Press

The UK is among Saxony’s ten most important international source markets, with 100,000 British guests having spent overnights in the region – mainly in Dresden and Leipzig – between January and November 2016. Saxony’s 2017 agenda will again provide tourism professionals with lots to choose from for inspiring itineraries and trips to remember:

Pencil in Dresden for…...a splendid display of power and fashion

In the city’s historic centre, Dresden Royal Palace (Residenzschloss Dresden) serves as the centre of the Dresden State Art Collections (Staatliche Kunstammlungen Dresden). With the opening of two new permanent exhibitions on 9 April, the most beautiful items in the collection of Dresden Armoury (Rüstkammer) will for the first time be on public display in the splendid surroundings of the Palace’s newly renovated Renaissance Wing: “On the Way to Electoral Power” and “The Electoral Wardrobe” offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of 16^th and 17^th century ceremonial weapons and clothing owned by the Prince-Electors of Saxony. www.skd.museum/en

… the reopening of the Kulturpalast (Palace of Culture) on 28 April

After three and a half years of construction work the city’s Kulturpalast will reopen as a major performance platform and with a new concert hall at its centre. Kulturpalast will also be the new home for three prestigious cultural institutions all under one roof: Dresdner Philharmonie (Dresden Philharmonic Orchestra), the Herkuleskeule political cabaret and Städtische Zentralbibliothek (Central Municipal Library).

… the 40^th anniversary of Dresden Music Festival, 18 May to 18 June

The festival’s programme is second to none in its variety and quality, featuring anything from concerts by acclaimed orchestras and chamber music to performances by top international soloists. Under artistic director Jan Vogler, Dresden Music Festival has grown to reflect the city’s cosmopolitan, diverse and vibrant cultural outlook and visitors particularly delight in the festival’s beautiful venues across town, including churches, museums and palaces. www.musikfestspiele.com/en/music-festival

… a trip along of the Saxon Wine Route, celebrating its 25^th anniversary in 2017

Covering 55 km, the Saxon Wine Route between Pirna and Diesbar Seusslitz runs through the most stunning parts of the Saxon Elbe Valley and takes in Dresden and Meissen. Visit vineyards, sample wines in traditional taverns and enjoy the almost Mediterranean lifestyle along the way. Tip for cycling holidays: a section of the Elbe Cycle Route runs almost parallel. Plus, paddle steamers and historic train rides provide scenic ways of getting to destinations on the Saxon Wine Route. 

Head to Leipzig for…
… a new stunning 360° panorama in the city’s Panometer

Artist Yadegar Asisi’s latest panorama project “Titanic” focuses less on the actual disaster and more on the sinking of the luxury liner as an example for man’s hubris, with the intention of portraying the grandiose engineering achievement while also highlighting how humanity tries and fails to dominate nature. Visitors have a viewpoint that is set some 3,800 metres below the surface of the water at the level of the shipwreck. www.asisi.de/en

... the ever popular Spinnerei Gallery Tours in May & September

The Spinnerei, formerly a cotton mill, is now home to some of Leipzig’s top galleries and more than 100 artist studios. In May and September, all galleries and exhibition spaces launch new shows and art lovers love to explore the Spinnerei on these occasions. In addition, there are guided tours throughout the year, providing fascinating insights into this unique cultural hub. www.spinnerei.de

… the wonderful Bach Festival Leipzig: “A Beautiful New Song – Music and the Reformation“, 9 to 18 June

Bachfest Leipzig is one of the world’s major classical music festivals. Performances at authentic Bach sites and the involvement of the Gewandhaus Orchestra and St. Thomas Boys Choir make it a unique occasion for Bach fans from all over the world. In the year of the 500^th anniversary of the Reformation, the 2017 edition will focus on Luther’s influence on Bach and highlight the crucial role Saxony played in the process of the Reformation. www.bach-leipzig.de

… the city’s glorious Festival of Lights on 9 October

Every year, Leipzig commemorates the first large Monday demonstration in 1989 leading to the Peaceful Revolution and Fall of the Wall with a light festival and numerous events. Expect stunning light, audio and video performances and international artists. www.lichtfest.leipziger-freiheit.de

