--- title: "Zittau Travel Guide – Cloth-making town in the border triangle" url: "https://www.visitsaxony.com/destinations/cities-and-towns/zittau" description: "Half-timbered houses, Lenten veils, and the border triangle: Zittau offers history and views—ideal for explorers. ✓ With a 48-hour travel guide." language: "en" breadcrumb: "Root > Home > Destinations > Towns and cities > Zittau" --- Between three countries Zittau ====== Discover unexpected cultural treasures -------------------------------------- The historic town of Zittau is located in Upper Lusatia at the foot of the Zittau mountains, where Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic meet. Its **history goes back almost 800 years** and takes visitors to a time when the town became rich and powerful through cloth trade and damask weaving. Even Zittau's greatest sights – **two medieval Lenten veils** – are textiles. Culture lovers will also delight in the “Zittau Treasure”, a unique collection of elaborately designed and adorned tombstones and plaques commemorating the deceased from the 16th to 18th century which can be seen in the local **monastery church**. Zittau’s fully preserved **historic town centre** is a treasure in itself. The market square is dominated by a magnificent town hall in the style of an Italian palace featuring a beautiful council hall and the **church of St. Johannis** with its **60-metre-high tower** for excellent views. Further architectural highlights are the mighty Zittau Salt house, an armoury, horse stable and storehouse from the 16th century, Baroque fountains and the **Fleischerbastei**, one of the town’s old fortifications. *Play video*Play external content Please accept all necessary cookies to watch this video. Zittau impressions ------------------ - - - - - - - - - - ### Zittau's location in Saxony ### Distances and how to get to Zittau **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. - Zittau – : 125 km - Zittau – : 220 km - Zittau – : 195 km - Zittau – : 40 km - Zittau – : 50 km - Zittau – Oybin: 9 km - Zittau – Obercunnersdorf: 25 km - - Highlights not to be missed Sights and attractions in Zittau -------------------------------- An architectural jewel in the city centre ### Town hall and market square Zittau town hall stands as an architectural masterpiece overlooking the bustling market square. Here, history comes alive alongside the vibrant energy of the town centre - whether you are relaxing over a coffee or browsing the local boutiques. It is the perfect spot to immerse yourself in the authentic rhythm of daily life. - Zittau's heritage set in stone ### Church of St. John Zittau's Church of St. John was completed in 1837 based on the design of Karl Friedrich Schinkel, considered one of the greatest German architects of his time. It captivates visitors with its asymmetrical tower and classicist architecture. Inside, the organ, consecrated in 1930, is an impressive European organ monument. The 60-metre-high south tower offers a sweeping view of the city and into the beautiful mountain landscape. - More about Museum Kirche zum Heiligen Kreuz Unique textile artworks ### Zittau Lenten veils The Great Zittau Lenten Veil from 1472 is a unique work of art that tells the biblical story in 90 scenes. Measuring 8.20 × 6.80 metres, it is the largest preserved Lenten veil in the world. It can be viewed in the Museum “Kirche zum Heiligen Kreuz” (Church of the Holy Cross) in Zittau, a rather unique example of architecture. The Small Zittau Lenten Veil can be found in the Museum of Cultural History in the Franciscan Monastery. - Herkulesbrunnen und Salzhaus in Zittau im Sonnenschein / Hercules fountain and salt house in Zittau in the sunshine Where medieval history meets modern culture ### Salt House As a former trading hub, the historic Salt House (Salzhaus) defines the town’s skyline with its striking architecture, serving as a powerful reminder of Zittau's economic prominence during the Middle Ages. Today, this multi-storey heritage building has been transformed into a vibrant community hub where you can browse local shops, sample regional cuisine, and attend diverse cultural events. - Klosterkirche in Zittau / Monastery church in Zittau Zittau’s sanctuary of sacred art ### Franciscan Monastery Step inside Zittau's Franciscan Monastery to discover a tranquil haven of medieval heritage. This