About Saxony
Saxony, nestled in eastern Germany, is a captivating blend of cultural grandeur, dramatic landscapes, and resilient history. The state's crown jewel is Dresden, the 'Florence on the Elbe,' where the meticulously reconstructed Frauenkirche and the opulent Zwinger Palace showcase Baroque splendor. Nearby, Leipzig thrums with a dynamic arts scene and a rich musical heritage tied to Bach and Mendelssohn. Saxony's natural beauty is equally compelling, from the bizarre sandstone formations of Saxon Switzerland National Park, a paradise for hikers and climbers, to the scenic vineyards along the Elbe River. The Ore Mountains (Erzgebirge) offer enchanting Christmas markets and centuries-old mining traditions recognized by UNESCO. Beyond the cities, discover majestic castles like Moritzburg and the Königstein Fortress. Saxony's unique appeal lies in its powerful combination of world-class art collections, such as Dresden's Old Masters Gallery, vibrant urban energy, and accessible outdoor adventures, all woven together with a distinct regional identity and warm hospitality.
Things to do in Saxony
3D archery in the course
Saxony, Germany
From GHS 419
5.0 (1)
Görlitz Private Guided Walking Tour
Saxony, Germany
From GHS 3,188
5.0 (1)
Creepy city tour Experience the dark side of Görlitz
Saxony, Germany
From GHS 210
4.7 (74)
Fly above Dresden with a local pilot
Saxony, Germany
From GHS 2,865
Discover the old town of Görlitz by scavenger hunt
Saxony, Germany
3D ax throwing at Lake Störmthal
Saxony, Germany
From GHS 262
1-hour Stand Up Paddling Board rental in Markkleeberg
Saxony, Germany
Discover Leipzig - 2-hour walking tour
Saxony, Germany
From GHS 3,258
Canoe Elbe Sandstone Tour in Saxon Switzerland
Saxony, Germany
Explore Chemnitz in 60 minutes with a Local
Saxony, Germany
From GHS 1,034
Best Intro to Chemnitz in 2 hours with a Local
Saxony, Germany
From GHS 1,688
Bautzen Private Guided Walking Tour With a Professional Guide
Saxony, Germany
From GHS 3,718
Chemnitz Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide
Saxony, Germany
From GHS 2,638
Travel Tips for Saxony
Getting Around
Saxony has an efficient, integrated public transport network. The Deutsche Bahn (DB) rail system connects major cities and towns. Regional trains (RE, RB) and trams/buses within cities are reliable. Consider the Sachsen-Ticket for unlimited regional travel for a day. In cities like Dresden and Leipzig, trams and buses are the best way to get around. Taxis are widely available and can be hailed or booked via apps like FREE NOW. Ride-sharing is limited. Car rentals are useful for exploring rural areas like Saxon Switzerland. Popular navigation apps are Google Maps and DB Navigator for schedules.
Best Time To Visit
Late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October) are ideal. These months offer pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds, and beautiful natural scenery. Summer (July-August) is warm and perfect for outdoor activities but is peak tourist season. December is magical for the world-famous Christmas markets, especially in Dresden, Leipzig, and the Ore Mountain towns, though it's cold and very crowded. Winter (outside December) offers potential for snow in the Ore Mountains for skiing.
Local Customs
Punctuality is highly valued. A firm handshake is the standard greeting. Use formal titles (Herr, Frau) and the formal 'Sie' until invited to use the informal 'du'. When dining, wish others 'Guten Appetit' before eating. Tipping is customary: round up the bill or add 5-10% in restaurants; tip taxi drivers by rounding up. In the Ore Mountains, traditional woodcraft and Christmas pyramid customs are a point of local pride. Dress is generally smart-casual; more formal for opera or fine dining. Sunday is a quiet day with most shops closed.
Safety Information
Saxony is generally very safe for travelers. Violent crime is rare. Standard precautions against petty theft (pickpocketing) are advised in crowded tourist areas, on public transport, and at major events. There is a visible police presence. Some far-right political activity exists, particularly in certain rural areas of former East Germany, but it rarely targets tourists. Avoid confrontations in nightlife areas late at night. Demonstrations occur occasionally; it's best to avoid large political rallies. Scams are uncommon, but be wary of unofficial taxi services. Saxon Switzerland National Park requires caution on hiking trails and climbing routes; follow marked paths and check weather conditions.
Health Information
Saxony has an excellent public healthcare system. Hospitals (Krankenhäuser) in major cities like Dresden (Universitätsklinikum) and Leipzig are of very high standard. EU citizens should carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or the new GHIC. Non-EU travelers must have comprehensive travel health insurance. No specific vaccinations are required beyond routine ones (MMR, Tetanus). Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a risk in forested and grassy areas, especially in the south (Saxon Switzerland, Ore Mountains); consider vaccination if hiking/camping. Tap water is safe to drink. Pharmacies (Apotheke) are widely available for minor ailments.
Languages Spoken
GermanUpper Sorbian
Quick Facts
Currency
Euro (EUR)
€
€
Timezone
Europe/Berlin +01:00 (GMT)
Calling Code
+49
Electricity
Driving Side
Right
Population
4.0 million
Area
18416 km²
Government
Parliamentary republic (Bundesland)
ISO Code
SN