Sights in Saxony
The Free State of Saxony is one of the most beautiful and diverse regions in Germany. Varied cultural offers let nature lovers as well as city travelers get their money's worth.
In some parts of the state, flourishing water landscapes have been created in recent decades from the formerly unsightly open pit craters. Thus, numerous lakes and waterways within the Lusatian and Leipzig Lake Land invite you to water sports and swimming adventures.
Well-developed hiking and biking trails lead everywhere between the Ore Mountains and Saxon Switzerland, Upper Lusatia and Vogtland to natural monuments, castles and palaces worth seeing.
The Saxon Switzerland National Park, between Bad Schandau and Sebnitz, is best tackled from the Kirnitzsch Valley. Bizarre sandstone formations dominate this unique landscape and create a mystical ambience full of sagas and legends. The imposing Bastei Bridge and the rock gate "Kuhstall" are a must-see. Also the fortress Königsstein and the castle Stolpen are worth a visit at any time of the year.
Especially around Christmas time, the Ore Mountains unfold their very special charm. Medieval Christmas markets and snow-covered forests invite you to linger. Skiers are also welcome and will find a variety of opportunities to thoroughly let off steam on cross-country trails and downhill runs around the Fichtelberg.
For the wine connoisseur, Germany's smallest wine-growing region Diesbar-Seußlitz is to be recommended. In late summer, the viewer is offered a magnificent view from the hills surrounding the cathedral city of Meissen down to the Elbe and the sunny vineyards on the outskirts of the city. Visitors may also have some time to marvel at the widely known Meissen porcelain in the city's own manufactory or the nearby Moritzburg Castle. It will certainly look familiar to some, as it served as a film set for the Christmas classic "Three Hazelnuts for Cinderella".
Saxony's major cities are also worth a visit. First and foremost the state capital Dresden. A walk through the old town inspires awe. While everything here was in ruins just a few years ago as a result of the world wars, the city now shines in new splendor. The Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady), the landmark of this extensive reconstruction effort, as well as the Zwinger, the Semper Opera House and the Green Vault, attract visitors from all over the world to the city on the Elbe.
Like Leipzig and Chemnitz, Dresden has a thriving young and creative scene and attracts visitors with modern art and a colorful nightlife. Leipzig is also very attractive for families. The trade fair brings thousands of visitors to the city every year and the Leipzig Zoo is considered one of the most species-rich zoos in Europe.