--- title: "Discover historic old towns and vibrant cities in Saxony" url: "https://www.visitsaxony.com/destinations/cities-and-towns" description: "Beautiful towns, cultural riches and genuine hidden gems: Saxony’s old towns & urban metropolises are perfect destinations for a varied short break." language: "en" breadcrumb: "Root > Home > Destinations > Towns and cities" --- Towns and cities in Saxony =========================== Dresden, Leipzig, Chemnitz Discover Saxony's three largest cities -------------------------------------- From the striking architecture of to ’s vibrant creative quarters and the compelling industrial heritage of , Saxony’s three major cities enchant visitors with their distinctive character and rich diversity. Discover art, culture, and history at every turn, wander through lively city centres, and soak up the unique atmosphere each city offers. Whether your passion lies in sightseeing, shopping, or culinary experiences, Saxony’s urban landscape promises countless moments to explore and enjoy. > A small journey is enough to renew us and the world. Marcel Proust - *Play video*Play external content Please accept all necessary cookies to watch this video. - Beautiful destinations 13 enchanting towns ------------------- Beyond the major cities of Leipzig, Dresden, and Chemnitz, Saxony reveals a collection of hidden gems along the Elbe and Mulde rivers, each with its own distinctive charm. enchants as a Renaissance town closely linked to Martin Luther, while delights with its renowned porcelain and centuries-old wine tradition. impresses with lovingly restored townhouses and a picturesque old town. Whether rich in historical romance, alive with vibrant energy, or captivating through architecture and heritage, these towns are truly enchanting destinations to discover. ### Towns on the Elbe and Mulde rivers This beautiful holiday region stretches from the north-west to the south-east of Saxony, revealing a landscape rich in variety and natural beauty. One highlight is the Mulde Valley, where the Mulde River, an important left tributary of the Elbe River, winds its way through tranquil floodplain landscapes protected for their ecological and scenic value. Renaissance gem Torgau ------ Torgau on the Elbe is a true treasure trove of Renaissance architecture, distinguished by its magnificent 16th-century buildings. Towering above the historic townscape, Hartenfels Castle stands out as a remarkable landmark and one of the most impressive Renaissance castles in Saxony. - Pearl on the Mulde River Grimma ------ A stroll through one of the most beautiful historic old town centres in Central Germany becomes a captivating journey through multiple architectural styles. Highlights include the town hall with its striking Renaissance gable, the iconic twin-towered Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady), and well-preserved medieval residential towers that bring centuries of history to life. - The cradle of Saxony Meissen ------- The historic old town of Meissen unfolds at the foot of the **castle hill** and captivates visitors with its timeless beauty. Centred around the **Late Gothic town hall**, charming courtyards, traditional craft shops, **cosy wine bars**, and the impressive **Frauenkirche** (Church of Our Lady) create a uniquely atmospheric setting rich in history and culture. - Gateway to Saxon Switzerland Pirna ----- **Shops, cafés** and **restaurants** line the entire historic town centre of Pirna, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere. With its charming façades, arcaded courtyards, ornate bay windows, historic gables and inviting seating niches, the old town provides a picturesque setting that makes every stroll a memorable experience. - ### Towns in Upper Lusatia Eastern Saxony captivates visitors with its magnificent natural landscapes and ranks among the region’s most popular holiday destinations for cyclists, hikers and water sports enthusiasts. Upper Lusatia, in particular, delights travellers with its exceptional wealth of cultural treasures, combining outdoor adventure with rich history and tradition. With Muskau Park and the settlements of the Moravian Church, two of Saxony's three UNESCO World Heritage sites are located here. European City and Hollywood film location Görlitz ------- Around **4,000 carefully restored historic buildings**, spanning styles from the Late Gothic and Baroque to the Renaissance and Art Nouveau periods, shape the remarkable cityscape of Görlitz. Thanks to this outstanding architectural wealth and exceptionally well-preserved