--- title: "Kamenz Travel Guide – Lessing's city with history and charm" url: "https://www.visitsaxony.com/destinations/cities-and-towns/kamenz" description: "Kamenz combines Lessing, park art, and old town charm in the heart of western Lusatia—with ✓ extra insider tips in the 48-hour travel guide." language: "en" breadcrumb: "Root > Home > Destinations > Towns and cities > Kamenz" --- Of religious art treasures and the enlightenment Kamenz ====== Welcome to Kamenz ------------------ Just under an hour northeast of Dresden, Kamenz surprises visitors with precious religious art which bears witness to a prosperous past as a trading town on the ancient **Via Regia** route. Some intricately carved late Gothic altars from the 15th and 16th century and other beautiful items can be seen at the **town’s museum of religious art** which is part of **St. Anne’s monastery church**. Right in the centre of Kamenz, the striking town hall is an eye-catching piece of architecture, surrounded by a range of listed buildings from several centuries. A special treat for literature lovers is the local museum dedicated to the great German writer of the Enlightenment, **Gotthold Ephraim Lessing**, who was born in Kamenz in 1729 and whose plays and theoretical writings substantially influenced German literature. *Play video*Play external content Please accept all necessary cookies to watch this video. Kamenz impressions ------------------ - - - - - - - - - - ### Kamenz's location in Saxony ### Distances and how to get to Kamenz **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. - Kamenz – : 35 km - Kamenz – : 26 km - Kamenz – : 63 km - Kamenz – : 35 km - Kamenz – : 36 km - Kamenz – : 40 km - Kamenz – Rammenau: 13 km - - Sights and attractions in Kamenz -------------------------------- Klosterkirche und Sakralmuseum St. Annen in Kamenz // St. Anne Church Kamenz Discover sacred treasures ### St. Anne museum of religious art Be enchanted by five magnificent late Gothic carved altars from the 15th and 16th centuries. In the St. Anne Sacred Art Museum in Kamenz, located in a former church, you can experience a unique collection of sacred art that even survived the Reformation. Other valuable treasures from the parish await you in a historic atmosphere. - kamenz-lessingmuseum-c-philipp-herfort-photography-2285 German writer of the Enlightenment ### Lessing Museum Immerse yourself in the life and work of Gotthold Ephraim Lessing: on 250 square metres, the Lessing Museum in Kamenz offers an impressive exhibition about the famous poet. **Please note:** the museum ist closed for refurbishment until the beginning of 2027. - kamenz-c-philipp-herfort-photography-8318 Enjoy a wonderful view ### Red Tower Climb the 117 steps of Kamenz's 32-metre Red Tower to step back into the dramatic past of this former defensive bastion and prison. Once a vital part of the town gate of nearby Pulsnitz, it provided protection and strategic vistas during medieval conflicts. Today, this historic landmark rewards visitors with spectacular panoramic views across the town rooftops. - To the Main Church St. Marien Kamenz Where history whispers and Gothic splendour awaits ### St. Mary's Church Discover the timeless charm of St. Mary's Church in Kamenz. This Gothic masterpiece invites you to admire its stunning sacred art, peaceful atmosphere, and centuries of captivating history. - More about Hutbergbühne Kamenz A green gem for unwinding ### Hutberg Kamenz Discover absolute tranquility at the Hutberg in Kamenz. Take a leisurely stroll through scenic parklands, immerse yourself in the vibrant colours of the renowned rhododendron park, and unwind on one of the many benches along the way. Surrounded by peaceful nature, it is the perfect spot to recharge your batteries and simply breathe in the fresh air. The Hutberg stage offers a varied entertainment programme in the warmer months. - Paar vor Kamenzer Rathaus Unforgettable moments ### 48 hours in Kamenz Unique architectural monuments, exciting museums, and culinary delights, including a special sausage variety. Take a look at the most beautiful sights, things to do and insider tips for a long weekend in Kamenz. - Hidden gems off the beaten track Our insider tips for Kamenz --------------------------- - Visit the 300-year-old , a historic, week-long festival held annually in August that transforms the town of Kamenz into a sea of floral decorations, traditional parades, and woodland celebrations. - The DADA Centre in Kamenz combines both an exhibition space for contemporary DADA art and a dedicated space for art workshops and hands-on events. - The takes you on a journey through time, with zoology, geology, botany, archaeology, and cultural history collections. Don’t miss the spectacular earthquake simulator! - **Try the local sausage variety**: in 1859, a Kamenz butcher named Carl Heinrich Mierisch invented a special sausage that has become part and parcel of life in Kamenz. Give it a try! Markt und Rathaus Kamenz Industrial heritage and Baroque splendour Places to visit around Kamenz ----------------------------- Beyond Kamenz lies a captivating region waiting to be explored. Discover industrial heritage at the Knappenrode Energy Factory, or embark on a spiritual journey along the ancient Via Sacra. Indulge your sweet tooth in Pulsnitz, Germany’s gingerbread town, and step back in time at the magnificent Rammenau Baroque Castle. Your local contact ### Kamenz Tourist Information - - - Unforgettable moments 48 hours in Kamenz ------------------ Whether it's a church, an art gallery or a concert: culture is written large in