--- title: "European Capital of Culture tour Saxony | Chemnitz 2025 & cultural highlights" url: "https://www.visitsaxony.com/plan-your-trip/itineraries/short-breaks/chemnitz-european-capital-of-culture-tour" description: "Explore the European Capital of Culture tour in Saxony: discover Chemnitz 2025, vibrant industrial heritage, modern culture, museums and creative hotspots across the region." language: "en" breadcrumb: "Root > Home > Plan your trip > Itineraries > European Capital of Culture tour" --- European Capital of Culture tour 2025 ===================================== 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 ---------------------------- RouteChemnitz – Zwickau – Purple Path & SchwarzenbergDistance82 km (with car)Duration4 days on tourWhat to expectExplore the hidden gem Chemnitz and the new attraction Purple Path.Best time to visitDuring the lovely seasons of spring, summer and autumnSuitable forVisitors who wish to explore the cultural capital. 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. - Kunstsammlungen Chemnitz Schmidt-Rottluff Dauerausstellung Sommerabend am See Discover the cultural capital of Chemnitz ### Cultural highlights in Chemnitz Day 2 in Chemnitz ----------------- chemnitz.zwickau.region.-chemnitz-CC0-tmgs-julia-nimke (14) 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 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. - - 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. - - Kunstsammlungen Chemnitz Schmidt-Rottluff Dauerausstellung Sommerabend am See ### Search for accommodation - Recommended by our holiday experts. - Gourmet events and more in Saxony Events in Saxony ---------------- - Relax in Saxony Vitality and wellness holiday ----------------------------- - Tips and inspiration Want to spend more time in Saxony? ----------------------------------