condition, Görlitz’s old town enjoys an international reputation that reaches far beyond Germany and Europe, so much so that even Hollywood has been captivated by its unique charm. - A medieval dream Bautzen ------- Bautzen boasts a rich and **centuries-old history**. It was first documented in 1002 under the name “Budusin,” or *Budyšin* in Sorbian. Today, **fourteen distinctive towers** define the medieval old town, rewarding visitors with breathtaking panoramic views over the historic cityscape and the surrounding countryside. - Impressive history and religious treasures Kamenz ------ Kamenz enchants visitors with **outstanding religious art** that reflects its prosperous past as a trading town on the historic Via Regia. In the town centre, the **striking town hall** and surrounding listed buildings create an impressive historic ensemble. Literature enthusiasts will also appreciate Kamenz as the **birthplace of Enlightenment writer Gotthold Ephraim Lessing**, honoured in a dedicated museum. - Between three countries Zittau ------ Strolling through Zittau’s narrow streets is like stepping into **750 years** of history, recalling a time when the city flourished through the **cloth trade** and **fine damask weaving**. Zittau’s most remarkable treasures are themselves textiles: **two unique medieval Lenten veils**, among the most important cultural highlights in Saxony. The nearby Zittau Mountains are a romantic low mountain range ideal for moderate hiking. - ### Towns in the Ore Mountains and Vogtland The Vogtland region, located in the southwestern corner of Saxony, is renowned for its rich traditions of lacemaking and musical instrument making. To the north, the Ore Mountains (Erzgebirge) – one of Germany’s most charming low mountain ranges – captivate visitors with a centuries-old mining heritage, cultural attractions and picturesque towns set amid stunning natural landscapes. In 2019, UNESCO recognised the Erzgebirge/Krušnohoří Mining Region as a cross-border World Heritage site. Where embroidery is an art Plauen ------ Plauen’s city centre delights visitors with a wealth of cultural and architectural highlights, including the historic Old Town Hall, the Vogtland Museum, and several beautifully preserved former patrician houses. The striking twin-towered St. John’s Church is another must-see landmark. A special highlight is the “Factory of Threads” located in the Weißbach House, which offers fascinating insights into the rich textile history of the Vogtland region. - Of cars and culture Zwickau ------- Zwickau holds a special place in Germany’s industrial history: it was here in 1904 that August Horch began his pioneering work in automobile manufacturing, laying the foundations for companies that would later evolve into brands such as Audi. At the same time, the city is closely linked to musical history. The composer Robert Schumann was born in Zwickau in 1810, and his birthplace on the main market square now offers vivid insights into his life, work, and the era of Romanticism. - Living mining tradition Annaberg-Buchholz ----------------- Since its founding in 1496, mining has been central to the identity of Annaberg-Buchholz in the Ore Mountains. This heritage remains tangible today: visitors can explore it underground in one of the town’s three visitor mines or discover traditional craftsmanship at the Frohnauer Hammer, a remarkably preserved historic hammer mill just outside the town centre. - Treasures of an old silver mining town Freiberg -------- Freiberg is home to some of Saxony’s most important cultural landmarks, including the Freiberg Mining Academy, one of the world’s oldest universities of mining and technology. St. Mary’s Cathedral impresses visitors with its world-famous Silbermann organs and the richly decorated Golden Gate. Another highlight is Freudenstein Castle, which houses *terra mineralia*, Germany’s largest and most impressive minerals exhibition. - A proud history of mining Schwarzenberg ------------- The historic old town of Schwarzenberg, a protected heritage site, invites visitors to wander through its charming lanes and local shops. Its distinctive skyline is defined by the striking St. George’s Church and Schwarzenberg Castle. The castle is home to the PERLA CASTRUM Museum, offering insights into the region’s history and culture. - Catalogues and brochures ------------------------ Order our free Saxony brochures here! - Plan your next holiday Accommodation in Saxony - Recommended by our holiday experts - More things to see and do in Saxony -----------------------------------