Wermsdorf

Wermsdorf, which was first mentioned in documents in 1206, owes its current fame beyond the borders of Saxony to its scenic charm and interesting history, which is shaped by Saxon history. Even the Saxon rulers, including Augustus the Strong, came to relax in Wermsdorf. Since 2004, Wermsdorf has officially been a "state-recognized health resort." Here you can relax like a king and take advantage of a wide range of options.

The municipality is located in the southwestern part of the district of North Saxony. Including its districts of Calbitz, Collm, Gröppendorf, Lampersdorf, Liptitz, Luppa, Mahlis, Malkwitz, Wadewitz and Wiederoda, the municipality covers an area of ​​105 km². A large part of this is made up of forest and water areas.

A wide range of archaeological finds prove that Wermsdorf and its surroundings were already a settlement area for people from the Stone, Bronze and Iron Ages. The cultural landscape museum at the Kirchenteich in the western Wermsdorf forest invites visitors on a 3200-year journey into the past with sophisticated display boards. The excavations that take place every year in summer gradually complete the history of the settlement area.

The backdrop of the two Wermsdorf castles is particularly impressive. The Old Hunting Lodge was built between 1607 and 1610 by Christian II and remodeled and expanded between 1617 and 1626 by Elector Johann Georg I in the German Renaissance style. Under the master builder Simon Hoffmann, a three-wing complex with an octagonal staircase tower and artistic sandstone work was built. Today, the Old Hunting Lodge houses the municipal administration, the tourist information office and a cultural center. The renovation of the west wing of the Old Hunting Lodge was completed in 2023. Coworking spaces, club rooms and a studio were created in this building. The former horse stable impresses with its charm and is often used by artists as an exhibition space.

The royal electoral palace complex Hubertusburg was built between 1721 and 1724 on the orders of Augustus the Strong. Master builders such as Ch. Naumann, J. Ch. Knöffel and JH Schwartze gave the complex its shape. As a masterpiece of Dresden Baroque, it is one of the largest hunting lodges in Europe and was once the largest country palace in Saxony. In addition, it was not just a palace - it was a Saxon residential palace. The "heyday" of Hubertusburg came to an abrupt end during the Seven Years' War. In 1761 it was completely plundered by Prussian troops. Only the Catholic chapel remained intact. The "Peace of Hubertusburg", which ended the war in 1763, put the palace in European history. Today, the Catholic chapel, which was completely restored in 2007, the royal box, the restored Oval Hall (which can only be visited as part of guided tours via the tourist information office) and an information board tour erected in 2011 impressively tell the story of the former residential palace.

Wermsdorf is worth a visit not only because of its castles. The forest surrounding the town creates the necessary atmosphere for rest and relaxation. The extensive forest areas take up more than half of the municipal area. The Wermsdorf forest is particularly suitable for hiking, cycling and horse riding. Augustus the Strong had his governor set up the forest for par force hunting (hunting). We owe the extraordinary network of paths in the Wermsdorf forest to this circumstance. The path division, which has been preserved to this day, is the basis for a well-signposted network of hiking trails, with sufficient seating areas and rest areas.

For the purpose of fish farming, 26 artificial ponds were created around the town. Around 500 years ago, dams were built in the stream valleys to hold back the water. Together with the Wermsdorf forest, the numerous ponds promise pure nature.

The largest inland fishing festival in Germany, the Horstsee fishing festival, takes place every year on the second weekend in October on Wermsdorf's most famous lake, the Horstsee, with the reigning fish queen and August the Strong. The festival is a magnet for tens of thousands of guests from near and far. Visitors can marvel at the traditional fishing trip, smell the scent of freshly smoked goods, take home freshly caught fish or simply try everything on site. In addition, around 100 traders, showmen with small and large rides and a large marquee with a varied program for everyone ensure a great atmosphere.

Unique traditional festivals have developed throughout the municipality. For example, the New Year's Day swim in the Luppa natural pool, the castle night in Wermsdorf, the marriage market in Collm, the park festival in Calbitz and much more take place every year. A special highlight in the municipality's event calendar is the traditional drag hunt, which takes place every two years in September. This event, which takes place in the spirit of August the Strong, is not just for horse and dog lovers. On horseback over obstacles, past them in a cart, always following the pack of dogs, with a hearty hunting break and a halali in the courtyard of Hubertusburg, active participants and onlookers experience an unforgettable day.

In the run-up to Christmas, visitors can expect an extraordinary spectacle featuring geese and all the other things that make Christmas perfect, right at the Eskildsen Goose Farm. In a cozy atmosphere on over 1.000 m², you will find both live and slaughtered geese, goose delicacies of all kinds, fresh carp and fish specialties, bread, herbs, juice and mulled wine, game specialties, arts and crafts, Christmas decorations and Christmas trees. You will find products from regional suppliers in particular at the Eskildsen Goose Market. There is also plenty of food and drink available, and you can enjoy a good roast goose on site.

Another popular destination is the Collm, probably the oldest mountain in Saxony, with its Albert Tower (observation tower). With its height of 312 m, the Collm is the most striking elevation in the North Saxon lowlands. In 1865, the Collm was an important station in the Central European geodetic survey; a column-shaped granite pillar on the south side of the tower commemorates this event. From the local Albert Tower, you can enjoy a far-reaching panoramic view of the region and the Wermsdorf Forest. The district of Collm is idyllically situated at the foot of the mountain. Saxony's oldest linden tree stands in the cemetery in the center of the town. It is an impressive 18 meters high, has a trunk circumference of 11 meters and is over 1.000 years old. In the Middle Ages, justice was administered under this linden tree and Martin Luther is said to have rested here.

The Luppa natural pool is an oasis for swimmers, surfers and anglers. Those seeking relaxation will find not only the clear water but also opportunities for wading and boating. Also worth seeing is the post mill in Luppa, which is lovingly maintained and looked after by the local heritage association.

In the district of Kötitz, the local heritage association, in collaboration with many helpers and artists from the Prösitz artist estate, has designed the "Kötitz Sculpture Park". In addition to two ponds and a very old tree population, the elongated park also features several modern brick sculptures.

The inns and restaurants in the municipality of Wermsdorf contribute significantly to physical well-being with their culinary delights, especially regional fish, goose and game specialties, and an innovative ambience. Hardworking and hospitable residents are proud of what they have created. They look forward to welcoming all guests, regardless of whether they are staying in a hotel or guest house or visiting Wermsdorf as a day tourist.

For further information or individual offers, the Wermsdorf Tourist Information is available and can arrange guided tours, accommodation and event tickets. Take a look at the town and its sights before your visit, with the digital tour.