Attractions - Germany

Attractions - Berlin

Saxony, Germany

Of all the German states, Saxony offers the widest diversity in culture, landscape and architecture. A former East German state, it was reunited with West Germany in 1991. A densely populated and industrialised region, it also boasts a widely varied and exuberant artistic climate. The larger cities of Dresden, Leipzig and Chemnitz contrast beautifully with the region’s breathtaking landscape of mountain ranges, lakes and great rivers.

Saxony’s Elbe sandstone mountains with their strange, sheer cliff formations and romantic ravines, provide a wonderful region for the tourist to explore. The Erzgebirge Mountains in the south of the state is eastern Germany’s highest range. Hike or rent a bicycle to fully enjoy both of these fabulous areas. Alternatively, take a boat down the River Elbe from Dresden and take in the glorious surrounding mountain scenery. Dresden is the region’s capital city and was devastated by the allied forces’ firebombs at the close of WWII. However, a large number of its great baroque buildings have been restored and it is a dynamic, lively city. The visitor will be somewhat bewildered to witness the bizarre sight of an early baroque cathedral rising out of the rubble. This is the Frauenkirche – the city’s architectural masterpiece which is in the early stages of a laborious reconstruction. Visit the Gemäldegalerie Neue Meister, whose highlights include one of the greatest collections of Romantic paintings.

The vibrant city of Leipzig is another must for the discerning traveller. Home of Bach, Wagner and Mendelssohn, the town offers some of Germany’s finest music and opera as well as a flourishing literary and artistic scene. Meissen, famous for its porcelain works, is a beautifully preserved old town. The medieval fortress, the Albrechtsburg, contains the former ducal palace and the splendid Gothic cathedral. Visit the porcelain works and see the most beautiful porcelain collection. Make sure to take in another of Saxony's gems, the small town of Augustusburg with its glorious medieval palace.

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