Saxony, nestled in the eastern part of Germany, is a captivating federal state renowned for its abundant historical, cultural, and architectural wonders.
For those curious about Saxony's current ambiance, explore the live webcams capturing the beauty of many enchanting places in and around the State of Saxony.
Boasting a diverse landscape, Saxony shares its borders with the federal states of Bavaria, Thuringia, Saxony-Anhalt, and Brandenburg, as well as the countries of Poland and the Czech Republic. Its crown jewel, Dresden serves as both the capital and largest city; gracefully positioned on the banks of the Elbe River, it is well-known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and cultural heritage.
One of its most famous landmarks is the Dresden Frauenkirche, a baroque-style Lutheran church built in the 18th century. Other architectural highlights in the city include the Zwinger Palace, the Semper Opera House, and the Dresden Castle.
Leipzig, another prominent city, offers a vibrant cultural scene. Notable sites include the historic St. Thomas Church (Thomaskirche), which houses Johann Sebastian Bach's final resting place. Augustusplatz (Augustus Square) in the city centre is home to several notable landmarks, including the renowned Leipzig Gewandhaus, one of the world's oldest symphony orchestras, the Leipzig Opera House, and the imposing City-Hochhaus Leipzig, the city's tallest building.
Chemnitz, the third-largest city and former Karl-Marx-Stadt, offers a glimpse into Saxony's industrial past through its museums and modern architecture. Colditz Castle, near Leipzig, narrates a unique history as a World War II prisoner-of-war camp turned museum. Zwickau, known for its historical significance in the automotive industry, is home to museums and sites showcasing its automotive heritage; particularly linked to the founder of Audi, August Horch. Plauen, often referred to as the "City of Lace," embraces a charming historical centre and is famous for its traditional lace-making craftsmanship. Meanwhile, Görlitz, while not a major city by population, stands out as one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Germany, with a picturesque old town and numerous historic structures.
Nature lovers can visit the Saxon Switzerland National Park (Nationalpark Sächsische Schweiz) near Dresden, which features unique sandstone formations, deep gorges, and landmarks like Bastei Bridge. Moritzburg Castle, a charming Baroque palace near Dresden, is surrounded by a scenic lake, whereas the Ore Mountains (Erzgebirge) showcase traditional craftsmanship and offer opportunities for winter sports and hiking. Saxony, with its array of cities and attractions, welcomes visitors to discover its diverse cultural and natural treasures.
Population: 4,078 million
Capital: Dresden
Other major cities: Leipzig, Dresden, Chemnitz, Zwickau, Plauen, Görlitz, Freiberg, Freital, Pirna, Bautzen
Main attractions: Saxon Switzerland National Park, The Devil's Bridge, Muskau Park, Monument to the Battle of the Nations, Leipzig Zoo, The Church of Our Lady (Frauenkirche Dresden), Zwinger, Semper Opera House, Ortenburg Castle, Moritzburg Castle, Ore Mountains (Erzgebirge)
Airports: Dresden Airport (DRS), Leipzig/Halle Airport (LEJ)
