Top 5 Must Do's in Saxony

Castle Tours

Castles are prominent in Saxony and are a definite must do. Colditz castle was built during the renaissance and wasn’t notable until after 31 Allied Officers (French, Dutch, and British) escaped as it was being used as a maximum security prison. There is a museum dedicated to the escape in the old guardhouse. In Kriebstein there is a beautiful Gothic castle with a beautiful interior. Kunz von Kaufungen was the lord of this castle and he abducted the sons of Frederick II, Elector of Saxony and was executed. In Dresden there is the royal residence plus three other castles including Albrechtsberg, a cultural center; The Schloss Eckberg, now a hotel; and Pillnitz Castle, an arts and crafts museum. 

Mineral Springs and Spas

Spas are prevalent in Saxony and have been there for many years. There are mineral springs and many specialize in sports and leisure activities. Bad Elster has been in service for 150 years and calls its mineral springs the “water of life”. The staff will apply what ever method they believe you need in order to rejuvenate your body. Bad Brambauch is in the Bad Elster Mountains and the buildings are beautiful. There are six mineral wells that contain radon which applied under medical supervision can activate cell metabolism. This can cause regeneration of diseased organs.

Gallery of Old Masters

In Dresden you will find the Gemaldegalerie Alte Meister or Gallery of Old Masters. This is an art museum where several very important paintings hang. One is the Sistine Madonna by Raphael 1512-1514. The painting depicts the Virgin, Child and saints Sixtus and Barbara. It is a very popular painting and you can’t miss seeing it if you are in the area.

Museum in der Runden Ecke

Leipzig is the home of Museum in der Runden Ecke. This was the headquarters for the Stasi during the Hitler era and now displays how these operatives worked. It is fascinating to see the amazing amount of secrecy and deceit that occurred during that era. 

Christmas Markets

There are Christmas Markets (Steiezelmarkt) all over Saxony but the first was in Dresden in the 15th century. If you are in town the end of November and all through December you must see all the Christmas Crafts and foods including Stollen, bread stuffed with fruits and marzipan. There are 250 stalls with nutcrackers, wooden carvings, gifts, and food. 

Saxony has much to offer including the above sites and will provide you with a good idea of German heritage.