Things to do in  Saxony

Top 15 attractions in Saxony

Dresden Frauenkirche

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A church dating back to the early 18th century, the Frauenkirche in Dresden was damaged during World War II bombings in 1945. After its dome collapsed, the ruins of the church were left as a war memorial. But after the reunification of Germany, the church was reconstructed and completed by 2005.More

St. Thomas Church (Thomaskirche)

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One of two places of worship in the center of Leipzig, St. Thomas Church is home to the remains of composer Johann Sebastian Bach, who once worked as the church’s music director. The current building dates to the end of the 15th century, and the roof above its vaulted ceiling is one of the steepest in Germany. Martin Luther preached at St. Thomas on Pentecost Sunday in 1539, but the church may be best known for the St. Thomas Boys’ Choirs founded centuries earlier, in 1212.A 223-foot (68-m) church tower rises above the surrounding skyline, featuring four bells that ring hourly and on the quarter hour. The church contains two organs, one of which was built in semblance to Bach's in the Paulinekirche—as well as a Gothic altar. Next to the church is a sculpture of Bach, added in 1908.More

Dresden Castle (Residenzschloss)

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Explore a Renaissance castle that dates back to the late 1400s during a visit to the Dresden Royal Palace. Once home to Saxony’s kings, today the palace houses the Dresden State Art Collections including the acclaimed Green Vault. Plan a visit here to learn about the building’s history, including damage from World War II bombings, and see a wide variety of art and antiques.More

St Nicholas Church (Nikolaikirche)

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Standing at the intersection of two historically important trade roads, Via Regia and Via Imperii, St. Nicholas Church in Leipzig dates to 1165. The oldest church in the city, it was originally built in a Romanesque style, but was enlarged and converted into a Gothic hall church in the 16th century. An octagonal central tower was added at that time as well. Martin Luther is said to have preached at the church, which has been Protestant since 1539. The interior of the church is notable for the pillars in the nave that end in palm-like flourishes. Johann Sebastian Bach once served as the music director for the church and several of his works debuted in the church in the 18th century.The church gained national prominence in 1989 due to peaceful demonstrations outside the church protesting communist rule in Germany. Today, it remains one of the largest churches in the Saxony region of Germany, holding up to 1400.More

Saxon Switzerland National Park (Nationalpark Sächsische Schweiz)

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With its dramatic topography of tumbling canyons, table mountains, and untamed forests—spliced down the middle by the mighty Elbe River—Saxon Switzerland National Park (Nationalpark Sächsische Schweiz) is a wild playground for adventurers. Straddling the Germany–Czech Republic border, the vast park offers hiking and cycling trails and hundreds of rock climbing locations.More
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Elbe River

Elbe River

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One of Central Europe’s major rivers, the Elbe River runs through the heart of Dresden. It has played an important role in Germany’s history, forming part of the border between East and West Germany during the Cold War. Today the Elbe River is a popular spot for boat tours and views of landmarks like the Dresden Opera House. More
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Panometer

Panometer

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Housed in a former gas storage tank, the Leipzig Panometer was created in 2003 to display the artworks of panorama artist Yadegar Asisi. Today there are two Panometers showcasing his unique, immersive work (the other is in Dresden), and Asisi’s pieces can be seen on display around the world.More

Zwinger and Semperbau

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One of Dresden’s most important historic landmarks—and renowned for its ornate baroque design—the Zwinger was built in 1719 as a place of regal recreation. Later, in 1855, the more austere Semperbau was added to the Zwinger complex. Today, both are home to art collections featuring works by the old masters, plus antiquities.More

Green Vault (Grünes Gewölbe)

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Located within the Dresden Royal Palace, the Green Vault is one of the city museums featuring a collection of historical art and antiques. Go inside this treasure chest to see precious objects made of ivory, gemstones, gold, and silver. The museum offers the opportunity to admire art and artifacts up close.More

Leipzig Zoo (Zoologischer Garten Leipzig)

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Home to over 850 animal species from around the world, Leipzig Zoo (Zoologischer Garten Leipzig) is a leader in animal-welfare and -breeding programs. From jungle paths and treetop trails to river cruises and Germany’s largest indoor tropical rain forest, the sprawling zoo has something to entertain all ages.More

Albertinum

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Dresden’s Albertinum hosts the Galerie Neue Meister (New Masters Gallery), a large art collection that starts with the Romanticists of the early 1800s. The Renaissance Revival building is a former arsenal in Dresden’s historic center, and many visitors to Dresden walk past the grand building. Going inside and checking out the collections is a must for art enthusiasts.More

Semper Opera House (Semperoper)

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Built between 1838 and 1841, this historic opera house in central Dresden is known across Germany for its beautiful architecture. It's also the home of the celebrated Saxon State Orchestra and the Saxon State Opera. Although the opera house was destroyed in World War II, it has since been rebuilt to its original glory.More

Loschwitz Bridge

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Officially named the Loschwitz Bridge, the Blue Wonder Bridge in Dresden stretches across the Elbe River. The bridge was painted a bright blue color and earned the nickname it’s known by today. While much of Dresden was destroyed during bombings in World War II, the Blue Wonder Bridge survived.More
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Belantis

Belantis

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On the outskirts of Leipzig, the Belantis amusement park entertains visitors with a variety of live performances and more than 60 rides and attractions. Fun seekers of all ages will find plenty to do, from toddler-sized bumper cars to topsy-turvy roller coasters.More
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Halloren Chocolate Factory (Halloren Schokoladenmuseum)

Halloren Chocolate Factory (Halloren Schokoladenmuseum)

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With a history dating back to 1804, the Halloren Chocolate Factory (Halloren Schokoladenmuseum) is the oldest in Germany and famous for its Halloren-Kugeln (chocolate balls). Today, it’s also a popular tourist attraction, offering chocolate tastings, interactive exhibits, and chocolate-making displays.More

Top activities in Saxony

Best of Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland Day Trip from Dresden- Fantasy Tour
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Best of Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland Day Trip from Dresden - Hiking Tour
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Historic Dresden Private Walking Tour

Historic Dresden Private Walking Tour

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24
From
$191.56
per group
The Third Reich in Dresden- private tour

The Third Reich in Dresden- private tour

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1
From
$207.98
per group
Private Transfer from Dresden to Prague

Private Transfer from Dresden to Prague

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1
From
$304.31
per group
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All about Saxony

Local Currency
Euro (€)
Time Zone
CEST (UTC +1)
Country Code
+49
Language(s)
German
Attractions
19
Tours
130
EN
b054a455-414e-4fba-80f6-0316520aa39d
geo_hub
Frequently Asked Questions