beautifully preserved monastery complex invites you to wander through its peaceful Gothic cloisters and historic church. The true highlight is the world-renowned Epitaphs treasure, an extraordinary collection of artistic funeral monuments that offer a rare, moving glimpse into centuries of faith, art, and local history. - Olbersdorfer See mit Radfahrern im Sonnenuntergang / Olbersdorf Lake with cyclists at sunset Zittau’s lakeside paradise ### Lake Olbersdorf Nestled at the foot of the Zittau Mountains, Lake Olbersdorf is a great destination for relaxation and outdoor adventure. This crystal-clear leisure lake boasts sandy beaches, scenic walking and cycling trails, and excellent water sports. Gastronomy, a campsite and a hotel invite for a longer stay. Every summer, the shoreline comes alive as it hosts the world-famous O-See Challenge, an exhilarating cross-triathlon that draws top international athletes and passionate spectators to this lovely natural arena. - Details about the flower clock Meissen porcelain music box ### Zittau's flower clock In front of the Fleischerbastei fortifications in Zittau stands the flower clock, a city landmark since 1907. Three times a year, it is planted with approximately 4,800 flowers. The carillon, added in 1966 and consisting of 21 Meissen porcelain bells, rings out on the hour during the summer months with folk songs such as “Brother Jacob” or “At the Fountain Before the Gate.” - Excursion to the Zittau Mountains ### Zittau Narrow-Gauge Railway Hop aboard the Zittau Narrow-Gauge Railway and experience a nostalgic journey through the beautiful Upper Lusatia region. Enjoy an unforgettable trip and marvel at the fascinating technology of the steam locomotives, perfect for a family outing that will delight young and old alike. - About “48 Hours in Zittau” Unforgettable moments ### 48 hours in Zittau Take a look at the most beautiful sights, things to do and insider tips for a long weekend in Zittau. We definitely recommend including a trip to the nearby Zittau Mountains, maybe with a ride on the historic narrow-gauge railway to the romantic village Oybin! - Hidden gems off the tourist trail Insider tips in Zittau ---------------------- - Step into the , a tropical paradise in Jonsdorf, a picturesque village in the Zittau Mountains, where hundreds of vibrant, exotic butterflies flutter freely all around you. - The , on display in the town’s Franciscan Monastery, is one of only eight of this type worldwide. - Discover the rich heritage of Upper Lusatia’s premier textile centre in the town of , where centuries of weaving tradition meet modern luxury. From premium damask to high-quality terry cloth, Großschönau offers an unbeatable outlet shopping experience for discerning style seekers. - Explore for a unique experience in the heart of nature. Historic architecture, breathtaking views, and tranquil hiking trails make this the perfect destination for a break from everyday life, a truly worthwhile day trip! Panoramablick auf die Ruinen von Burg und Kloster Oybin // View to the ruins of the Oybin castle and monastery Travel without borders and through centuries ### Via Sacra Like a graceful string of pearls, the Via Sacra heritage trail winds through Upper Lusatia, extending into Northern Bohemia and Lower Silesia. This tourist route links destinations of profound spiritual depth, cultural heritage (partly UNESCO World heritage), and scenic beauty, including the historic town of Zittau. Journeying as a pilgrim along the Via Sacra, you follow a path past significant religious sites nestled within exceptionally diverse landscapes. This itinerary offers far more than a glimpse into the past. Visiting these peaceful sanctuaries and places of faith invites you to pause, practice mindfulness, and reconnect with your inner self. Ultimately, the Via Sacra provides a restorative escape from the daily grind, guiding you back to the present moment. **Sacral sites in Zittau:** - Great Zittau Lenten Veil - Small Zittau Lenten Veil - From UNESCO World Heritage to stunning nature Places to visit around Zittau ----------------------------- Zittau is the ideal base for exploring the Upper Lusatia holiday region and its spectacular attractions. Venture into the nearby Zittau Mountains for dramatic sandstone landscapes, or discover the living history of St. Marienthal Abbey. Another