Zwickau

Restored to its former glory with a stepped gable, this former merchant's house is now used to hold civil marriage ceremonies.

Another Gothic church, which was completed in the 15th century.

The former ducal residence was rescued and restored from a complete ruin in 2004-2008.

A granary from 1480.

The gunpowder tower and a small bit of the city wall are all that remain of the formerly magnificent medieval fortifications of Zwickau. Dwarfed by the prefab blocks behind it, the Pulverturm is now a pretty surreal sight.

A pedestrian bridge from 1900 with restrained yet elegant decoration.

The chapel with vaulted ceilings is the only remaining part of the once expansive Cistercian convent.

An impressive, eclectic building from 1876

The museum in the former Audi factory in the north of Zwickau is devoted to the history of the factory and the Saxon automotive industry in general, and in particular the brands of the former Auto Union (Audi, DKW, Horch, Wanderer), and the post-war Sachsenring and Trabant vehicles, with a small section devoted to the recent Volkswagens manufactured in Zwickau. Over 3,000 m², it houses a fantastic collection of cars manufactured there and in the related former Auto Union factories in Saxony, as well as prototypes, full of unique models such as the Sachsenring P240 Repräsentant. The collection is presented in a very attractive way, each car set against a reconstruction of a historic backdrop, with much space around to view it from almost every angle. There is plentiful information pertaining to each car displayed, and general information related to the development of the particular companies, the automotive industry in general and in Saxony in particular, as well as automobile technology, with many interesting exhibits. Most of the information is in German only. An audiodguide in either German or English may be rented at the reception at an extra charge of €2.50. Guided tours are available upon appointment for €30.00 per group of up to 12 persons (every next person + €2.50).

As in other European cities, new use for the large round building used as a gas storage for the city had to be found once gas delivery methods changed. Today, it houses a cultural centre

The artificial pond was built by two local businessmen in the 19th century, and today the pond and the surrounding park are municipal property. It is called "the swan pond", and swans, the coat-of-arms animal of Zwickau, are indeed to be found there

This quarter is full of interesting late 19th-century residential buildings. Stroll down Leipziger Straße or take any of the side streets and enjoy.

An old wooden bridge from the 16th century.

A gazebo on the right bank of Zwickauer Mulde

The very decorative former hospital now houses a mini retail centre.

A lushly decorated neogothic church from the 1890s.

A Jugendstil (art nouveau) church from the early 1900s.

Tours of the assembly plant which builds Golfs and Passats are available in groups from 10 to 25 people. An appointment is required, and all group members must be at least 14 years old. The plant tour encompasses the stamping press department, body welding and final assembly. There is a possibility of arranging for a lunch and arriving by bus, which can then be used to travel between the widely spaced halls of the factory.