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.
„Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So, throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”
Summer in Saxony
Take a look at our top tips to make the most of our region in summer:
Cycle the Elbe Cycle Route along one of Germany's longest rivers and discover historic towns, beautiful castles and one of the smallest wine-growing regions in Germany
Animal sounds, dusky green light, trees growing into the sky – the current display at Panometer Dresden transports visitors straight to the Brazilian rainforest. After several visits to the Amazon region, Berlin artist Yadegar Asisi created a unique 360° panorama, which is scheduled to be on display until the end of 2025. The exhibition is open daily. Tickets can be booked online.
Should summer come with a bit of rain, there’s plenty of culture to choose from. Some highlights are listed here.
Explore Saxony's hiking trails such as the Ore Mountains-Vogtland Ridgeway trail, one of Germany’s most popular hiking routes
Enjoy one of the many outdoor festivals Saxony has to offer in towns and regions
Prisoner of war camp, asylum, hospital: Colditz Castle near Leipzig has a moving history. It was once a magnificent hunting lodge, later a symbol of the desire for freedom. The castle has been empty for years, but its walls harbor centuries of secrets. . Immerse yourself with the “HistoPad“ tablet guide in the era of World War II, when Colditz Castle served as the Oflag IV C prisoner of war camp.
Cool off in one of our beautiful lakes, reservoirs or public pools. Swimming, water sports, boat rides or sunbathing, surrounded by beautiful nature - perfect ingredients for an unforgetable summer day
Autumn time in Saxony
Saxony in autumn is simply beautiful. Nature is turning very colorful and seasonal events like wine festivals celebrate this time of year.
Take a look at our top tips:
The Painters' Way in the Elbe Sandstone Mountains - belongs not only to the most popular hiking trails in Germany but is also unrivalled for breathtaking views.
Explore the Saxon Wine Route in the Elbe valley. Along one of Germany's longest rivers you can discover historic towns, beautiful castles and one of the smallest wine-growing regions in Germany - tasting included.
The Zittau Mountains are a beautiful small mountain area in South-East Saxony, 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 and enjoy the coloring of the leaves.
Sleep in an iconic Bauhaus building, in a castle park, tree houses, an art project or sea containers – there are plenty of unique overnight stay options in Saxony to discover. Here’s a round-up of some of our favourites.
Should autumn come with a bit of rain, there’s plenty of culture to choose from. Some highlights are listed here.
Plan a short trip into our beautiful small towns: historic, romantic, fascinating, each with their own character - and easily to connect by car or public transport.
![Bautzen: Ortenburg Castle Ein Paar macht Pause bei einer Wanderung durch Bautzen. Von ihrem Felsen aus haben sie einen guten Blick auf die Ortenburg in Bautzen.](https://visitsaxony.com/fileadmin/_processed_/b/a/csm_Bautzen_Rundwanderung_Ortenburgblick_Foto_12_Philipp_Herfort_265b1554e4.jpg)
Our highlights in Saxony´s holiday regions
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