Naturally charming
In the north-east of Saxony, between Leipzig and Dresden, lies the impressive Saxon Heathland, which is particularly characterised by the contrast between shady forest areas and open heath landscapes.
The idyllic Dahlen and Düben Heaths, the Wermsdorf Forest with its many ponds, and the romantic river landscapes along the Mulde and Elbe are perfect for hiking, cycling and horse riding.
Many signposted routes and paths lead nature lovers to the region’s most charming spots.
Saxon Heathland offers…
extensive hiking and cycling trails that combine nature and cultural experiences
relaxing wellness offers
interesting museums on natural, cultural and industrial history
“Gut zu Fuß” brochure
The most beautiful hiking routes through the city and countryside are presented in a compact and clear format. More than 40 hiking routes through the city and Leipzig region are featured with overview maps as well as key facts such as elevation profile and length . Of course, tips on things to discover and restaurants along the routes are also included.
The municipalities of Bad Düben, Belgern-Schildau, Cavertitz, Dahlen, Doberschütz, Dommitzsch, Eilenburg, Mügeln, Naundorf, Oschatz, Torgau, Trossin and Wermsdorf are part of the Saxon Heathland region.
To the north, the Saxon Heathland borders Saxony-Anhalt with the Dübener Heide Nature Park, stretches across the Dahlener Heide to the Elbe and touches Saxony's largest fruit-growing area, the Saxon Fruit Region. Amid lush green scenery, charming villages, lovingly restored windmills and enchanting towns are waiting to be explored.
Here, time moves differently
The spa town of Bad Düben is considered the gateway to the Dübener Heide and is framed by the heathland of the same name and the river meadow landscape of the Mulde, which winds along the western edge of the town towards Goitzsche and Muldestausee.
Roland Town Belgern & Gneisenau Town Schildau
Belgern-Schildau was created through the merger of the Roland town of Belgern and the Gneisenau town of Schildau. The town is situated between the River Elbe and the Dahlener Heide, just a few kilometres south of Torgau.
The eastern gateway to the Dahlener Heide
The municipality of Cavertitz, with its 12 districts, is located on the edge of the Dahlener Heide, which has been a protected landscape area since 1967. This region is exceptionally scenic and has been a popular local recreation destination for holidaymakers for many years.
The southern gateway to the Dahlen Heath
The heath town of Dahlen lies in the heart of Saxony. The adjacent Dahlener Heide protected landscape has been a rewarding and popular destination for those seeking recreation and day-trippers for decades.
The gateway to the Düben Heath
The forests around Doberschütz are a popular destination for visitors and residents of the greater Leipzig area. Starting from Doberschütz, you can reach the “Pressel Heath Forest and Moorland” nature conservation project. Beavers and cranes have already settled here again.
Gänsedomm'sch - Saxony's northernmost town
Dommitzsch, situated between the Elbe floodplains and the Dübener Heide, offers nature lovers, hikers and cyclists enjoyment and relaxation in its idyllic rural surroundings. Cyclists arriving from the Elbe Cycle Route from the direction of Torgau are greeted by the town’s silhouette, with the town hall and St. Mary’s Church.
Town on the Mulde with a green heart
The major district town of Eilenburg, with its six districts and located on the edge of the Dübener Heide, can rightly call itself one of the cradles of Saxony. The town is a paradise for nature lovers, hikers and cyclists, and an ideal starting point for exploration tours of all kinds.
The episcopal town with over 1,000 years of history
The town of Mügeln, a former episcopal seat of the Diocese of Meissen, is nestled in an idyllic hilly landscape with vast orchards. The former Marienthal Monastery in Sornzig is considered one of the cradles of Saxon fruit growing and can now be used for events.
Idyllic country life on a former manor estate
The small municipality of Naundorf near Oschatz offers a peaceful, green destination for leisure and active visitors. In addition to the Jahnatal Cycle Route and the opportunity to explore the castle park with views of the Old and New Castle and the Old Manor Estate, the small municipality can also be reached via the Döllnitz Railway stop between Mügeln and Oschatz.
This is where Saxony blossoms
The charming town of Oschatz lies between the Dahlen Heath and Wermsdorf Forest. Its favourable location on the once important trade route, the "VIA REGIA", led to the town's foundation around 1200.
The magnificent Renaissance town on the Elbe
This architecturally impressive town, more than 1,000 years old, is located in the north-east of the Leipzig Region. Hartenfels Castle, a masterpiece in the style of the early Renaissance of the 15th and 16th centuries, is visible from afar and shapes the townscape.
The south-eastern Dübener Heide
The municipality of Trossin is characterised by an extensive and varied natural landscape. Whether it is the Dahlenberg Reservoir, Fuchsberg with panoramic views of the heathland, or the pond landscapes of Trossin - the municipality offers an interesting nature experience for everyone.
Forests, castles and lakes
Wermsdorf owes its present-day fame beyond the region to its scenic charm and its history shaped by Saxony's past. The setting of the two Wermsdorf castles is particularly impressive: the Old Hunting Lodge and the royal-electoral Hubertusburg palace complex.
