Welcome to Saxony

Where Germany’s cultural heart meets nature’s masterpiece

State of the arts

Discover a German region like no other

Welcome to Saxony, where a thousand years of cultural heritage meet breathtaking natural beauty. Tailored for discerning travellers, our region offers an exquisite blend of artistic brilliance, historic elegance, and warm hospitality. Discover the architectural splendour of Dresden, the vibrant musical legacy of Leipzig, and medieval towns steeped in character. Beyond the cities, magnificent palaces, grand castles, and pristine gardens offer a captivating glimpse into Europe’s regal past, while centuries-old artisan traditions continue to thrive in our historic workshops. 

Whether you wish to marvel at world-class opera, unwind in premier health and spa resorts, or gently explore the dramatic landscapes of the Elbe Valley, Saxony promises an enriching, sophisticated, and deeply memorable journey.

In other words: #VisitSaxony!

© Rainer Weisflog

Browse the Merian Scout travel magazine

Discover Saxony with the free to download Merian Scout – a travel magazine featuring 200 locations and destinations! Uncover the charm of vibrant cities like Dresden and Leipzig, alongside stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, delicious cuisine, and unique traditions.

Saxony's 2026 must-sees

© DDPix / Marcel Patrick Quietzsch
Dresden Brühlsche Terrasse
© pixdd
Malerweg - Wanderweg in der Sächsischen Schweiz, Blick auf die Schrammsteine
© Sebastian Rose
  • After extensive restoration, the magnificent Dresden Zwinger is once more fully accessible. This iconic Baroque ensemble, with its pavilions adorned by sculptures by Balthasar Permoser, frames one of Europe’s most beautiful ceremonial courtyards. Explore the treasures within its walls, like the world-renowned Porcelain Collection and the Old Masters Picture Gallery. Immersive yourself in the opulent court festivities that are brought to life in the “ZwingerXperience”. 

  • The reopening of Dresden Zwinger coincides with the completion of key state rooms in the nearby Royal Palace Dresden. The Great Ballroom and Propositionssaal council chamber now shine again, forming the backdrop for the new permanent exhibition “Masks and Crowns”, dedicated to the ceremonial culture of the Saxon court. The restored palace chapel completes this remarkable chapter in Dresden’s architectural renaissance, inviting you to experience Dresden's Baroque splendour.

  • Explore Leipzig on water and gain fascinating new perspectives. From kayaking to gliding along in a Venetian gondola, the recent opening of the new harbour close to the city centre expands boating opportunities across Leipzig’s extensive network of 250 miles of waterways, while the nearby Leipzig New Lakeland offers vast lakes formed from former open-cast mines. It is the perfect place to relax and unwind during a city break.

  • The Saxon Paddle Steamer Company is the world’s oldest and largest paddle steamer fleet, celebrating its 190th anniversary in 2026. Its flagship “Dresden” turns 100, joined by even older vessels such as the “Pillnitz” (140 years) and “Kurort Rathen” (130 years). Alongside the yearly steamer parade on 1 May, 2026 will see another parade on 3 October to mark the anniversary, with many special ride offers transforming the Elbe River into a stage for celebrating a unique industrial heritage.

  • Coinciding with the start of the hiking season 2026, a new cross-border “Friendship Trail” now links Germany with its neighbour Czechia. The 25-mile figure-of-eight route runs through a tranquil part of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains, largely within the Saxon Switzerland National Park and its Czech counterpart, Bohemian Switzerland National Park, celebrating Europe’s oldest border as a place of connection and shared natural heritage. Lace up your walking shoes and enjoy breathtaking views and the natural beauty of the region along the "Friendship Trail".

  • Discover the frozen beauty of the far south in 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 all Leipzig visitors! 

  • 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 highlights.

Join Europe's largest hiking festival

EURORANDO 2026

The EURORANDO hiking festival (20 to 27 Sep 2026) is the largest festival of its kind in Europe and brings thousands of guests from many nations to the cross-border UNESCO World Heritage "Erzgebirge/Krušnohoří Mining Region". A week of guided walks for every taste and ambition, independent explorations, and encounters celebrates nature, history, and European friendship in a landscape shaped by centuries of mining.

Enjoy the outdoors while you can

Top autumn activities in Saxony

Discover a paradise for wine lovers

Saxony´s scenic wine route

Journey through the picturesque Elbe Valley along Saxony’s stunning wine route, where steep vineyard terraces, rare grape varieties, and centuries-old winemaking traditions create an unforgettable experience. Radebeul and Meissen, just minutes by train from Dresden, take centre stage. Spanning 35 miles, this scenic route is ideal for wine hikes, cycling adventures, and relaxed tastings at picturesque wineries and cosy wine bars.

  • Top tip
    The Open Vineyards Weekend (annually on the last August weekend) offers exclusive behind-the-scenes access, while the lively wine festivals in Meissen and Radebeul (18 to 20 Sep 2026) promise a true taste of Saxony’s winemaking heritage!

Sächsischer Weinwanderweg, Weingenuss
© Dresden Marketing GmbH

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 Mountainsall just a stone’s throw away 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 13 romantic towns – perfect for a scenic day trip!

Things to see and do when it's getting colder

  • Wellness and spa days are the best treat when the days are 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 in Saxon Switzerland – the opportunities will warm any spa lovers heart.

  • Leave the bad weather outside and explore the current exhibitions in the varied museums of the Dresden State Art Collections. Lovers of contemporary art will find plenty galleries at "Alte Spinnerei" in Leipzig where what was once Europe's largest cotton mill was turned into artist studios and workshops. Find all about art and museums in Saxony here.

  • Exploring Saxony's cultural landscape with kids and looking for memorable experiences? Then we have just the treat for you. Dive into the history of the Saxon automobile construction at the August Horch Museum in Zwickau and watch over 100 years of automotive engineering come to life. Have fun learning about the human body at the Deutsches Hygiene-Museum Dresden or discover the fascinating precision that goes in to the Saxon art of watchmaking at the German Watch Museum Glashütte.

  • Embark on an interactive adventure through Saxony’s enchanting castles inclduing Moritzburg Castle, Albrechtsburg Castle and Colditz Castle: with the HistoPad, you can 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.

Ein Mann und eine Frau liegen auf einer der Liegen im Elldus Resort Oberwiesenthal. Im Hintergrund kann man die Landschaft vom Erzgebirge sehen.
© Katja Fouad Vollmer
© Dorit Günter

Saxony facts and figures

  • Cities: Dresden (capital), Leipzig, Chemnitz

  • Regions: Chemnitz.Zwickau.Region, Dresden Elbland, Leipzig Region, Ore Mountains, Saxon Switzerland, Upper Lusatia, Vogtland

  • Neighbouring countries/regions: Poland, the Czech Republic, Bavaria, Thuringia, Saxony-Anhalt, Brandenburg

  • Greatest distance: 180 km from north to south, 200 km from east to west

  • Highest point: Fichtelberg mountain in the Ore Mountains, standing at 1,215 metres above sea level

  • Highest town: Oberwiesenthal, located at the foot of the Fichtelberg, is Germany's highest town.

  • Major river: Elbe River, which flows from the Czech Republic into Saxony through Saxon Switzerland National Park.

  • Climate and travel period: variable transitional climate between Atlantic and continental influences, making it a year-round destination with the ideal travel window spanning from April to October.

© Giulio Groebert

#visitsaxony

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