Döbeln

Doblin Castle was first mentioned in a deed of gift in 981, but has long since ceased to exist. However, the town on the Freiberger Mulde can boast other historical monuments. The proudest witness of the past is the venerable church of St. Nicolai, with one of the largest preserved late Gothic carved altars in Saxony and the Mirakelmann. The movable, life-sized sculpture made of linden wood is one of the very few examples of medieval piety of its kind preserved in Europe. With such figures of Christ, the Passion of Christ could be depicted.

With the start of silver mining, Döbeln flourished economically. Unfortunately, the Thirty Years' War and severe fires in the town left only a few historical monuments intact. The Döbeln Theatre, built in 1872, was badly damaged in a fire in 1911, but was reopened just one year later and is now used by the Central Saxon Theatre. The new town hall in neo-Renaissance style was inaugurated in 1912. It houses the original Döbeln giant boot and the town museum. Art lovers will find current special exhibitions in the town museum's small gallery and a permanent exhibition in the Erich Heckel Savings Bank House with works by Erich Heckel, the German Expressionist painter and graphic artist born in Döbeln.

The historic horse-drawn tram has been running again in Döbeln since June 2007. Trips, which take place every first Saturday of the month between May and October and on the two weekends of the Christmas market, offer the opportunity to travel on rails at a leisurely pace through the lively center and guarantee an unforgettable experience. The German Horse-Drawn Tram Museum deals with the history of horse-drawn railways and horse-drawn trams all over the world.

For sports enthusiasts, there is a very well-developed network of hiking and cycling trails, ideal for trips with the family and for extensive exploration of the surrounding area. 

Before your visit, take a look at the city of Döbeln with the digital city tour.