--- title: "Bautzen Travel Guide – Experience the City of Towers" url: "https://www.visitsaxony.com/destinations/cities-and-towns/bautzen" description: "Medieval towers, SMedieval towers, Sorbian culture, and historic charm: Bautzen shows Saxony from its diverse side – ✓ includes a 48-hour travel guide.orbian culture, and historic charm: Bautzen shows Saxony from its diverse side – ✓ includes a 48-hour travel guide." language: "en" breadcrumb: "Root > Home > Destinations > Towns and cities > Bautzen" --- A medieval dream Bautzen ======= Cobbled streets and medieval towers ----------------------------------- Welcome to Bautzen in Upper Lusatia! Or, as the town is the cultural centre of the Sorbian community in Germany: **"Wutrobnje witajće“**. Bautzen looks back on a long history and was first mentioned in 1002 as Budusin, or **Budyšin in Sorbian**. Today, it is one of Germany’s best preserved medieval towns with a beautiful skyline of **14 medieval towers**. Climb up and enjoy fabulous views of the surrounding countryside and explore the old town on romantic alleys and past proud town houses with intricately carved portals. *Play video*Play external content Please accept all necessary cookies to watch this video. 1,000 years of history 14 towers rise above the city 2 languages German & Sorbian Bautzen impressions ------------------- - - - - - - - - - - - - ### Bautzen's location in Saxony ### Distances and how to get to Bautzen **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. - Bautzen – : 65 km - Bautzen – : 170 km - Bautzen – : 135 km - Bautzen – 50 km - Bautzen – 30 km - Bautzen – 55 km - Bautzen – Obercunnersdorf: 30 km - - Sights and attractions in Bautzen --------------------------------- For the best views in Bautzen ### "Alte Wasserkunst" tower Discover Bautzen's “Alte Wasserkunst” tower, a striking landmark rising above the Spree River. This unique monument masterfully combines a medieval defensive bastion with an ingenious historical pumping station. Climb to the top for breathtaking views over the Spree valley, and uncover centuries of engineering history right in the heart of Bautzen's historic old town. - Explore Bautzen's historic heart ### Ortenburg Castle The magnificent Ortenburg Castle complex reigns over the Spree River from its rocky plateau. Once a medieval Slavic stronghold, this historic fortress now beautifully blends heritage and culture. Wander through its scenic courtyard, marvel at the striking “Matthiasturm” tower, and explore the rich traditions of the region at the Sorbian Museum. - Dom St. Petri in Bautzen / Cathedral St. Petri in Bautzen A church of two congregations ### St. Peter's Cathedral St Peter’s Cathedral (Dom St. Petri) is one of the oldest and largest shared churches (*Simultankirche*) in Germany. It stands as the only church in Saxony to house both a Roman Catholic and an Evangelical Lutheran congregation under one roof. The building features striking Gothic architecture and offers panoramic views over the town. Inside, visitors can admire the impressive stained-glass windows and historic atmosphere – a peaceful space where history comes to life. - Visit the City of Bautzen’s website Bautzen's leaning tower ### “Reichenturm” tower The “Reichenturm” tower in Bautzen leans at a striking angle, making it a fascinating architectural marvel. Due to the uneven settling of its foundations, the tower tilts visibly to one side. This charming architectural quirk has transformed it into a unique local landmark and a captivating piece of Bautzen’s history. A true highlight for anyone exploring the town! - 1,000 years of Bautzen history ### Bautzen Museum Bautzen Museum is one of the largest regional museums in Saxony. Across three floors, visitors can explore the evolution of the region, the history of the town, and significant artworks from the Middle Ages to the present day. Alongside selected Renaissance paintings, the collection showcases 18th- and 19th-century works, as well as an outstanding display of 20th-century art. - Unforgettable moments ### 48 hours in Bautzen 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 Bautzen. And don’t miss trying the famous Bautzen mustard and Sorbian culinary specialities! - Saurierpark Kleinwelka, Oberlausitz // Dinosaur Park Kleinwelka, Upper Lusatia Hidden treasures off the beaten track Our insider tips ---------------- - : first a Soviet camp, then a Stasi prison – the prisons “Bautzen I” and “Bautzen II” commemorate the victims. Admission is free. - discover the rich heritage of the Sorbian people through beautifully hand-painted Easter eggs, each a miniature work of art. These traditional creations can be purchased at Easter egg markets throughout the season, and at the tourist information office year-round. They are also displayed in the which offers fascinating insights into Sorbian culture. - Unearth prehistoric wonders at , Germany's prime dinosaur park just outside Bautzen. Explore around 200 life-sized giants, thrilling climbing worlds, and ancient mysteries for an unforgettable family adventure. Lusatian fish, artisanal mustard, and the local beer are absolute must-tries Culinary delicacies and specialities ------------------------------------ You can discover and enjoy regional fish dishes not only during the annual Lusatian Fish Weeks, which run from late September to early November, but throughout the year. Pair your meal with an *Oberlausitzer Heidebräu*, a truly local beer brewed using an ancient malting barley variety called *Fränkische Landgerste.