Neustadt in Sachsen between history and nature

The Neustadt valley lies between 300 and 585 metres above sea level and is bordered by the Hohwald and Ungerberg hill ranges. Neustadt in Sachsen is situated between Dresden, Saxon Switzerland National Park and the Upper Lusatian Highlands. In the district of Sächsische Schweiz-Osterzgebirge, Saxon Switzerland National Park is Saxony’s only national park and Germany’s only rocky national park. In Neustadt, there is a range of things to explore, from historic buildings and park walks to seasonal blossoms and cycling.

History in the townscape

Neustadt was first documented as a gold-mining town in 1333; it was founded by miners from Freiberg. In the historic market area, you’ll find the 300-year-old town hall and a bronze fountain commemorating the livestock markets held there over several centuries. A post-distance column dating from 1729 also stands near the town hall.

The Evangelical St. James’s Church has a fully preserved Late Gothic choir dating from the 15th century. The historic vicarage nearby is Neustadt’s oldest building and was the home and workplace of pastor and local historian Wilhelm Leberecht Götzinger. Langburkersdorf Castle adds to the historic attractions: there, you can admire restored painted ceiling elements from the 17th century. Together, the church and castle offer a comparison between the 15th and 17th centuries.

The castle also has an event space for events, concerts and cultural highlights. The former Hofmühle Langburkersdorf watermill has been opened to the public as a historic building. In Polenz, the former servants’ house is used for events; the programme may change.

Park, valley and spring

For a walk, the centrally located Arthur Richter Park offers rare trees, a pond, a fountain and waterfowl. A seasonal nature experience awaits you in the district of Polenz, where flowering spring snowflake meadows are a special feature, and walks through the valley are considered especially appealing in spring. The flowering period varies from year to year. If you’re travelling for this, plan the spring snowflakes as an experience that depends on the year.

Tours and activities

A guided tour of the town centre introduces you to Neustadt’s history, anecdotes and local stories. The free town tour lasts about 1.5 hours and starts in front of the town hall at Markt 1. Check the date and availability before your trip, as the schedule may change.

Neustadt in Sachsen has more than 160 kilometres of developed and signposted cycling routes. Local walking and cycling paths lead directly to the outdoor swimming lake and the Polenz forest pool; car parking is available nearby. The town tour, with its approximate duration, is a clearly defined activity, while the cycle network offers a wider choice for independent rides.

Mariba Freizeitwelt offers a wave pool, a giant slide, whirlpools, water attractions, as well as spa and sauna facilities. This means there are options for a range of interests beyond visits to cultural and historic sites, including cycling, routes to the swimming facilities, and water and sauna experiences.

Discover more destinations: Liebstadt, Dorfhain, Königstein, Bad Gottleuba-Berggießhübel, Heidenau, Dürrröhrsdorf-Dittersbach, Kirnitzschtal, Müglitztal.

Go to the main travel overview: Saxon Switzerland.