Living mining tradition

Annaberg-Buchholz

A town steeped in mining traditions

Annaberg-Buchholz was founded in 1496 and has been shaped by mining from the very beginning. Considerable silver finds in the 15th century brought wealth and the miners were proud of their work and traditions. Visitors can get a sense of the town’s mining past when exploring one of the three local show mines, or when visiting nearby “Frohnauer Hammer”, a historic hammer mill that has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2019.

In the 16th century, Annaberg-Buchholz became the home of the famous German mathematician Adam Ries who published one of the first widely available arithmetic texts. His name is to this day part and parcel of German popular culture. His arithmetic school in Annaberg-Buchholz where he taught mathematics is now a museum where visitors can learn about his methods in a playful way and earn a calculating diploma. Another interesting local character is Barbara Uthmann, an entrepreneurial widow who, in the 16th century, set up a business providing many miners' wives with extra income as lacemakers. Today her statue is the landmark of Annaberg's market square.

Annaberg-Buchholz impressions

© Philipp Herfort
© Rainer Dohle
© Dirk Rückschloss
© Philipp Herfort
© Dirk Rückschloß
© Dirk Rückschloß
© BUR
© Philipp Herfort
© Philipp Herfort
© Philipp Herfort
© Philipp Herfort

Annaberg-Buchholz's location in Saxony

Distances and getting to Annaberg-Buchholz

In Saxony, you benefit from short distances, making it easy to explore the region. The three major cities Dresden, Leipzig, and Chemnitz are all a short journey from one another, allowing you to travel quickly and conveniently from one attraction to the next.

Annaberg-Buchholz – Chemnitz: 35 km
Annaberg-Buchholz – Leipzig: 125 km
Annaberg-Buchholz – Dresden: 135 km
Annaberg-Buchholz – Freiberg: 60 km
Annaberg-Buchholz – Schwarzenberg: 27 km
Annaberg-Buchholz – Zwickau: 55 km
Annaberg-Buchholz – Seiffen: 55 km

Sights and attractions in Annaberg-Buchholz

St. Annenkirche in Annaberg-Buchholz / St. Anne's Church in Annaberg-Buchholz — © Philipp Herfort

Late Gothic hall church

St. Annen Church

St. Annen Church in Annaberg-Buchholz stands as a masterpiece of Late Gothic architecture. Climbing the 78-metre tower rewards you with breathtaking views over the town and the Ore Mountains. Step inside to discover spectacular heritage treasures, including the famous Annaberg Miners' Altar and the grand Walcker Organ with its 4,000 pipes.

Discover St. Annen Church

[Translate to Englisch:] Details zur Manufaktur der Träume — © Dirk Rückschloß

Collection of Ore Mountains folk art

“Factory of Dreams” museum

The "Factory of Dreams" museum brings the rich heritage of Ore Mountains folk art to life. Spanning three floors, the world’s largest private collection of regional folk art tells captivating stories of historical mining, festive Christmas traditions, and traditional toy making. Interactive displays invite visitors of all ages to marvel and participate throughout the exhibition. Complete your cultural journey with a relaxing visit to the on-site "Schokoguschl" café for a culinary treat.

Discover the Factory of Dreams

All about the master of numbers

Adam Ries Museum

Stepping into the former home of Germany’s most famous mathematician reveals a fascinating world of historical numbers. The Adam Ries Museum in Annaberg-Buchholz brings centuries-old arithmetic methods, antique weights, and traditional measures to life. Visitors can marvel at rare, original mathematical texts, including the legendary Coß, an early milestone in European algebra. The highlight of the experience awaits in the historic counting school. Here, you can learn to calculate using counting lines and abacuses, exactly as students did in the 16th century.