* If you are curious to see a traditional hammer mill in action and discover the delicious goods made inside, head to the Hammermühle in Bautzen. Here, you can craft your very own bespoke mustard blend in a hands-on workshop. You can also browse the cosy mill shop to pick up unique mustard products or the highly popular, locally produced linseed oil. All about mustard ### Bautzen: a feast for the senses Bautzen is Germany’s capital of mustard and a place where culinary heritage meets rich history. For over 150 years, world-famous condiments have been crafted in this Saxon town. Start your “mustard exploration” at the . This free attraction showcases a massive 19th-century mustard mill and rare antiques. Sample unique, stone-ground flavours like blueberry mustard directly from historical counters. Next, dine at the “”. This cosy restaurant serves authentic regional dishes with a gourmet twist. Indulge in traditional mustard soup or savoury mustard schnitzel, and finish with surprising treats like mustard ice cream. To experience the ultimate food festival, visit during the annual in August. Local chefs transform the city into a gastronomic paradise, offering tangy cocktails and innovative menus. Pack your bags for an unforgettable foodie getaway in Bautzen, where every bite tells a story. Cultural and architectural treasures Things to see and do around Bautzen ----------------------------------- Bautzen is the ideal starting point for discovering the cultural and architectural treasures of the Upper Lusatia holiday region. Visit the remarkable Schminke House in nearby Löbau, one of the most important examples of Modernist residential architecture in Germany. Follow the historic routes of Via Sacra, which connect impressive churches, monasteries, and places of pilgrimage throughout the region and even into neighbouring Poland and the Czech Republic. A trip to Herrnhut, part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed settlements of the Moravian Church, offers fascinating insights into a unique religious and cultural history. Also worth a visit is the centuries-old St. Marienstern Abbey, where visitors can explore beautiful Baroque architecture, tranquil gardens, and the living traditions of one of Germany’s oldest active convents. Your local contact ### Bautzen Tourist Information - - - **Unforgettable moments** 48 hours in Bautzen -------------------- Welcome to an enchanting town with a 1,000-year history! Travel east of Dresden to discover Bautzen, or Budyšin in Sorbian, with its historic centre full of medieval flair, quaint pubs in narrow streets, great views and unique Sorbian traditions. Be inspired to spend a weekend in this hidden gem! ### Day 1 in Bautzen: Friday Once you have checked into your cosy accommodation and stopped by the Tourist Information, take a stroll through the romantic old town followed in the evening by a delicious meal. Check-in and Tourist Information Bautzen offers a range of accommodation options, including beautiful holiday flats, cosy B&Bs, hotels or even a historic tower. Once you have checked into the accommodation of your choice, visit the Tourist Information on the main market square for information, tickets, souvenirs and more. Take a walk around town Get a first impression of Bautzen on a leisurely walk taking in the old town fortifications and offering splendid views, for example of Ortenburg Castle, the Nicolai Tower and the ruins of Nicolai Church. While on your way, you can already look forward to a delicious dinner! Dinner Bautzen’s town centre offers around 40 restaurants, pubs and bars. The choice of culinary options is wide, and foodies will be able to discover something new with traditional Saxon dishes or Sorbian cuisine on the menus (there's good pizza, too, of course). Get a directory at the tourist office and enjoy your meal! After dinner walk After dinner, we’d suggest another leisurely stroll through the medieval alleys where warm lights shimmer from the windows of historic buildings. The view from Friedensbrücke bridge of the romantically lit up Old Town is particularly enchanting! ### Day 2 in Bautzen: Saturday Today, you’ll learn more about Bautzen, for example in one of the great museums and on a guided tour through the historic old town. Later, you’re off into the beautiful countryside surrounding Bautzen. Museum visit Pick and choose from the town’s great museums: Bautzen Museum is perfect for a deep dive into the town’s 1,000 years of history, featuring around 400,000 exhibits. If you want to learn more about the culture of the Slavic minority, head to the Sorbian Museum. The local Mustard Museum, St. Peter's Cathedral Treasury and the “Alte Wasserkunst” tower are further options. Guided city tour On a guided city tour, you will learn more about the history of Bautzen with its more than 1,000 historic buildings and monuments. Themed tours with "Monk Eusebius" or "Executioner Hans" offer very special insights, or you can set off by yourself, using an audio-video guide. Lunch break Bautzen’s historic old town offers plenty of cosy spots where you can recharge your batteries. Especially along Reichenstraße – the city’s elegant main street lined with Baroque façades – you’ll find a wide selection of cafés, restaurants and small boutiques. At "Evi’s Deko & Café", for example, you can enjoy delicious and creative cakes while browsing (and buying) charming decorative items. Bautzen reservoir Clear water, golden sand – yes, that’s exactly what you’ll find outside Bautzen’s historic walls. Bautzen reservoir can easily be reached by bike for a relaxing afternoon swim, boating or a round of crazy golf. And how does a drink in the local Ocean Beach Bar sound? Speciality restaurant Tonight is all about local culinary specialities, such as some freshly caught Lusatian fish or Sorbian food as served at the historic "Wjelbik" restaurant where you can choose from hearty dishes including corn-fed chicken sausage or ox fillet. Adventurous foodies can order a very special cocktail, prepared with the famous local mustard made in Bautzen! ### Day 3 in Bautzen: Sunday Soon your Bautzen weekend will be over and it's time to say goodbye. But before, take a look at the beautiful historic old town from above! Bautzen’s medieval towers Bautzen’s skyline with a multitude of medieval towers is unmistakable even from a distance. Several of them are open to visitors and are often included in guided tours. Tip: the views over town and the surrounding Upper Lusatian Mountains from the "Alte Wasserkunst" tower and the "Reichenturm" tower, the latter known as the "Leaning Tower of Bautzen" due to its slope, are particularly stunning. And we hope that they’ll make you want to come back! Lunch Around lunchtime, take a leisurely stroll through Bautzen’s city centre. You’re sure to find a restaurant offering just the right treat on its menu. On a sunny day, enjoy the last hours in the "city of a thousand towers" at an outdoor table and soak up the atmosphere over a relaxed lunch before heading home refreshed and full of new impressions. This might also be of interest to you -------------------------------------