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State in Germany
Photo: Thomas Wolf, www.foto-tw.de, CC BY-SA 3.0 de via Wikimedia Commons
Saxony (Sachsen) is a federal state in the east of Germany, covering an area of 18,450 km² and home to approximately 4 million people. It contains the two largest and most important cities in eastern Germany other than Berlin: Leipzig and Dresden. The state has a long history of independence as a kingdom, much like Bavaria, and retains a strong sense of cultural identity. It is home to many historic towns and the Ore Mountains (Erzgebirge), which it shares with the Czech Republic to the south. It also shares international borders with Poland to the east, where the town of Görlitz was divided along the Neisse river after World War II, with its eastern part becoming the Polish town of Zgorzelec.
Flatlands and gentle hills, with the state's biggest city, medieval castles and monasteries and former strip mines turned into lakes.
The state's heartland surrounding the capital, magnificent Baroque buildings, vineyards on hills along the river.
Saxony's highest mountains (up to 1215 metres) with a centuries-old mining tradition; popular wintersports and hiking destination; "land of Christmas" with elaborate advent customs and decorations.
Sandstone mountains skimmed by water and wind have resulted in a landscape of picturesque valleys and bizarre rock formations; perfect for hiking and climbing for beginners and experts alike.
Home to Germany's Slavic minority with their distinct culture and customs; multifaceted landscapes of mountains, hills, heaths, lakes, moors; towns and villages steeped in history.
Idyllic rolling hills cut through by river valleys; known for its handicraft traditions like lace-making and musical instrument making.
By train
The main hubs for rail travel are Dresden and Leipzig, served by the high-speed lines Hamburg–Berlin–Leipzig–Nuremberg–Munich and (Stuttgart–)Frankfurt–Leipzig–Dresden, each at an hourly or…
By bus
Saxony's major (and some of the minor) cities are all served to varying degrees by domestic and international long distance buses.
Public transport is for the most part good, fast and reliable. If you plan to do a day trip the Sachsen-Ticket might just be what you are looking for.
Read in the guideChoose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Dresden · International · DRS
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the state capital, famous for its Baroque old town, the Frauenkirche, and world-class art collections like the Green Vault. It remains a primary destination for travelers seeking both history and architectural grandeur.
known as the "capital" of Upper Lusatia and the cultural heart of the Sorbian minority. Its skyline is dominated by the Ortenburg castle and numerous medieval towers, offering a unique look into Slavic-German heritage.
a city with a deep industrial legacy, formerly known as Karl-Marx-Stadt. Today, it features an impressive mix of industrial architecture and modern art galleries, serving as a gateway to the Ore Mountains.
famous for its well-preserved medieval old town and its rich silver mining history. The Freiberg Cathedral and the extensive underground mining museum are highlights for anyone interested in science and history.
a remarkably well-preserved historic city on the border with Poland. Its mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque buildings makes it a frequent filming location for international movies.
a historic hub for trade, publishing, and music, deeply connected to the legacy of J.S. Bach. Beyond its musical heritage, the city offers a vibrant modern arts scene and the monumental Völkerschlachtdenkmal.
a scenic medieval town renowned for its centuries-old porcelain tradition. The Albrechtsburg castle, perched high above the Elbe river, offers panoramic views of the surrounding Saxon wine region.
historically famous for its intricate lace and embroidery industry. The city is set in the scenic Vogtland region, offering access to beautiful valleys and the nearby Pöhl dam.
a former center of Germany's automobile industry and the birthplace of the Horch and Audi brands. The city features a restored medieval market square and the birthplace of composer Robert Schumann.
The Lusatian Lake District (German: Lausitzer Seenland, Lower Sorbian: Łužyska jazorina, Upper Sorbian: Łužiska jězorina) is a chain of artificial lakes which are the product of lignite mining in the German states of Brandenburg and Saxony
The Central German Lake District (German: Mitteldeutsches Seenland) is an area of artificial lakes created from former open-cast lignite mines in Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and the northeasternmost parts of Thuringia around Altenburg.
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