Discover the Adam Ries Museum

Bergmännische Krippe in Annaberg-Buchholz / Miner‘s Nativitiy in Annaberg-Buchholz — © Philipp Herfort

Of mining traditions and faith

St. Marien Church

Discover a deeply rooted piece of Saxon heritage at the Bergkirche St. Marien in Annaberg-Buchholz. As Saxony’s only dedicated miners' church, this historic building offers a unique glimpse into the spiritual life of the region's mountain workers. Inside, visitors will find the magnificent Miners' Nativity Scene. This striking display features 35 hand-carved wooden figures that set the traditional Christmas story within the 19th-century mining landscape of the Ore Mountains. It stands as a powerful testament to local craftsmanship, enduring faith, and regional identity.

Discover St. Marien Church

“Im Gößner”

Ore Mountains Museum and visitor mine

Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of the Ore Mountains at the Ore Mountains Museum. This engaging exhibition charts the region's multifaceted history, tracing its journey from medieval mining traditions to the world-famous evolution of local wood carving and craftsmanship. The highlight of your visit lies beneath the surface. Step into the "Im Gößner" visitor mine for an authentic underground tour of the former shafts.

Discover the Ore Mountains Museum

Unforgettable moments

48 hours in Annaberg-Buchholz

Unique architectural monuments, exciting museums, and culinary delights. Take a look at the most beautiful sights, things to do and insider tips for a long weekend in Annaberg-Buchholz!

Check out our 48 hrs in Annaberg-Buchholz guide

Hidden treasures off the beaten track

Our insider tips

“Frohnauer Hammer” is a completely preserved historic hammer mill and the oldest blacksmith museum in Germany. Part of the UNESCO World heritage “Erzgebirge//Krušnohoří” since 2019.
Hidden beneath the hills of Annaberg-Buchholz, the historic Markus Röhling Mine invites visitors to descend into the fascinating world of Saxony’s silver mining heritage.
The “Annaberger Kät” Volksfest (traditional local festival) transforms Annaberg-Buchholz into a lively fairground filled with tradition, music, thrilling rides, and festive atmosphere.

Discover unique crafts and traditions in Annaberg-Buchholz

From lacemaking to woodcarving

From lacemaking and woodcarving to woodturning and pottery, Annaberg-Buchholz is home to a wealth of traditional crafts. Lacemaking is a distinct heritage craft that has been preserved in the region for generations. This intricate technique is used to create delicate lace and fine textiles, which frequently feature in traditional Ore Mountains handicrafts, such as angels, stars and festive decorations. Similarly, woodcarving in the Ore Mountains has a rich history dating back to the 17th century. Local artisans skilfully craft exquisite wooden figurines, Christmas pyramids and traditional candle arches (Schwibbögen), which have earned this regional craftsmanship worldwide renown.

The town’s culinary scene is equally rewarding, ranging from the famous Annaberger Butterstollen cake to the rich treats at Cafe "Schokoguschl" and the iconic "Neinerlaa". This traditional meal consists of nine specific dishes and is traditional served in the Ore Mountains on Christmas Eve. Each dish carries its own unique symbolism, bringing wishes of good fortune and prosperity for the year ahead.

Historic towns and stunning landscapes

Places to visit around Annaberg-Buchholz

Annaberg-Buchholz is the ideal base for exploring the Ore Mountains and discovering the region's highlights. Take a day trip to Schwarzenberg to explore its historic castle and vibrant cultural scene, or visit Crottendorf’s World of Incense Cones to experience the famous Räucherkerzen tradition firsthand. You can also head to Oberwiesenthal, Germany’s highest town, for excellent mountain sports and outdoor adventures, or discover Seiffen, the world-famous cradle of traditional wooden toy making.

Your local contact

Annaberg-Buchholz Tourist Information

Annaberg-Buchholz Tourist Information

48 hours in Annaberg-Buchholz

Unique architectural monuments, exciting museums, and culinary delights. Take a look at the most beautiful sights, things to do and insider tips for a long weekend in Annaberg-Buchholz!

Day 1 in Annaberg-Buchholz: Friday

Arrival, check in and off you go. The best thing to do is to get a first overview of the town‘s sights and then visit one of the local highlights right away.

Verschiedene Flyer in der Tourismusinformation — © Stadt Annaberg-Buchholz

When on your first leisurely stroll, we’re quite confident that Annaberg-Buchholz’s historic old town will enchant you at first glance. Stop by the Tourist Information in a pedestrianised zone next to the market square and find lots of handy information ready and waiting for you.

