The federal states of Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia are the centerpieces of German history and culture

Unique Locations of Art and History

Whether in Magdeburg, the German birthplace of the Holy Roman Empire, Wartburg Castle near Eisenach, where the famous reformer Martin Luther first translated the Bible into German, or Dresden, where Elector Augustus the Strong developed his impressive Baroque splendour, you will find unique sights all around the region. You will be charmed by art treasures, Gothic cathedrals and imposing castles, impressed by gigantic industrial monuments and examples of modern Bauhaus architecture, and fascinated by landscape gardens like those around Dessau-Wörlitz. Furthermore, many towns invite you to stroll around their lovingly restored historical centres. While walking through quaint cobble-stoned lanes, you will be getting to know towns shaped by the Middle Ages, such as Erfurt, Meissen and Bautzen or the romantic town of half-timbered houses, Quedlinburg.

Great Personalities

Again and again, you will find yourself on the tracks of famous personalities. Poets such as Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Friedrich Schiller and composers such as Johann Sebastian Bach and George Frederic Handel lived and worked in these three states. It is no surprise that today this is still one of the liveliest regions for theatre and music in Germany.

Traditional Arts and Crafts

In many places, old crafts are still being nurtured. Visitors to the Ore Mountains will be able to observe master craftsmen carving a massive piece of wood into delicate and ornate figures. Another ancient art that is practised here is glassblowing. In countless workshops the master craftsmen demonstrate how they create noble vases and fragile Christmas tree baubles – using not only their talent but also their powerful lungs. A special highlight for all visitors to the Cultural Heart is of course to be present at the creation of “white gold” and its intricate decoration by porcelain painters. Meissen Porcelain, from the oldest porcelain factory in Europe, is world-famous.

Enjoyment with all the Senses

The Cultural Heart of Germany also symbolises joie de vivre, which includes a good beer or one of the delicious wines from the Saxon Elblands or the Saale-Unstrut region, both of which have an excellent reputation. The chefs of the region master the balancing act between hearty food and haute cuisine, and the hotels and restaurants welcome you with the appropriate atmosphere to enjoy a delicious meal.

Fascinating Experiences of Nature

And for those who want some peace and quiet after spending time in lively towns, the scenic countryside of the region will provide fabulous tours.

Amongst the many attractions are the Harz area with the Brocken, the mythical witches’ mountain, the mountains of Saxon Switzerland with their bizarre rock formations, and the Thuringian Forest with the Rennsteig, Germany’s most famous mountain path.

By the way, captivating hiking and cycling paths for active and eventful tours exist in all the regions of the Cultural Heart. And in many places nature can be experienced enjoyably and nostalgically – on one of the many steam-driven narrow-gauge railways of the region.

For more information on this culture rich region of Germany go to
www.culturalheartofgermany.de