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© Nasser Hashemi

European Capital of Culture tour 2025

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Discover selected highlights

4 day tour starting in Chemnitz

European Capital of Culture Chemnitz 2025 celebrates creativity, diversity, and innovation with inspiring events across the city itself, Chemnitz.Zwickauer.Region and the UNESCO-listed Ore Mountains. For a best-of, we have curated a 4-day itinerary starting in Chemnitz and featuring a range of highlights.

On your trip, you will also be able to explore the "Purple Path", one of the European Capital of Culture flagship projects featuring international artists. This public art trail invites visitors on a journey through the region, with works united by the theme "Everything comes from the mountain." Alongside the trail, you can even participate in creative workshops and art projects in special “maker hubs”, fostering discovery, collaboration, and cultural exchange!

Brief details about the tour

Route Chemnitz – Zwickau – Purple Path & Schwarzenberg
Distance 82 km (with car)
Duration 4 days on tour
What to expect Explore the hidden gem Chemnitz and the new attraction Purple Path.
Best time to visit During the lovely seasons of spring, summer and autumn
Suitable for Visitors who wish to explore the cultural capital.
© Wolfgang Gärtner

High-quality art experiences

Day 1 in Chemnitz

Visit to the cultural capital

Spend a day exploring Chemnitz, a city rich in history and culture. Stroll through its award-winning city centre, home to iconic sites like the “Nischel” (a massive Karl Marx bust) and remarkable museums. Explore the Saxon Museum of Industry to delve into the city’s industrial heritage or visit the Chemnitz Art Collections for an impressive selection of modern art, including works by Baselitz, Otto Dix, and Karl Schmidt-Rottluff. Don't miss the Edvard Munch exhibition from August 10 to November 2, 2025.

Frau betrachtet Kunstwerk
© Wolfgang Schmidt

Discover the cultural capital of Chemnitz

Cultural highlights in Chemnitz

  • Cultural center with impressive architecture and a large paved forecourt under a blue sky.
    © PUNCTUM, Bertram Kober | AI-optimized
    Tip Chemnitz Art Collections am Theaterplatz
    Museum/art collection
    Theaterplatz 1, 09111 Chemnitz
  • © Städtische Theater Chemnitz gGmbH
    Chemnitz Theatre
    Venue
    Kaethe-Kollwitz-Strasse 7, 09122 Chemnitz
  • © Dirk Hanus / CWE
    Kaßberg Chemnitz
    Other
    Barbarossastraße 48-52, 09112 Chemnitz
  • © CWE
    Museum für Naturkunde Chemnitz – Museum of Natural History
    Culture and event venue
    Moritzstraße 20, 09111 Chemnitz
  • © Wolfgang Schmidt
    Museum Gunzenhauser – Chemnitz Art Collections
    Museum/art collection
    Falkeplatz/ Stollberger Str. 2, 09112 Chemnitz
  • © Michael Jungblut / Staatliches Museum für Archäologie Chemnitz
    smac – State Museum for Archaeology Chemnitz
    Museum/art collection
    Stefan-Heym-Platz 1, 09111 Chemnitz
  • © Chemnitzer Wirtschaftsförderungs- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft
    Villa Esche in Chemnitz
    Museum/art collection
    Parkstraße 58, 09120 Chemnitz
© Dirk Hanus

Day 2 in Chemnitz

chemnitz.zwickau.region.-chemnitz-CC0-tmgs-julia-nimke (14)
© Julia Nimke

Festivals, concerts, performances, and more

On your second day, dive into the excitement of the “Capital of Culture” celebrations. With festivals, concerts, performances, and more, the city will be brimming with unique experiences. Explore and engage in the vibrant atmosphere.

  • More about Chemnitz

Culture and sport in Chemnitz

Event highlights in Chemnitz

Philipp Herfort Photography | CC0

Music and automotive heritage

Day 3 in Zwickau

Birthplace of Audi

Visit to Zwickau

Take a 45-minute drive to Zwickau where you can enjoy a unique blend of automotive heritage and classical music.

  • Start with the August Horch Museum, which showcases 115 years of car manufacturing at the birthplace of Audi. Explore an impressive collection of vintage cars and learn about the pioneering work of August Horch.

  • Afterwards, enjoy a leisurely stroll through Zwickau's charming city center.

  •  In the afternoon, immerse yourself in classical music at the Schumann House, a museum dedicated to composer Robert Schumann, one of Germany’s greatest musical figures.

© Ronny Küttner

Explore the sculpture trail

Day 4 on the Purple Path and in Schwarzenberg

An impressive journey

On the purple path to Schwarzenberg

  • Embark on a scenic journey to Schwarzenberg and explore the purple path sculptures along the way in Schneeberg, Aue-Bad Schlema, and Lößnitz. Make sure to check out “Maker Hub” events taking place in the area!

  • In Schwarzenberg, visit the UNESCO-listed Erlahammer manor to learn about the region's mining history, or explore Europe’s largest tin chambers at the Pöhla show mine.

  • Wander through the charming, listed old town with its picturesque alleys and unique shops.

  • For a true local experience, stop by the “Freie Republik Schwarzenberg” pub, which celebrates the region’s brief self-governance after WWII due to an allied misunderstanding.

Frau betrachtet Kunstwerk
© Wolfgang Schmidt

Search for accommodation

© Philipp Herfort

Gourmet events and more in Saxony

Events in Saxony

© TVE / Dirk Rückschloss [pixore]

Relax in Saxony

Vitality and wellness holiday

Tips and inspiration

Want to spend more time in Saxony?

Tip

Event highlights

What Saxony has in store for you this year

© Nadja Seifert
Accommodation

All accommodation options

From holiday apartments to hotels – find your accommodation here!

© GVOMEDIA

Typically Saxon

Explore the local way of life