Saxon Castle and Heathland Region

Travel Guide

Leipzig University which includes a church or cathedral
Saxon Castle and Heathland Region
Leipzig showing an administrative building
Saxon Castle and Heathland Region
Leipzig featuring a city

Be enchanted by the castles, heathlands and parks that adorn this stretch of the Elbe River and find 1,000 years of history within steadfast palace walls.

Between Leipzig and Chemnitz lies a delightful stretch of the Elbe River that courses through Saxony’s Castle and Heathland region. The 62-mile (100-kilometer) section of the mighty Elbe contains a millennium of history within 140 magnificent palaces and castles. Uncover the stories of the castles’ former residents and explore the breathtaking heathland scenery on a cycling or boating trip.

History has left a lasting impression on one of Central Germany’s largest woodlands. Fascinating stories are intermingled with the natural landscape. Vast castles loom over the riverbanks and turreted palaces tower over the treetop canopy. Discover these elegant buildings in high concentrations around the river regions of Streigis, Zschopau and Mulde. Embark on a boat tour and spy the stunning examples of medieval architecture from these historic waterways. Rent a bicycle and make the most of the region’s excellent cycling paths, such as the Muldental-Radweg.

Learn about the people who once resided in these stately castles and find out about medieval customs during the events held for the Central Saxon Cultural Summer Festival. More than 40 events occur during the 3-month summer period in this region. See performances and discover local stories as you explore behind the castle walls.

The region’s lush woodlands are renowned for their size. Explore the leafy Dahlener Heath or Dübener Heath on foot or on horseback and take in the sights of the pretty countryside. You’ll find small hamlets and charming towns, such as the traditional village of Grimma. Soothe your muscles with a visit to local spas. Popular spots include Bad Lausick and Bad Düben.

Saxony’s Castle and Heathland region is situated by the banks of the Elbe River in Central Saxon, in the heart of the triangle formed by Dresden, Chemnitz and Leipzig. The region is less than an hour’s drive from each of these cities and easily accessible by train. Dresden’s airport receives international flights from across Europe. Visit this area in summer to make the most of the sunny days and lush greenery or in winter to enjoy the romantic sights of snow-covered castles.

Where to stay in Saxon Castle and Heathland Region

St. Nicholas Church featuring a church or cathedral and interior views

Zentrum

4.5/5(36 area reviews)

Travellers choose Zentrum for its ample dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Leipzig Markt S-Bahn or Augustusplatz Tram Stop and check out top sights like St. Nicholas Church.

Zentrum
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Mitte

Museums, historical sites and theatres highlight some notable features of Mitte. Make a stop by Leipzig's Old Town Hall or Leipzig Market Square while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Leipzig Markt S-Bahn or Augustusplatz Tram Stop to get around town.

Mitte
St. Nicholas Church showing interior views and a church or cathedral

Old Town Leipzig

Museums, historical sites and shopping highlight some notable features of Old Town Leipzig. Make a stop by Leipzig's Old Town Hall or Leipzig Market Square while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Leipzig Markt S-Bahn or Augustusplatz Tram Stop to get around town.

Old Town Leipzig
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Zentrum-Ost

3.5/5(3 area reviews)

Discover Zentrum-Ost, memorable for its bars. Popular attractions in Zentrum-Ost include Promenaden Hauptbahnhof Leipzig and Sommersaal, and you can see more of the area by hopping on the metro at Coppiplatz Tram Stop.

Zentrum-Ost
Cospudener Lake which includes a lake or waterhole as well as a large group of people

Südwest

Shopping and restaurants are highlights of Südwest. Make a stop by Cospudener Lake or Belantis Amusement Park while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Karl-Heine-Merseburger Straße Tram Stop to get around town.

Südwest
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Süd

You might enjoy the restaurants while in Süd. Agra-Park is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Leipzig Connewitz S-Bahn or Kurt-Eisner-/Arthur-Hoffmann-Straße Tram Stop to see more of the city.

Süd
Campanile Leipzig Halle Airport

Campanile Leipzig Halle Airport

Terminalring 8, Flughafen Leipzig/Halle, Schkeuditz, SN
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €59 per night from 29 Aug to 30 Aug
€59
29 Aug - 30 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Schkeuditz. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (779 reviews)
"Easy checkin Friendly and helpful staff. Three minute walk to airport checkin."

Reviewed on 19 Jul 2025

Campanile Leipzig Halle Airport
Private beach! NEW villa "Cloudless" with fireplace and sauna right on the beach

Private beach! NEW villa "Cloudless" with fireplace and sauna right on the beach

Löbnitz
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Lobnitz. Enjoy free WiFi, a private beach, and a sauna. Popular attractions Großer Goitzschesee and Muldestau Lake ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (83 reviews)
"Wir waren zu viert mit unseren Teenager-Mädels und durften dieses wunderbare Ferienhaus für eine Woche Urlaub genießen. Bereits die Kommunikation im Vorfeld mit Dani Exner war sehr freundlich und zuvorkommend. Wir hatten teilweise etwas Pech mit dem Wetter und haben einmal als freundliche Entschädigung ..."

Reviewed on 7 Aug 2025

Private beach! NEW villa "Cloudless" with fireplace and sauna right on the beach
Hotel Belmondo Leipzig Airport

Hotel Belmondo Leipzig Airport

4 out of 5
Junkersstrasse 1, Wiedemar
The price is €58 per night from 9 Aug to 10 Aug
€58
9 Aug - 10 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Wiedemar. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Porsche Factory and Halle Leipzig The Style ...
7.8/10 Good! (106 reviews)
"Over stay was sufficient. Would gladly select a different accommodation. Photos are misleading and not an accurate portrayal of the hotel."

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2025

Hotel Belmondo Leipzig Airport
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Riff Resort

Riff Resort

Am Riff 4, Bad Lausick
Book a stay at this spa aparthotel in Bad Lausick. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Popular attraction Schloss Colditz is located nearby.
9/10 Wonderful! (71 reviews)
"We were visiting from the US and visiting Colditz Castle. This stop was wonderful with clean, quiet, comfortable accommodations. The water park is a big hit with the locals and visitors alike. Some of the best food we had on our trip. I'd definitely choose to stay again."

Reviewed on 9 May 2025

Riff Resort
Private beach! NEW villa "Cloudless" with fireplace and sauna right on the beach

Private beach! NEW villa "Cloudless" with fireplace and sauna right on the beach

Löbnitz
Book a stay at this beach vacation home in Lobnitz. Enjoy free WiFi, a private beach, and a sauna. Popular attractions Großer Goitzschesee and Muldestau Lake ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (83 reviews)
"Wir waren zu viert mit unseren Teenager-Mädels und durften dieses wunderbare Ferienhaus für eine Woche Urlaub genießen. Bereits die Kommunikation im Vorfeld mit Dani Exner war sehr freundlich und zuvorkommend. Wir hatten teilweise etwas Pech mit dem Wetter und haben einmal als freundliche Entschädigung ..."

Reviewed on 7 Aug 2025

Private beach! NEW villa "Cloudless" with fireplace and sauna right on the beach
Modern top floor apartment 5 min to Markkleeberger See

Modern top floor apartment 5 min to Markkleeberger See

Markkleeberg
Stay at this apartment in Markkleeberg. Enjoy free WiFi, cable/satellite TV service, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Cospudener Lake and Red ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (53 reviews)
"Sehr positiv"

Reviewed on 27 Jul 2025

Modern top floor apartment 5 min to Markkleeberger See
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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