Saxony is a fascinating state in Germany’s east. It played a significant role in shaping the country’s cultural landscape over the last millennium. Explore charming cobbled streets lined with theaters, galleries, medieval relics and esteemed music venues. Explore the rolling countryside where castles overlook rugged mountains, canyons and forests of protected parks. Shouldering the Czech Republic, Poland and the German state of Bavaria, Saxony is a region of magical scenery that appears to have changed little since the Middle Ages.
The state’s capital, Dresden, rebuilt itself from the rubble of World War II and has maintained its world renown for opera and classical music. Check out its magnificent Frauenkirche and tour its palaces and art museums. Visit the city’s Semperoper (Semper Opera House) or check out Leipzig’s Gewandhaus to experience the richness of Saxony’s musical tradition. Saxony espoused the significant works of Bach and Wagner, and was also the home of Goethe, Canaletto and Luther.
Visit the town of Meissen in the magical Elbe Valley to explore scenic bicycle touring routes and sample some of the region’s excellent wines. Goerlitz and Zwickau are idyllic towns that feature preserved streetscapes of medieval architecture. See historic castles in the beautiful towns of Freiberg, Chemnitz, Colditz and Bautzen.
Take photos of some of Germany’s most pristine forest scenery in Sächsische Schweiz, a national park so named for its resemblance to the mountains of Switzerland. This breathtaking region is interspersed with hiking trails, staggering canyons and ancient forests. See its sandstone pinnacles and wander in the fragrant beech forests. Go hiking or cycling amid the lakeside beauty of Bad Schandau. In winter, be sure to visit the ski resort towns of Annaberg-Buchholz and Oberwiesenthal.
Reach Saxony by flying into Dresden’s international airport or catching one of the fast and efficient intercity trains. Leipzig is under 90 minutes’ from Berlin by train. Travel around the state by rail or bus or rent a car to reach the mountainous regions of the south. In summer, experience the state’s beautiful greenery or discover the magic of its traditional Christmas markets and snow-dusted church spires in winter.