A short Intro to Saxony in Germany with the most important Cities and Regions.

Saxony is a “Bundesland” located in the East of Germany, and was a former member of the GDR. It’s a region known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and scenic landscapes. The most important cities in Saxony are Dresden, Leipzig and Chemnitz. Saxony borders both the Czech Republic and Poland. Saxony has a rich musical heritage too with famous composers like Bach, Wagner, and Mendelssohn having strong ties to the region.

Largest Cities in Saxony

Dresden and Frauenkirche at Night

Dresden

Dresden is the capital of Saxony and known as the “Florence on the Elbe” due to its stunning architecture. Highlights include the Zwinger Palace, Frauenkirche, Semper Opera House, and the Dresden Castle. Dresden is also home to numerous museums and galleries, including the famous Green Vault. The historic center of Dresden is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlighting its cultural significance.

Moritzburg Castle is a Baroque palace near Dresden surrounded by a beautiful lake. It is famous for its scenic setting and as a location in various films, including the fairytale film “Three Wishes for Cinderella.”

Leipzig

Leipzig is a vibrant modern city with a rich cultural and musical history. Known for its classical music scene, Leipzig is associated with Johann Sebastian Bach and is home to the St. Thomas Church where he worked. The city hosts the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra and theatre. The Inner City is a treat for shopping enthusiasts. There are also several large shopping malls within the city centre and especially “Höfe am Brühl” near not far from the Railway Station and the “Promenaden” in the Central Railway station itself are worth visiting.

Leipzig, with its famous Book Fair, has a strong literary tradition. The city has been associated with influential figures like Goethe and Schiller. Leipzig is also renowned for its musical history and hosts the annual Leipzig Bach Festival.

Leipzig Fountain and Opera near University

Chemnitz

Chemnitz, formerly known as Karl-Marx-Stadt, has a mix of historic and modern architecture and is the culture capital of Europe in 2025. The Chemnitz Opera and the Chemnitz Art Collections are notable cultural attractions. The city centre isn’t large but very attractive.

Meissen

Meissen Centre

Meissen, not far from Leipzig, is a lovely town and best known for its stunning Porcelain at the Meissen Porcelain Factory, the oldest porcelain manufacturer in Europe. The Albrechtsburg Castle and Meissen Cathedral are significant landmarks. The picturesque town centre is perfect for a stroll.

Görlitz

Görlitz is located on the border with Poland, Görlitz is a well-preserved medieval town with a stunning historic old town. It has been a popular filming location for movies due to its authentic architecture.

Bautzen

Bautzen is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, Bautzen is a historic town with narrow cobblestone streets. The Bautzen Memorial Museum provides insights into the region’s history. And Bautzen is also famous for its Mustard. Bautzener Senf is great and well known throughout the region.

Important Regions in Saxony

Erzgebirge (Ore Mountains)

Erzgebirge (Ore Mountains) are a mountain range on the border between Saxony and the Czech Republic, known for its mining history and traditional wooden crafts. The Erzgebirge is famous for its Christmas markets and traditions, including wooden nutcrackers and pyramids as well as miner parades in the run up to Christmas such as the one in Annaberg-Buchholz. Seiffen is the main town for the traditional wooden Christmas decorations.

Saxon Switzerland

Saxon Switzerland (Sächsische Schweiz) is a stunning national park known for its unique sandstone formations, deep gorges, and the Elbe River. Popular for outdoor activities such as hiking, rock climbing, and boat trips along the Elbe.

Bastion Saxon Switzerland

Vogtland

Vogtland can be found in the southwestern part of Saxony, Vogtland is known for its scenic hills, forests, and traditional crafts. This region is famous for its musical instrument manufacturing, especially for producing high-quality musical instruments like the accordion and brass instruments.

Oberlausitz

Oberlausitz (Upper Lusatia) is a historical region known for its picturesque landscapes, charming villages, and rich folk traditions. Bautzen is the main town in Oberlausitz and is known for its medieval architecture and Sorbian culture.