'''Saxony''' (''Sachsen'') is federal state in the east of Germany. Outside of Berlin it contains the two largest and important cities in eastern Germany, Leipzig and Dresden. The state has a long history of independence as a kingdom (much like Bavaria), and as a result has a strong sense of self-idenity. It is home to many historic towns and cities and also the eastern German mountain range, the Ore Mountains or "Erzgebirge" which it shares with the Czech Republic to the south. It also shares international borders with Poland and the region of Silesia to the east.
Regions
Lower Silesia/Oberlausitz
Vogtland
Saxon Switzerland
Cities
Dresden -state capital with old baroque city centre - a MUST SEE!
Leipzig -old banking and publishing city famous for its ties to Bach
Chemnitz
Aue
Bautzen
Gorlitz -well preserved historic city on the border to Poland and Silesia
Hainichen
Hoyerswerda
Oberwiesenthal
Riesa
Zwickau
Other destinations
Meissen - medieval cathedral and home to first European china factory.
Erzgebirge (''Ore Mountains''), especially Seiffen
Sachsische Schweiz (''Saxon Switzerland'')
Zittauer Gebirge
Dresdner Heide
Radebeul
Understand
Talk
Language of communication is naturally German, but the Sorbs in the Oberlausitz also speak their own language. Sorbian is a sister language of Polish and Czech. The Saxon accent is quite strange for most other Germans and therefore often ridiculed and used in comedy. Regardless, the Saxons are very proud of it and it remains a strong part of the region's identity. English is widely spoken and many, especially young people, have a basic knowledge of another foreign language, like French, Spanish or Italian. Russian might be understood by the middle-aged and older Saxons, but with a growing Russian-German community, you might even find a native speaker of the language.
Get in
By plane
Saxony has two major airports used for scheduled passenger flights in Dresden and between Leipzig and Halle. Flights to nearly all German cities and to some destinations in Europe are offered. The airport of Leipzig has a slightly better network and good Autobahn and rail connections. Dresden's airport is closer to the city and easily accessible with public transport and car. The 'Flugplatz Altenburg Nobitz' between Leipzig and Chemnitz is a base for Ryanair, flying daily to London Stansted and Girona
Get around
See
Do
Eat
Drink
Stay safe
Get out