Tourist Information

Familie bewundert die Ausstellungsräume der Manufaktur der Träume — © BUR Werbeagentur

Your first highlight is waiting in the same building as the Tourist Information: the "Manufactory of Dreams" invites you on a playful journey of discovery through the world of the Ore Mountains. On three floors, you will find interactive displays featuring figures of fairy tale creatures, animals, miners, angels, and historical toys. A wonderful showcase of the region’s unique handcrafted wooden folk art!

Please note: the "Manufactory of Dreams" is closed for renovation until the beginning of December 2026.

Manufactory of Dreams

Still in the museum, we suggest a break at the onsite "Schokoguschl", probably the most beautiful café in Annaberg-Buchholz and a heaven for chocolate lovers. Guest can watch how the delicious chocolates are being made, enjoy a (generous) slice of chocolate cake, and buy some of the goodies in the integrated shop.

The museum café remains open while the “Manufactory of Dreams” is closed until the beginning of December 2026 for renovation.

Ein Gericht aus gold gebackenen, gestampften oder geriebenen Kartoffeln — © Marcel Drechsler

Annaberg-Buchholz’s restaurants are truly hospitable places. Get a directory at the Tourist Information and find something to your liking. For German speakers, we recommend the fabulous "Erb-Gerichte" cookbook with recipes, songs, poems, and stories, for a culinary journey through the Ore Mountains.

Day 2 in Annaberg-Buchholz: Saturday

Today, you’ll learn everything worth knowing on a guided city tour. After visiting the imposing St. Annen Church, you'll venture underground for the next highlight…

Trust your guide to be extremely knowledgeable about Annaberg-Buchholz, including the latest gossip. They will take you through the old town and tell you the stories of the beautiful historic houses. You can also join an evening tour with a night watchman.

St. Annen Church is an important stop on your guided tour. The Late Gothic church is considered a landmark of the city. With a bit of luck, you can even listen to the sound of the recently restored Walcker organ from 1884 with its over 4,000 pipes and 65 stops. The pulpit designed by the sculptor Franz Maidburg is also well worth seeing.

St. Annen Church

For lunch, try the traditional Ore Mountains "Neinerlaa" meal, consisting of nine different dishes, including fried sausage, sauerkraut, lentil soup and more. This will definitely keep you going until tonight. By the way, each part of the meal has a special meaning, for example, the sauerkraut symbolises keeping life from turning sour.

Zwei Kinder laufen mit Helm und Taschenlampen durch den Markus-Röhling-Stolln in Annaberg-Buchholz. — © Dirk Rückschloss

How about going underground now? In the local visitor mines you can learn more about the town’s mining heritage which goes back almost 500 years. We particularly recommend the "Dorothea-Stolln" mine, with its medieval passage systems preserved in their original state.

„Dorothea“ visitor mine

Frohnauer Hammer is a historic hammer mill and the oldest of its kind in Germany. It is part of the UNESCO-listed Erzgebirge/Krušnohoří Mining Region and the museum is an absolute must-visit when in Annaberg-Buchholz.

Frohnauer Hammer Museum

Day 3 in Annaberg-Buchholz: Sunday

Before it is time to leave, we have two more highlights for you: a morning walk is good for body and soul, and afterwards there's something for the mind – in a museum dedicated to a true mathematical genius.

Blick über Annaberg-Buchholz mit der Sankt Annenkirche — © Tom Koppe

First, a proper German breakfast and then you’re off on a walk around the 830-metre-high Pöhlberg mountain east of Annaberg-Buchholz, enjoying some great views along the way.

Ausstellungsräume Adam Ries Haus — © Matthias Foerster

The Adam Ries Museum, dedicated to the famous German mathematician, is your last stop. From 1522 onwards, he was a headmaster in Annaberg-Buchholz and his former home is now a veritable treasure trove of the art of arithmetic, displaying important algebra manuscripts and more.

Adam Ries Museum

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