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 Hubertusburg Palace was built between 1721 and 1724 by order of Augustus the Strong. Architects such as Ch. Naumann, J. Ch. Knöffel, and J.H. Schwartze shaped the complex. A masterpiece of Dresden Baroque, it ranks among the largest hunting lodges in Europe and was once the largest country palace in Saxony. Moreover, it was not only a palace but also the Saxon royal residence. Hubertusburg's golden age 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. With the Peace of Hubertusburg, which ended the war in 1763, the palace entered European history. Today, the Catholic chapel, fully restored in 2007, the royal box, the restored oval hall (only accessible as part of guided tours through the tourist information office) and an information panel 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. These include the annual New Year's Day swim at the Luppa natural swimming pool, the Wermsdorf Castle Night, the Collm Marriage Market, and many more. A particular highlight in the municipality's event calendar is the traditional drag hunt, held every two years in September. This event, which is very much in the spirit of Augustus the Strong, is not only for horse and hound enthusiasts. Riding over obstacles, driving a carriage past them, always following the pack of hounds, with a hearty hunting break and a traditional "Halali" (the hunting cry) at Hubertusburg Castle, participants and spectators alike 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 swimming area is a popular destination for swimmers, surfers, and anglers, inviting visitors to swim and relax by the water. A particular highlight is the historic post mill, lovingly maintained by the local heritage association. A new addition is a modern motorhome park with 52 individual pitches, making the region especially attractive for campervan travelers.

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.