SAXONY: A TOP GERMAN SUMMER DESTINATION

Summer 2021 might well be the perfect time to enjoy the hospitality of Saxony. The region offers all elements of a dream destination: from exceptional historical sites to preserved landscapes and thrilling outdoor experiences.

As soon as travel restrictions are lifted, why not discover one of Germany’s most exciting and diverse regions? Over the past months, Saxony Tourism (TMGS) has been preparing to be “the perfect host”, underlined by its recent commitment as ITB Berlin NOW 2021’s Official Culture Destination. 

Indeed, hardly any other holiday region offers such diversity. Whether it’s a cultural trip, an active holiday or just a peaceful time to regenerate – Saxony has it all. Those interested in culture and history are just as well-served as hiking enthusiasts, passionate cyclists and people looking for a more spiritual retreat.

Dresden, Leipzig, Chemnitz – three cultural urban destinations to explore

Saxony’s three largest cities are cultural gems and located in fairly close proximity to each other. Dresden is the crown jewel of them. Whether it’s Augustus the Strong’s Residential Palace with the priceless treasures of the Historic Green Vault, the Old Masters Picture Gallery in the Zwinger, the Brühl Terrace or the historic city centre with the Church of Our Lady, Dresden offers many dazzling experiences. The city’s unique panorama can be enjoyed by taking a trip on the world’s oldest paddle steamer fleet or along the Elbe cycle route. 

Leipzig is a traditional city of music and is associated with famous names such as Johann Sebastian Bach, Felix Mendelssohn, Bartholdy, as well as Richard Wagner. Their works are performed in the Gewandhaus, the world’s oldest civic concert hall, in St Thomas Church and in the opera house. Over the years, Leipzig has also developed a vibrant art scene, where alternative and traditional lifestyle meld together.

Chemnitz combines a unique industrial heritage with cutting-edge art venues and an extraordinary museum landscape. And it’s of course worth noting that the city will be Europe’s Capital of Culture 2025.

Meissen, Bautzen, Görlitz and historical castles: small and beautiful

Saxony offers a string of smaller but exquisite towns. Starting with Görlitz – a beautiful town that offers a unique historical backdrop of around 4,000 historical buildings, followed by Zittau as the town of lenten cloths, Bautzen – the town of 1,000 towers and Freiberg – with the “terra mineralia” museum, one of the world’s largest mineral collections. 

It is also worth visiting Meissen, not only as the home of the famed porcelain, but also for the wonderful panorama dominated by its castle. Saxony’s towns are a perfect way to discover palaces and castles, such as Moritzburg Castle, which is not far from Dresden.

When nature rhymes with adventure

Saxony is also an ideal nature and sports destination. The region has four low mountain ranges as well as charming rivers, ponds and landscapes. The scenery is perfect for hiking, cycling and mountain biking, but also swimming and other water sport activities.

For the more athletic, there are great routes for extended bike tours such as the Elbe Cycle Route, Germany’s most popular cycle path, the Oder-Neisse Cycle Route, or the Spree Cycle Route. 

Saxony also offers exciting bike challenges for those seeking a bit more adrenaline. Two countries, nine summits and 4,400 metres altitude difference on 162 kilometres – the “Stoneman Miriquidi” is a unique mountain biking adventure in Germany. In the Upper Lusatian Mountains, one should not miss the thrilling XTERRA MTB.

Holiday for the soul

Saxony also invites visitors to find a soulful relaxation. This can be found along the Via Regia and the Via Sacra, in the Cistercian monasteries of St Marienthal in Panschwitz-Kuckau and St Marienstern in Ostritz, in the sacral museum in Kamenz and the cathedral treasury of Görlitz.

More information for travel trade and media can also be found in the recently compiled ITB Berlin News Regional Spotlight on Saxony, as well as on SaxonyTravelDreams.com