Saxony’s Upper Lusatia region. Thanks to its almost 800 years of history, Kamenz enchants visitors with beautiful museums, religious art treasures, and traditional festivals. Literature lovers can follow the traces of the great German writer of the Enlightenment, Gotthold Ephraim Lessing, who was born in Kamenz. And with beautiful scenery and lots of culinary treats to sample on top, your weekend break leaves nothing wanting. ### Day 1 in Kamenz: Friday Welcome to Kamenz! After checking into your accommodation and visiting the local Tourist Information, you’re off on a tour of the town, followed by some culinary explorations in the evening. Goldener Hirsch, Zimmer Check-in There is no shortage of stylish hotels, cosy B&Bs, large holiday flats or private rooms to rent in Kamenz. After check-in at your chosen accommodation and a quick fresh-up, nothing stands in the way of exploring your holiday destination. Kamenz Tourismusinformation Kamenz Tourist Information The Tourist Information at Schulplatz 5, not far from the market square and Lessing Museum, is open seven days a week. Whether it's guided tours, brochures or event tickets, the helpful team can provide you with everything you need for your stay. Should you need free Wi-Fi, you’re also at the right place. Hutbergspitze Coffee break Recharge your batteries for the rest of the day and stop by one of the cafés in the old town, for coffee, cake or some ice cream. Tip: try the local speciality "Lessing-Törtchen" (Lessing tartlets), a combination of light and dark sponge, filled with vanilla cream and cherry, covered in chocolate and decorated with a picture of Lessing on edible paper. Rathaus Kamenz Guided city tour A leisurely stroll through the old town is the best way of getting to know Kamenz. Walk with a knowledgeable tourist guide or, if you prefer to explore on your own, use a multimedia guide from the tourist office. Goldener Hirsch, Ratskeller Abendessen Dinner Cosy or rustic? Hearty home cooking or refined delicacies? Kamenz offers something for every taste. After dinner, ask for a Jägermeister digestive, which has been produced in Kamenz since 1995 – the semi-bitter herbal liqueur is the icing on the cake of your perfect evening. ### Day 2 in Kamenz: Saturday Today's agenda contains some culture, including museum visits, and in between, there’s time to enjoy nature and later, of course, to dine in style. Museum der Westlausitz Museum visit Interested in learning more about the history of Kamenz? Then head for the Malzhaus, the town’s oldest secular building, which houses a permanent collection and special exhibitions. Right next door is the interactive Museum of Western Lusatia with seven themed areas that show our environment from a variety of perspectives. Stop by the museum café for a well-deserved break after! Kamenz Rhododentronpark Hutberg Time to explore the surrounding area of Kamenz: On the 300-metre high Hutberg, just west of the town, park and garden lovers will find a special treat in the shape of a gorgeous park, featuring thousands of rhododendrons and azaleas. From the Lessing Tower at the top of the mountain you can also enjoy spectacular views and the Hutberg restaurant is on site for your lunch break after. The Hutberg stage offers cultural events in the warmer months. Lessing-Museum Kamenz Lessing Museum No weekend in Kamenz without a visit to the Lessing Museum: since 1931, this building has been dedicated to the life and work of the famous German poet and writer of the Enlightenment Gotthold Ephraim Lessing (1729-1781), who was born and raised in Kamenz. Gastronomie in Kamenz Dinner Tonight, we’d like to invite you to try a local specialty, called "Gamenzer Gnackwärschdl" (don’t worry about trying to pronounce it…). These sausages are traditionally made of beef and pork, seasoned with salt, pepper, caraway and paprika and become a delicacy when sautéed over beech smoke. They taste best with local mustard from nearby Bautzen and homemade potato salad. Delicious! Hutberg Bühne Concerts & Culture For some culture after dinner, try a concert on the Hutberg stage (in summer) and check out the town’s event calendar at the tourist office for festivities, sports and music events. ### Day 3 in Kamenz: Sunday On your last day in Kamenz, get ready for great views over town, an exquisite religious art museum, and some interesting sights in the surrounding area. Roter Turm Red Tower The Red Tower (Roter Turm) opposite St. Mary’s Church is a relic of the old town fortifications. As a watchtower it was once part of a city gate and also served as a prison. Climb up 117 steps to the top of the 32-metre-high historic building and enjoy a wonderful view of Kamenz's old town. You can pick up the key to the tower at the Tourist Information. Sakralmuseum St. Annen St. Anne Monastery Church St. Anne is both a church and religious art museum. Marvel at five intricately carved late Gothic altars and other unique items, including a pair of paintings painted in 1542 by Cranach's student Wolfgang Krodel. More sacred art can be found in the town’s main church, St. Mary’s, and the church of St. Just. Kloster St. Marienstern Panschwitz-Kuckau Explore the surrounding area Last but not least and time permitting, there’s more to discover in the surrounding area of Kamenz. About six miles southeast of town, the St. Marienstern Abbey, with its church, courtyard and convent buildings is a worthwhile destination. The beautiful Baroque castle of Rammenau a little further south is another charming option. This might also be of interest to you -------------------------------------