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!
2024: 250th anniversary of Caspar David Friedrich
Caspar David Friedrich (1774-1840) spent most of his life in Dresden. He travelled extensively in Saxony, preparing sketches and watercolours in his Dresden studio that became masterpieces. In total, he created 150 paintings. Always out and about on foot, he was a kind of early "slow traveller", with a keen eye for nature that his imagination translated into great works of art. Often misunderstood during his lifetime, Caspar David Friedrich is today regarded as the most important German painter of the Romantic period. His most famous painting is probably "Wanderer above the Sea of Fog" (Der Wanderer über dem Nebelmeer), which was inspired by the wildly romantic landscape of Saxon Switzerland. Saxony will host two big exhibitions starting in August in Dresden but it is definitely worthwile to explore Saxony on his tracks all year!
Chemnitz European Capital of Culture 2025
Once the richest city in Germany, then for decades not really making an appearance and only remembered by many as the "former Karl Marx City" - Chemnitz has set out to represent Germany as the "European Capital of Culture" in 2025. In the Capital of Culture 2025, undiscovered places will be brought to life and the invisible made visible in projects in line with the motto "C the Unseen". The focus will be on Europe's movers and shakers, weaving the thread of history into the future. Around 100 projects and around 1,000 events are planned for 2025. The good news: Visitors don't have to wait until 2025 to explore the undiscovered in Chemnitz and the Cultural Region.
Autumn time in Saxony
Saxony in autumn is simply beautiful. Nature is turning very colourful and seasonal events like wine festivals celebrate this time of the year.
Take a look at our top outdoor tips:
Follow the path of Caspar David Friedrich along the Painters' Way, which is winding through the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. Breathtaking nature makes it a popular hiking trail. Look forward to some amazing panoramic views. You can hike the 116 km long trail in single stages according to your timetable. Hotels and B&Bs around the trail offer plenty of overnight facilities. The starting point Pirna is only a 20 minute train ride from Dresden.
Explore the Saxon Wine Route in the Elbe valley. Discover historic towns, beautiful castles and one of the smallest wine-growing regions in Germany. The route passes plenty of wineries between Meissen and Pirna which are open for tastings. While the last grapes are being harvested try the first wine: “Federweisse”- a wine that hasn’t finished fermentation yet.
The Zittau Mountains are another location that inspired Caspar David Friedrich. This beautiful small mountain area in South-East Saxony with its magical castle in Oybin is located directly on the borders to Poland and the Czech Republic. Discover romantic hiking trails, scenic villages or take a ride with the lovely narrow-gauge railway starting from Zittau Station. Zittau can be reached directly by train from Dresden in approximately 1.5 hours.
Enjoy the Wine Festivals along the Saxon Wine Route. During September there are numerous Wine Festivals to celebrate the season. The biggest festivals can be found in Meissen and in Radebeul- unfortunately during the same weekend. However, a good reason to visit both towns, which are just a short train ride from Dresden.
Not long to go and it’s Christmas time again. A perfect reason to visit Saxony - the magical Christmas Wonderland - to get into the festive spirit. Come and join us at the oldest Christmas market for some mulled wine and other Christmas delights.
Autumn time in Saxony
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.
Beat the blues by indulging yourself. Numerous restaurants from regional to high end cuisine are available and waiting for you. Discover the taste of Saxony by for example trying a piece of "Dresdner Eierschecke". And why not try a little wine tasting. The wine growing estate "Wackerbarth Castle" in Radebeul just outside Dresden can easily be reached by tram and is open for visitors daily.
Music is the voice of the soul and lightens you up when days are getting darker. Check out the upcoming music events and highlights in Saxony, especially Dresden and Leipzig. The two cities are known for having inspired world-renowned musicians. Hence classical highlights and music festivals can be found all year around. Check out our events page.
Our highlights in Saxony´s holiday regions
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