Saxony is the Germany many visitors miss – and it is a mistake. Here you will find one of Europe’s most beautiful baroque skylines, a creative city with a musical soul, sandstone rock towers straight out of a fantasy film and the oldest Christmas market in the country. This Saxony travel guide shows you how to plan it.
Why visit Saxony
In eastern Germany, bordering Poland and the Czech Republic, Saxony was for centuries one of Europe’s richest courts. Its electors filled Dresden with palaces and art treasures, while Leipzig grew into a city of trade, books and music.
Today it combines world-class museums, lively neighbourhoods, a wine valley along the Elbe and superb hiking in Saxon Switzerland – usually with fewer crowds than in western Germany.
Top places to visit in Saxony
Dresden
The rebuilt Frauenkirche, the baroque Zwinger palace, the Semperoper opera house and the dazzling treasures of the Green Vault. Across the river, the Neustadt is full of bars, street art and courtyards.
Leipzig
The city of Bach and Mendelssohn, with St Thomas Church, where Bach was cantor, and St Nicholas Church, where the peaceful protests of 1989 began. Former factories such as the Spinnerei are now galleries and studios.
Saxon Switzerland
A national park of sandstone towers and gorges along the Elbe. Walk to the Bastei Bridge for the famous view, or hike the Malerweg (Painters’ Way).
Meissen and Moritzburg
Meissen is the home of Europe’s first porcelain and has a castle above the Elbe. Moritzburg Castle stands on a lake and is famous as a film location.
Görlitz
A beautifully preserved old town on the Polish border, so photogenic that it is a favourite film set – with buildings from Gothic to Art Nouveau.
Best time to visit Saxony
May to September is ideal for hiking, river cruises and beer gardens. Autumn brings wine festivals in the Elbe valley. In Advent, Dresden’s Striezelmarkt – one of Germany’s oldest Christmas markets – and the Ore Mountains’ wooden crafts make the region magical.
Getting to and around Saxony
Dresden and Leipzig have airports, but many visitors arrive by train: Berlin to Leipzig or Dresden takes around two hours or less. Regional trains and the S-Bahn reach Meissen and Saxon Switzerland, and in summer paddle steamers cruise the Elbe from Dresden. A car is useful only for remote corners.
Saxony itinerary ideas
- Three days: Dresden (two days) and a day hiking in Saxon Switzerland.
- Five days: Dresden, Meissen, Saxon Switzerland and Leipzig.
- Christmas trip: Dresden’s markets, the Ore Mountains and Leipzig.
What to eat in Saxony
Try Dresdner Christstollen, the famous Christmas fruit bread, Eierschecke (a layered cheesecake), Quarkkeulchen (sweet curd pancakes) and Sauerbraten (marinated pot roast). Saxony also makes wine along the Elbe and is home to well-known beers such as Radeberger.
Saxony travel tips
- Book the Green Vault (Historic Green Vault) in advance: entry is timed.
- Wear good shoes in Saxon Switzerland – some trails have ladders and steps.
- Combine cities by train: Dresden and Leipzig are just over an hour apart.
- Visit in Advent for the most atmospheric Christmas markets in Germany.
Saxony FAQ
Dresden or Leipzig: which one should I visit?
Dresden for baroque architecture and art treasures; Leipzig for music, nightlife and a younger, creative vibe. Ideally, both – they are close.
How do you get to the Bastei Bridge from Dresden?
Take the S-Bahn to Kurort Rathen (about 40 minutes), cross the Elbe by ferry and walk up – or drive to the car park near the bridge.
How many days do you need in Saxony?
Three days for Dresden and Saxon Switzerland; five days to add Leipzig and Meissen.
