The Many Wonders of Saxony, Germany

The German state of Saxony, which shares borders with the Czech Republic and Poland, is loved far and wide due to its many attractions. Here, we'll go over a few wonders Saxony holds and why it's a terrific place for anyone to visit.

Come aboard the world's largest addle steamer fleet over in Dresden

A lot of stunning views and a whiff of nostalgia; Dresden, the capital city of Saxony, is usually put side by side with Florence due to its glorious churches, bell tower silhouette, and palaces. The city claims the largest and oldest paddle steamer fleet currently in the world.

The “Sächsische Dampfschiffahrt” has nine different wheel steamers that go up and down the waterway, past amazing scenery. That said, summer is the best time for a lovely ride on the Elbe river. 

You can pick from a wide range of rides, including going downriver to Meissen, known for the porcelain. If you go upriver, you'll be heading to Saxon Switzerland as you pass epic vineyards, castles, and mansions.

The route to Pillnitz Palace and Park has a special place in our hearts. This location used to be a summer residence for Saxon kings and is nestled by the river. It also sports English-themed landscaped gardens and a Baroque park.

Prepare yourself to arrive fashionably, as guests are set to arrive at a pavilion near the river. 

Explore the otherworldly mountain scenery of Saxony

Still, on the subject of Saxon Switzerland, the Elbe River has contributed to the formation of a visually-pleasing mountain range. They aren't particularly high, but they're quite dramatic.

Table mountains and bizarrely shaped rock fingers that steeply rise into the sky are popular with (ordinary) hikers and free climbers. Some people compare the area's appearance to a woody Monument Valley.

No matter your associations, we're certain you'll enjoy the sight of a mountain landscape and a unique river.

Appreciate beautiful art forms in a contemporary setting

If you're a fan of old industrial sites turned into modern art playgrounds, you'll adore Spinnerei Leipzig. The area, sporting over 750,000 square feet of space, was once the largest Cotton-spinning mill in Europe. It has since been turned into a hub of artist's studios and galleries when Germany was reunited in the early 1990s.

Photography, video, paintings, and sculpture by international and German artists are just a few contemporary art forms.

Suppose you'd like to attend any of Spinnerei's events, like an open studio weekend or a gallery tour. In that case, you can stay in any of the four on-site "Meisterzimmer" rental homes that have a blend of industrial and vintage elements.

Enjoy a Saxon pub crawl

Let's take a breather in Leipzig for a bit and examine Drallewatsch, a group of small streets around the heart of the city.

In the traditional Saxon dialect, “drallewatsching” refers to leaving your house and enjoying yourself outside (crude translation), and that's what is promised when you take a walk around the historic Barfußgässchen alley.

There are over 30 bars, pubs, and restaurants between Burgplatz and Richard-Wagner-Platz, and they give you many choices to drink, eat and embrace your surroundings. In summertime especially, the streets are almost always bubbling with life.

The ancient buildings from the Baroque, Renaissance and the beginning of the 20th century period give a special feel to the atmosphere. Take a step outside your comfort zone and have a bit of drallewatsching.

Explore the easternmost city of Germany

Take a trip to the far east of Germany, where you can experience 500 years of European architecture as you stroll through Görlitz right on the Neisse River.

Görlitz is home to a whopping 4,000 recovered architectural monuments from the Baroque, Renaissance, Art Nouveau, and Gothic eras. They come together to create an atmosphere of an open-air stage.

The legendary architecture hasn't gone unnoticed by Hollywood, as the ancient structures with their ornate vaults and beautifully decorated façades have since become muses for several international films. The town currently has the title "European Film Location of the Decade."

Görlitz was once an important town on the Via Regia trade route. Now, the city is divided into two parts. Zgorzelec, the eastern part, is just a few meters across a bridge over the Neisse in Poland.

Conclusion

Even though Berlin might hog most of the attention of tourists due to its life of the party energy and being the capital city, Saxony has a lot to offer. From historical monuments to majestic mountains, there's something for anyone who takes a trip to the ancient city.

Whether you intend to go alone or with family and friends, get ready for the time of your life. Memories formed in Saxony aren't soon forgotten. You can count on that.