Saxony: World Heritage, Rocks and Culture

Discover Saxony through a wide range of experiences: historic collections, cross-border cultural landscapes, trails through rocky terrain and winter cross-country ski trails. Examples range from a two-hour guided tour in Herrnhut to the 180-kilometre Saxon section of the Elbe Cycle Route. To start planning your trip, consider whether culture, nature or activity should shape your stay.

Culture in Herrnhut and Dresden

The extended guided tour in Herrnhut lasts two hours and includes visits to the church hall, the local history museum and the Gottesacker cemetery. Check booking arrangements and the current schedule before your trip. The local history museum presents the history of the Moravian Church in Herrnhut and features original Biedermeier interiors. This lets you combine the guided tour with a closer look at the town’s history.

The Zwinger in Dresden houses museums belonging to the Dresden State Art Collections, including the Porcelain Collection and the Old Masters Picture Gallery. Performances and concerts are held there under the name “Zwinger Concerts.” If you would like to combine your visit with an event, check the dates before your trip.

World Heritage and cross-border landscapes

The Erzgebirge/Krušnohoří Mining Region is a cross-border UNESCO cultural landscape with 22 component parts between Saxony and the Czech Republic. In the Erzgebirge, you can hike, stroll through mining towns and visit underground treasure chambers. The region thus combines experiences in nature with places and themes connected to mining history.

The 830-hectare Muskau Park is divided by the Neisse River: one part is in Saxony, the other in Poland. The park has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage since 2004. There are ten bridges in the park, which connects Germany and Poland. Another detail to look out for is the café in the castle’s estate courtyard, where homemade Prince Pückler ice cream is served. Check current opening details before your visit.

Moritzburg Castle offers a distinctive landscape setting of its own: it stands symmetrically on an island amid woodlands and ponds. The view of its island setting and surrounding landscape is quite different from the rock formations of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains.

Rocky landscapes and trails for different interests

The Bastei Bridge spans a 194-metre-deep gorge and offers views of the rugged landscape of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. The Malerweg (Painter’s Way) runs across the mountain range: narrow paths and ladders between rock crevices are part of the scenery, alongside large rock formations, dense forests, babbling streams and panoramic views. These specific trail features can help you decide whether this kind of route suits your travel interests; they do not indicate a difficulty rating.

For cycling, the Saxon section of the Elbe Cycle Route runs for 180 kilometres through Saxon Switzerland, Dresden and Meißen. As a winter touring option, the approximately 36-kilometre Erzgebirge/Vogtland ridge trail runs between Johanngeorgenstadt and Schöneck and holds the “Excellent Trail” award. The two routes represent different activities and planning periods. Check current route conditions before cycling; conditions on the ski trail are seasonal.

Plan your stay around your interests

If you are looking for a hotel in Saxony, start by considering what you would like to experience during your stay. Museum visits and concerts offer a different focus from hiking trails, a cycling route or a winter ski trail.

Discover more destinations: Zwickau District, Vogtland, North Saxony, Central Saxony, Meißen, Leipzig District, Görlitz, Erzgebirgskreis, Bautzen District, Saxon Switzerland, Dresden, Chemnitz.

Go to the main travel overview: Germany.