fascinating excursion takes you to Herrnhut, the region's newly designated UNESCO World Heritage site. Finally, if you want to admire the region's traditional half-timbered houses, Obercunnersdorf is a must-visit destination. Your local contact ### Zittau Tourist Information - - - Zittau Tourist Information Unforgettable moments 48 hours in Zittau ------------------ Laid-back Zittau in Saxony’s southeast offers all the right ingredients for a great weekend away, including nature, culture and hospitality. ### Day 1 in Zittau: Friday Your first day in Zittau is dedicated to some unique religious artefacts and the town’s most famous sights. Oder-Neiße-Radweg Zittau Zittau Tourist Information After checking in at one of Zittau’s cosy, family-run B&Bs or hotels, make your way to Zittau Tourist Information on the market square to get a first impression of your charming destination and all the information you need for your stay. Tourist Information Johannisturm zur Klosterkirche Church of St. John Located right next to the town hall, Church of St. John is the most dominant building in Zittau and walking up the 266 stairs of its tower is well worth it as you’ll be rewarded with great views of the town and surrounding Zittau Mountains. Großes-Zittauer-Fastentuch-Museum, Zittau Great Zittau Lenten Veil The unique Great Zittau Lenten Veil (1472) is, no doubt, Zittau’s most famous attraction. The 8.20-metre-high and 6.80-metre-wide textile work of art is displayed in the “Museum Kirche zum heiligen Kreuz”, a former church, and depicts no fewer than 90 scenes from the Bible. Restaurantbesuch Dinner and guided city tour How about joining a “last supper” to continue the religious theme? A local historic inn offers a themed dinner which you can, naturally, also enjoy without being religious, and most certainly, it will also not be your last meal! Afterwards, we recommend taking part in a guided city tour with a medieval touch. ### Day 2 in Zittau: Saturday Time to explore the Zittau Mountains and enjoy nature! Zittauer Gebirge Zittau Mountains Nature Park The Zittau Mountains Nature Park in the border region between Germany and the Czech Republic features sandstone mountains, volcanic peaks and picturesque valleys. The saying goes that if you use your imagination you can recognise historical mythical creatures in the shapes of the rocks – good luck finding them! Burg und Kloster Oybin Oybin Mountain Oybin is the most famous mountain in the Zittau Mountains. The impressive sandstone massif in a basin surrounded by volcanoes features the ruins of Oybin Monastery and even inspired the famous Romantic painter Caspar David Friedrich. Hike to the Butterfly House in Jonsdorf First, lunch in a cosy restaurant in Oybin, then a nice scenic hike – how does that sound? Your route will take you from the village of Oybin to Jonsdorf where you can get to know over 200 species of butterflies in the local Butterfly House as well as the snakes and reptiles that have found a home there. Schmalspurbahn Zittau Narrow-gauge railway ride Board the local narrow-gauge steam railway from Jonsdorf back to Zittau at 5.11 pm and enjoy the wonderfully nostalgic – and scenic – ride through dense forest and along scenic views! Restaurantbesuch Dinner Zittau's historic town centre is one of the most beautiful ones in the whole of Saxony. The splendid buildings bear testament to the town’s prosperous past as a centre of cloth trading and damask weaving. Zittau also has a long tradition of beer brewing and when enjoying your dinner in one of the old town’s restaurants, be sure to try a Eibauer Schwarzbier with your meal. ### Day 3 in Zittau: Sunday We bet you didn’t expect this but today, you’ll get in a rubber dinghy to make your way to a nunnery dating back to the Middle Ages … Kloster Saint Marienthal St. Marienthal Abbey A special outing on your last day will take you by rubber dinghy on the Neisse river to St. Marienthal Abbey in Ostritz. This vast and historically significant complex goes back to 1234 and is the oldest Cistercian nunnery in Germany with unbroken occupation of its house since its foundation. Bierzapfen St. Marienthal brewery After touring the nunnery, raise a glass to your weekend in Zittau and sample the beer brewed in the on-site brewery! This might also be of interest to you -------------------------------------