure Park Plohn
  • One of Germany’s largest falconries in Plauen
  • Plauen Lace Museum
  • German Space Travel Exhibition in Muldenhammer
  • "Vogtland Arena" ski jump arena in Klingenthal
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Dresden Elbland

  • Albrechtsburg Castle in Meissen
  • Show workshop at MEISSEN porcelain manufactory
  • Moritzburg Castle
  • Karl May Museum in Radebeul
  • Saxon Wine Route
  • Wackerbarth Castle in Radebeul
  • Winery Hoflößnitz in Radebeul
  • Hartenfels Castle in Torgau
  • Narrow-gauge railways
  • Elbe Cycle Trail
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Saxon Switzerland

  • National park with view from Bastei rock
  • Malerweg Hiking Trail
  • Kirnitzschtal tramway
  • Cycling along the Elbe between Schmilka and Pirna  
  • Königstein Fortress
  • National Park Centre in Bad Schandau
  • World of Railways in Rathen
  • Richard Wagner Sites in Graupa
  • Kneipp spa Bad Schandau
  • Rafting on the Elbe
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Leipzig Region

  • White water rafting in Markkleeberg canoe park
  • Kriebstein Castle
  • Colditz Castle
  • Rochlitz Castle
  • Leipzig New Lakeland recreation area with water sports
  • Luther Trail
  • Monastery Church Grimma
  • Mildenstein Castle in Leisnig
  • HEIDE SPA Hotel & Resort in Bad Düben
  • Spa and leisure swimming pool RIFF Bad Lausick
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Ore Mountains

  • UNESCO World Heritage Site Ore Mountains/Krušnohoří Mining Region
  • Ore Mountains wooden arts and crafts
  • Christmas traditions
  • Cathedral and “terra mineralia” exhibition in Freiberg
  • Manufaktur der Träume (Manufactory of Dreams) in Annaberg-Buchholz
  • Thermal baths Wiesenbad and Warmbad
  • König-Albert-Turm Lookout Tower in Grünhain-Beierfeld
  • World of Wendt & Kühn in Grünhainichen
  • Fichtelberg Schwebebahn – Suspended Railway in Oberwiesenthal
  • Mountain biking at Stoneman and BLOCKLINE Trails
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Chemnitz-Zwickau

  • Chemnitz Art Collections
  • Villa Esche Chemnitz at the European Henry van de Velde Route
  • Saxon Museum of Industry Chemnitz
  • Smac Museum for Archaeology Chemnitz
  • Wasserschloß Klaffenbach - Moated Castle Klaffenbach
  • August Horch Museum in Zwickau
  • Schumann House in Zwickau
  • Augustusburg Castle with motorbike museum
  • Sachsenring racing circuit Hohenstein-Ernstthal
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Leipzig

  • Bach Museum
  • St. Thomas Church and St. Thomas Boys' Choir
  • St. Nicholas Church - Peaceful Revolution
  • Leipzig Music Trail
  • Leipzig Zoo
  • Old Town Hall and Municipal Museum of Leipzig
  • Auerbachs Keller restaurant
  • BELANTIS theme park
  • GRASSI Museum for Applied Arts
  • Monument to the Battle of the Nations
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#Visitsaxony

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