Freiberg
Freiberg is part of the UNESCO-listed Ore Mountains/Krušnohoří mining region and can look back on a long and eventful history of silver mining, which you can explore on a long weekend full of inspiring moments.
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Day 1 in Freiberg: Friday
Check into your accommodation, stop by the tourist information, climb up Petri Tower to get an overview of town and then, how about a bit of shopping?
2 pm: CHECK-IN
Welcome in Freiberg! We trust you will have found your accommodation of choice, be it a B&B, holiday flat or hotel. Unpack your bag, freshen up and get exploring!
At the tourist information on the beautiful Schlossplatz square, a friendly team is at hand with all the information you need. You can also buy the very handy “Silber Card” here for free admission to museums and lots of discounts!
3.30 pm: COFFEE BREAK
Settle down in one of the town’s cosy cafés with a nice cup of coffee and piece of the original Freiberg Eierschecke cake. You could try “Konditorei Hartmann”, the oldest pastry shop in town, for cakes, chocolates, and other delicacies, all enjoyed in an enchanting 18th century Baroque building.
Next, it’s 220 steps up the 72-metre-high tower of St. Peter's Parish Church to enjoy splendid views of the historic old town and surrounding area. We’d then suggest a bit of (souvenir) shopping in Freiberg’s small independent shops. Can never do any harm, we think…
7 pm: DINNER
End your first day in Freiberg in one of the town’s cosy restaurants.
Day 2 in Freiberg: Saturday
Your first highlight of the day will take you underground to experience Freiberg’s mining history first hand. Then, be prepared for a lot of sparkle after your guided city tour – and a culinary firework in the evening.
Even from a distance, the steel headframe will show you the way to Freiberg’s “underground world". A pit cage takes visitors down 150 metres where a good 12 miles of ore passages are waiting to be explored with expert guides who will tell you all about Saxony’s oldest and largest mine. Be prepared for some fascinating insights!
1 pm: LUNCH BREAK
For refreshments after your underground adventure, you'll find plenty of places in the town centre, such as “Schlosscafé” (known for its spiced meat snacks) or "sächsi Kartoffelhaus" with a menu that should delight potato lovers. “Janny's Eiscafé” near the town hall is also quite tempting, for ice cream, warm waffles, crêpes, and yummy cakes.
Guided city tours take place from Easter through to the end of October (and are included in your Silber Card). Enjoy exploring Freiberg’s beautiful historic old town centre with its more than 500 listed buildings!
Next on the agenda: a visit to what is probably the worldwide largest exhibition of minerals. Terra Mineralia, located in Freiberg’s Freudenstein Castle, features 3,500 glittering minerals and shiny gemstones from Europe, Africa, America, Asia, and Australia. Let yourself be dazzled!
6 pm: DINNER
Whether you prefer gourmet cuisine or home cooking, foodies will not be disappointed in Freiberg, which also happens to have a beer brewing tradition going back to 1266. Cosy “Brauhof” is a great place for beer lovers, as is “PUBagai” on Schlossplatz square, where 70 beers from 40 countries are on the menu.
© Rene JungnickelNeedless to say, the following only applies in summer, but should you be in Freiberg when the nights are warm and long, join in the fun at Freudenstein Castle which hosts many events including open-air concerts, parties or cinema.
Day 3 in Freiberg: Sunday
It’s your last day in Freiberg. We have a few more cultural highlights for you before it’s time to say goodbye.
The local Town and Mining Museum in a late Gothic building is one of the oldest museums in the whole of Saxony. It houses unique exhibits telling the story of hundreds of years of ore mining in Freiberg.
© Greg SnellNext to the museum, Freiberg’s most important cultural monument is waiting for you: St. Mary's Cathedral, built in the 12th century, is a feast for the eyes and ears. Join a guided tour to learn about the treasures of the church, such as the Golden Gate and the Tulip and Miner's Pulpits. Then, enjoy the splendid sound of the world-famous Silbermann organ!
12.30 pm: LUNCH
For your last lunch in Freiberg, we recommend the historic “Pfeffersack” restaurant. For a lighter lunch, try “Café Andelt” right next to the cathedral.
2 pm: SILBERMANN HOUSE
The almost 500-year-old Silbermann House is located on Schlossplatz square and the place where the famous organ builder Gottfried Silbermann (1683-1753) built 45 of his world-famous organs. Today, an exhibition provides interesting insights into the world of this great master. A last highlight before you’re off on your return journey…