48 hours in...

Kamenz

Whether it's a church, an art gallery or a concert: culture is writ large in Saxony’s Upper Lusatia region. Thanks to its almost 800-year history, Kamenz enchants its visitors with beautiful museums, religious art treasures and traditional festivals. Literature lovers can follow the traces of the great German writer of the Enlightenment, Gotthold Ephraim Lessing, who was born in Kamenz. And with beautiful scenery and lots of culinary treats to sample on top, your weekend break leaves nothing wanting.

Day 1 in Kamenz: Friday

Welcome to Kamenz! After checking into your accommodation and visiting the local tourist information, you’re off on a tour of the town, followed by some culinary explorations in the evening.

There is no shortage of stylish hotels, cosy B&Bs, large holiday flats or private rooms to rent in Kamenz. After check-in at your chosen accommodation and a quick fresh-up, nothing stands in the way of exploring your holiday destination.

The tourist information at Schulplatz 5, not far from the market square and Lessing Museum, is open seven days a week. Whether it's guided tours, brochures or event tickets, the helpful team can provide you with everything you need for your stay. Should you need free Wi-Fi, you’re also at the right place.

Recharge your batteries for the rest of the day and stop by one of the cafés in the old town, for coffee, cake or some ice cream. Tip: Try the local speciality "Lessing-Törtchen" (Lessing tartlets), a combination of light and dark sponge, filled with vanilla cream and cherry, covered in chocolate and decorated with a picture of Lessing on edible paper.

A leisurely stroll through the old town is the best way of getting to know Kamenz. Walk with a knowledgeable tourist guide or, if you prefer to explore on your own, use a multimedia guide from the tourist office.

Cosy or rustic? Hearty home cooking or refined delicacies? Kamenz offers something for every taste. After dinner, ask for a Jägermeister digestive, which has been produced in Kamenz since 1995 – the semi-bitter herbal liqueur is the icing on the cake of your perfect evening.

Day 2 in Kamenz: Saturday

There is a lot of culture on the agenda today, including museum visits. In between, there’s time to enjoy nature and later, of course, to dine in style.

Interested in learning more about the history of Kamenz? Then head for the Malzhaus, the town’s oldest secular building, which houses a permanent collection and special exhibitions. Right next door is the interactive “Museum der Westlausitz” with seven themed areas that show our environment from a variety of perspectives. Stop by the museum café for a well-deserved break after!

Time to explore the surrounding area of Kamenz: On the 300-metre high Hutberg, just west of the town, park and garden lovers will find a special treat in the shape of a gorgeous park, featuring thousands of rhododendrons and azaleas. From the Lessing Tower at the top of the mountain you can also enjoy spectacular views and the Hutberg restaurant is on site for your lunch break after.

No weekend in Kamenz without a visit to the Lessing Museum: Since 1931, this building has been dedicated to the life and work of the famous German poet Gotthold Ephraim Lessing (1729-1781), who was born and raised in Kamenz.

Tonight, we’d like to invite you to try a local specialty, called "Gamenzer Gnackwärschdl" (don’t worry about trying to pronounce it…). These sausages are traditionally made of beef and pork, seasoned with salt, pepper, caraway and paprika and become a delicacy when sautéed over beech smoke. They taste best with Bautz'ner mustard and homemade potato salad. Delicious!

For some culture after dinner, try a concert on the Hutberg stage (in summer) and check out the town’s event calendar at the tourist office for festivities, sports and music events.

Day 3 in Kamenz: Sunday

On your last day in Kamenz, get ready for great views over town, an exquisite religious art museum and some interesting sights in the surrounding area.

The Red Tower (Roter Turm) opposite St. Mary’s Church is a relic of the old town fortifications. As a watchtower it was once part of a city gate and also served as a prison. Climb up 117 steps to the top of the 32-metre-high historic building and enjoy a wonderful view of Kamenz's old town. You can pick up the key to the tower at the tourist information.

Museum of religious art in St. Anne’s monastery church

St. Anne’s is both a church and religious art museum. Marvel at five intricately carved late Gothic altars and other unique items, including a pair of paintings painted in 1542 by Cranach's student Wolfgang Krodel. More sacred art can be found in the town’s main church, St. Mary’s, and the church of St. Just.

St. Marienstern monastery in Panschwitz-Kuckau

Last but not least and time permitting, there’s more to discover in the surrounding area of Kamenz: About six miles southeast of town, the monastery of St. Marienstern, with its church, monastery courtyard and convent buildings is a worthwhile destination. The beautiful Baroque castle of Rammenau a little further south is another charming option.

48 hours in...

2 pm: Check-In

3 pm: Tourist Information

3.15 pm: Coffee Break

4.15 pm: Guided City Tour

6.30 pm: Dinner

10 am: Museum Visit

12.30 pm: Hutberg

3 pm: Lessing Museum

5.30 pm: Dinner

7 pm: Concerts & Culture

10 am: Red Tower

11 am: St. Anne's Monastery Church

12 pm: Outings in surrounding area

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Saxony is looking forward to welcoming you!