© Holger Stein Fotografie

Chemnitz. Zwickau. Region.

Modern, Art Nouveau and 
industrial culture

If you enjoy discovering contrasts, the Chemnitz.Zwickau.Region is the perfect destination. Striking industrial heritage and scenic natural landscapes come together in a truly captivating way. More than 70 museums and remarkable architectural landmarks bring to life an important chapter of Germany’s industrial history.

Culture lovers will be drawn to countless castles, theatres and art collections in the cities of Chemnitz and Zwickau and its sourrounding region, while nature enthusiasts can explore the greener side on a network of cycling and hiking trails, including routes along the idyllic Mulde River. A region full of variety, where culture and nature enrich each other at every turn.

© Oliver Göhler

Towns and cities in Chemnitz. Zwickau. Region.

Location and getting there in Germany

The Chemnitz–Zwickau holiday region is easy to reach: by train via Leipzig, Dresden, or Zwickau; by car via the A4 and A72 motorways; or by plane via Dresden and Leipzig/Halle airports.

Within Saxony, you benefit from short distances. The three major cities of Dresden, Leipzig, and Chemnitz are close to one another, making it easy to travel quickly from one attraction to the next.

  • Chemnitz – Berlin: 284 km

  • Chemnitz – Hamburg: 491 km

  • Chemnitz – Munich: 390 km

  • Chemnitz – Cologne: 504 km

  • Chemnitz – Frankfurt am Main: 400 km

  • Chemnitz – Stuttgart: 442 km

  • Chemnitz – Dusseldorf: 515 km

Not to be missed in the Chemnitz. Zwickau. Region

Sights and attractions in the Chemnitz. Zwickau. Region.

© Wolfgang Schmidt

Our tips

City breaks and culture in the Chemnitz. Zwickau. Region.

  • Chemnitz captivates visitors with its remarkable cultural richness. The city is home to one of the worldwide largest collections of works by Otto Dix, while distinguished art museums present masterpieces by contemporary artists such as Karl Schmidt-Rottluff, a founding member of the German Expressionist group Die Brücke. Beyond fine art, Chemnitz’s cultural identity is deeply shaped by architecture and design. Henry van de Velde, one of Europe’s most influential architects and designers, left a lasting legacy at Villa Esche, an outstanding example of early modern design. Chemnitz’s industrial past comes vividly to life at the Saxon Museum of Industry, while the elegant Art Nouveau and Gründerzeit architecture of the Kaßberg district gives the city its distinctive and charming character.

  • Zwickau brings together automotive heritage at the August Horch Museum, musical history at the Robert Schumann House and artistic insights at Zwickau Art Collection. Its historic old town and striking architectural landmarks make the city a diverse cultural destination in Saxony.

  • Housed in the historic Gebr. Pfau cloth factory, the Textile Museum Crimmitschau brings textile history to life. Original machinery illustrates the journey from fibre to fabric, making Crimmitschau’s industrial past tangible and engaging.

  • The Sachsenring is one of Europe’s most spectacular racetracks and a true mecca for motorsport fans.

  • Bringing rural life of past centuries vividly to life, the German Agricultural Museum Blankenhain Castle is a large open-air site where visitors can explore original historic buildings, a traditional blacksmith’s forge, and an exhibition of vintage tractors.

  • The Benedictine Monastery of Wechselburg impresses with its Late Romanesque Basilica of the Holy Cross and its unique spiritual atmosphere. Visitors can explore the monastery complex and enjoy peace and relaxation in on-site holiday apartments set within this historic setting.

  • “Neue Welt” Zwickau is a special place for music. Opened in 1903, the “Neue Welt” concert hall is as charming as they come, all in beautiful Art Nouveau style. It regularly hosts world-famous orchestras and ensembles.

Our tips

Active holidays in the 
Chemnitz. Zwickau. Region.

  • Hiking: explore the region on the Muldental Hiking Trail between Waldenburg and Colditz. Or follow in Luther's footsteps on the Luther Trail. The Porphyry Nature Trail on Rochlitz Mountain brings you closer to Germany's only natural stone World Heritage Site.

  • Cycling: try the Mulde Cycle Route for industrial history coupled with wide river meadows and romantic villages, or get on the Chemnitz Valley Cycle Route which leads from the European Capital of Culture 2025 out into the region. Then continue past castles, palaces and industrial monuments or into the Zschopau Valley and on to Kriebstein Dam.

  • Paddling: picturesque Waldenburg Mulde Valley and Rochlitz Mulde Valley offer ideal conditions for a tour in a kayak or paddle boat! Or enjoy a comfortable boat trip across the Kriebstein Dam.

  • Tip: Wolkenburg Castle in Limbach for leisurely stroll through a beautifully landscaped park and garden.

© BUR Werbeagentur

Eco-friendly tourism

Discover the region on sustainable paths

The Chemnitz. Zwickau. Region. unites historical significance with forward-looking approaches to sustainability. As the birthplace of Hans Carl von Carlowitz, the founder of the concept of sustainability, Chemnitz holds a special position. A permanent exhibition at Rabenstein Castle honours his work and its relevance for the present day.

Today, numerous innovative initiatives in the Chemnitz. Zwickau. Region. are being developed in the spirit of sustainable development. With the Chemnitz Model, public transportation is efficiently extended into the surrounding region by linking tram services with regional rail operations. Arena E in Mülsen enables emission-free motorsport with electric karts and serves as a prime example of environmentally friendly leisure activities.

The C/O56 Hotel in Chemnitz is sustainably certified and focuses on regional products as well as energy-efficient operations. Many other businesses in the Chemnitz. Zwickau. Region. are also actively committed to environmental protection by conserving resources and prioritising sustainability in all areas.

© Dirk Hanus

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Chemnitz. Zwickau. Region.

At a glance

All sights and attractions in the 
Chemnitz. Zwickau. Region

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Other holiday regions in Saxony