Experience the breathtaking natural beauty and relaxing tranquillity from the water too. Whether you cross the Elbe on the Belgern Elbe Ferry or paddle along the natural and varied routes of the Mulde river in an inflatable boat - everyone will find their own personal highlight here. And if the weather doesn’t play along, you can take a break in the many indoor and leisure pools, or relax with a massage in the spa or recharge your batteries in the sauna .
An absolute highlight, known far beyond the borders of Saxony, is Hubertusburg in Wermsdorf - one of Europe’s largest hunting lodge complexes. Even Augustus the Strong loved to relax and go hunting here. The town of Torgau on the Elbe is famous for its most important surviving castle from the Early Renaissance, Hartenfels Castle. As a former residence of the Electors , Torgau is considered one of the cradles of the Reformation. Martin Luther spent a great deal of time in the town, preached sermons and, in 1544 , consecrated the castle chapel - the first Protestant church building.
Whether festivals, exhibitions, concerts or sporting events – the year has many exciting highlights in store in the Saxon Heathland!
Anyone wishing to explore the region as a tourist can take part in numerous themed trips on the Wilder Robert Narrow-Gauge Railway between Oschatz-Mügeln-Glossen/Kemmlitz.
In April, Elbe Day in Torgau commemorates the meeting of American and Soviet troops on the River Elbe. Another highlight in the events calendar is the nationally popular Wermsdorf Castle Night, held every year in May, where the organisers, dressed in historical costumes, take care of visitors’ physical well-being. The German Mill Day always takes place on Whit Monday. More than 20 sites in the region then open their doors to visitors and organise a wide range of programmes. Crowd-pullers in the Dübener Heide include the Nature Park Festival and the Wood Sculpture Competition.
The best-known event is Horstseefischen, which takes place on the second weekend in October. Ceremonially opened by the reigning Saxon and Wermsdorf Fish Queen , this special festival all about fish attracts around 80,000 visitors every year.
There is always something going on in the Saxon Heathland
Travel on the narrow-gauge railway “Wilder Robert” from Oschatz to Mügeln and experience industrial heritage .
On German Mill Day on Whit Monday, the various mills in the region are open.
Experience regional delicacies and traditional craftsmanship at numerous markets.
Enjoy the lively town festival atmosphere in the towns and villages of the Saxon Heathland.
Podcast
Welcome to Leipzig - The podcast for your Leipzig trip
Across fields and meadows in the Saxon Heathland
In the certified Tourist Information offices and regional info points, knowledgeable staff are ready to advise you on site. They can help with questions about events and tickets, excursions, city and themed tours, dining and accommodation. You can also purchase regional souvenirs here and receive brochures and leaflets.
Of the total of 10 Tourist Information offices in the Saxon Heathland, two are certified by the German Tourism Association: The Tourist Information Bad Düben in the NaturParkHaus and the Torgau Information Centre. You can recognise them by the red "i".
The staff specialise in supporting you in the best possible way during your stay and helping you enjoy an unforgettable experience in the Saxon Heathland.
Browse, Plan, Book
Trip planner
Active guide
Event flyer
seasonal guest magazines
Brochure
“Under the Open Sky”
Travelling with a tent and motorhome
Do you love travelling by motorhome or caravan? Welcome to the Leipzig region. This brochure gives you an overview of excursion tips and pitches in and around Leipzig.
In the species-rich Dübener Heide Nature Park, a 75,000-hectare mixed woodland area, a true paradise awaits you: the Heide-Biber-Tour. This 30-kilometre quality hiking trail takes you from Bad Düben through unspoilt flora and fauna all the way to Bad Schmiedeberg. Another absolute highlight is the Dahlener Heide, one of Saxony's most fascinating landscape conservation areas . Or how about a tour along the Luther Trail in Saxony?
The Saxon Heathland also offers plenty of opportunities for all cycling enthusiasts . The Mulderadweg and the Elberadweg run through the region, while various transregional cycle routes offer exciting tours through the heathland landscapes. In the heart of Saxony lies the Saxony's fruit-growing region, which not only impresses with its picturesque hilly landscape and cultural and historical sights, but is also known for its extensive orchards.
Immerse yourselves in industrial heritage of a special kind on a trip with the more than 125-year-old Döllnitzbahn railway, also known as "Wilder Robert". This narrow-gauge railway has a long history and is a real experience. The historic mills of various kinds in the region also keep the theme of industrial heritage alive and show how important they were for human life over the centuries.
The HeideWächter Tour is an exciting adventure that takes about 90 minutes and covers a distance of approx. 1.5 km. Along the route around the Nature Park House in Bad Düben, tricky puzzles and creative tasks await you on the topics of beavers, water, biodiversity, bees, energy, and wood. To take part, all you need is your own smartphone or tablet. If you successfully complete all the tasks, you can crack the code for the treasure chest and become a proud “HeideWächter”.
Here’s how it works: Download the free Actionbound app and start the app. Then you can either scan the start QR code on site or find the tour on the map in the app and download it. Now you’re ready to go.
You can find more information about the app on the Actionbound website.
Eilenburg - city on the Mulde with a green heart
St. Nicholas Town Church
Castle Hill
Sorbian Tower
Wermsdorf - forests, castles and lakes
Old Hunting Lodge
Hubertusburg Palace
Albert Tower on the Collm
