What do you know about Saxony? Probably not too much; it’s a region somewhere in Germany, right…? Saxony is in fact one of the 16 federal states that make up Germany, but really what you need to know is that it’s lovely. It’s by far my favourite state, thanks to its beautiful scenery, history and lively cosmopolitan cities.
It’s a proven fact that everybody loves Germany. The culture, the landscape, the beer and the people make the country a popular port of call on trips around Europe – not to mention the appeal of Berlin, Munich and Hamburg as budget city break destinations. Here’s why Saxony deserves some love, too.
10. Dresden’s old town
I’ve made no secret of my love for Dresden – as shown in my post on 6 overlooked and underrated cities in Europe. The city’s old town is simply incredible. Entirely rebuilt from rubble at the end of the World War II, Dresden’s moniker as the Florence on the Elbe is certainly justified. The huge Frauenkirche, ornate Semperoper opera house, and former royal palace Der Zwinger, will drain your camera battery as you try and get shots from every angle. It truly is the one of the most beautiful cities I’ve ever seen and is best viewed from the opposite bank of the Elbe.
9. Meißen (Meissen)
Meissen is another ridiculously photogenic town on the Elbe, just north of Dresden. Most visitors seem to be interested in the porcelain made here which put the town on the map, but Meissen is a great place to spend the day, regardless of your love of crockery. The cathedral and castle are definitely worth the steep trek up the hill for some amazing views over the rooftops. Top tip: Meissen is best reached from Dresden by a leisurely hour-long boat trip up the Elbe.
Read more: Is this Germany’s most beautiful town?
8. East German history
Leipzig is the only destination for anyone interested in the history of the GDR, the former East Germany. The headquarters of the Stasi, the secret East German network of spies and informers, was based in Leipzig in the ‘Runde Ecke’, which is now home to a fascinating exhibition on the extent of the government’s paranoia. The Zeitgeschichtliches Forum, also in Leipzig, is a much flasher, free museum which chronicles the entire life of the former East German Republic, including the Monday demonstrations – a peaceful revolution that began with weekly protests at the Nikolaikirche in Leipzig in 1989, and is attributed to helping to bring down the Berlin Wall and communism in Europe. Leipzig is a must for any fans of Das Leben der Anderen, or the book Stasiland.
Read more: 11 essential experiences in Leipzig
7. Cospudener See
Cospudener See, or ‘Cossi’ as it is affectionately known, is a lake and artificial beach just south of Leipzig. Packed at evenings and weekends in summer, the lake is an easy and scenic bike ride from Leipzig and is a great place for BBQs, sun-bathing, swimming, boating, or – if you’re German – just chilling stark-bollock naked.
6. Königstein Fortress
Königstein fortress is one of the largest fortresses in Europe, situated in the heart of Saxon Switzerland (named after its similar appearance to Switzerland), a few kilometres from the Czech border. The mammoth complex makes a nice day trip from Dresden and offers some amazing views of Elbe valley below. The fortress also has a ridiculously deep well (the second deepest in Europe) and a few little exhibitions on the history of the place.
5. Görlitz
Though definitely not as well known as Leipzig or Dresden, Görlitz is a town not to be missed. Sitting directly on Germany’s border with Poland, the former trading town has inherited a wealth of beautiful buildings which are in the process of being restored thanks to a mystery anonymous donor… The town boasts almost 4,000 protected buildings and as such is a bit like stepping back in time – which might be why it is so attractive to film-makers.
Read more: Top 10 things to see and do in Görlitz
4. Hiking in Saxon Switzerland
The eight-stage Malerweg, which winds through Saxon Switzerland, must be one of the most beautiful and most varied hikes in Germany. From jaw-dropping views to deep forests, the route takes you via deep narrow valleys and over towering rock formations to see the very best of Germany’s natural beauty. Read more below.
Read more: My guide to exploring Saxon Switzerland
3. Dresden’s Hipster Neustadt
Across the Elbe from Dresden’s old town lies the city’s new town or Neustadt, which thanks to WWII, is now older than the old town. The Neustadt is painfully bohemian and where you’ll find Dresden’s coolest bars and restaurants and most of the city’s hostels. The Neustadt even declared its independence during the period of German reunification. Die Bunte Republik Neustadt or the Colourful Republic of Neustadt, 1990-1993, featured Mickey Mouse on their coat of arms, and the Neustadt is now the host of a three-day street festival every June held in honour of the former country.
2. Monument to the Battle of Nations
Europe’s largest monument, and potentially its least aesthetically pleasing, the Monument to the Battle of Nations, or the Völkerschlachtdenkmal, is a monolithic structure just outside Leipzig in remembrance of the 1813 Battle of Leipzig – a huge conflict where Saxony, Prussia, Austria, Sweden and Russia defeated Napoleon. Climb to the top for views over Leipzig.
1. Cruising the Elbe
The Elbe runs through Dresden and is a great way to get around in summer. We took a river cruise for up to Meissen for about €12 one-way (it’s quicker to get the train home), but there are also routes to the Bastei and Königstein, among other places. It’s a great way to see a bit of the surrounding Saxon countryside, and if you’re lucky – get burnt to a crisp.
Which lesser-known part of a country have you fallen in love with?