… some cool designs at Grassimesse and Designers’ Open, 20 to 22 October

The yearly Grassimesse fair is an international forum of contemporary applied art and experimental design and was founded in 1920 as a “Meeting Place of Modernity”. Designers’ Open (DO) as a younger spin-off features work of up-and-coming artists as well as fashion shows, readings and parties with so-called DO spots all over town in galleries, shops and creative studios. www.grassimesse.de, www.designersopen.com

… the ultimate Christmas experience at Leipzig Christmas Market, 28 Nov to 23 Dec

Dating back all the way to 1458, the market features six areas that blend in harmonically with the fascinating historical scenery of the city’s centre. With more than 250 twinkling stalls. Leipzig Christmas Market is one of the largest in German, offering visitors a multitude of festive delights from culinary treat to a traditional medieval market. www.leipzig.travel/christmas

Don’t miss these off-the-beaten-track destinations for…
... yet more art treasures and musical performances in unusual surroundings

Torgau, located on the banks of the Elbe in northwestern Saxony, played a crucial role for the Reformation and served as its political centre. On the occasion of the 500th anniversaryof this momentous event in European history, Dresden State Art Collections has chosen the town’s Renaissance Hartenfels Palace to put some precious art treasures on show: The exhibition “Torgau. Home of the Renaissance and Reformation“ (19 May to 31 Oct) will be set in the late Gothic Albrechtsbau of the palace and feature items from the Collections‘ Armoury and Green Vault. www.skd.museum/en

The catholic side of the Reformation will be highlighted with a special exhibition at Albrechtsburg in the town of Meissen, about 15 miles northwest of Dresden: “A Treasure not of Gold: Benno of Meissen – Saxony’s first Saint“ (12 May to 15 Nov) focuses on the symbolic importance of bishop Benno of Meissen and his canonization.www.schloesserland-sachsen.de/en/

Heading in the opposite direction, the unique rock formations of Saxon Switzerland southeast of Dresden have formed the backdrop for a very special music festival since the early 1990ies: “Sandstone and Music“ is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year (April to December), inviting guests to enjoy classical music in unusual surroundings, including quarries and old church ruins. ww.saechsische-schweiz.de/en

For more information and our Saxony sales guide, please contact:

Wolfgang Gärtner
TMGS Tourismus Marketing Gesellschaft Sachsen mbH
Phone +49 (0) 351 49 17 022
gaertner.tmgs@sachsen-tour.de
www.sachsen-tourismus.de

 As a hotspot for culture and city breaks, Saxony offers an outstanding variety of attractions that are of international standing and provide visitors with stunning experiences. Until the end of July 2016, 3,8% more UK visitors in comparison to last year and altogether 29,573 guests were attracted by Saxony’s wealth of history and culture which also resulted in increased overnights with 65,756 and 5,8% more than in the same period in 2015. Saxony’s 2017 agenda will again provide tourism professionals with lots to choose from for inspiring itineraries and trips to remember:

Pencil in Dresden for …

… the reopening of the Kulturpalast (Palace of Culture) on 28 April:

After three and a half years of construction work the city’s Kulturpalast will reopen as a major performance platform and with a new concert hall at its centre. Kulturpalast will also be the new home for three prestigious cultural institutions all under one roof: Dresdner Philharmonie (Dresden Philharmonic Orchestra), the Herkuleskeule political cabaret and Städtische Zentralbibliothek (Central Municipal Library).

… the 40^th anniversary of Dresden Music Festival, 17 May to 11 June:

The festival’s programme is second to none in its variety and quality, featuring anything from concerts by acclaimed orchestras and chamber music to performances by top international soloists. Under artistic director Jan Vogler, Dresden Music Festival has grown to reflect the city’s cosmopolitan, diverse and vibrant cultural outlook and visitors particularly delight in the festival’s beautiful venues across town, including churches, museums and palaces. www.musikfestspiele.com/en/music-festival

… a trip along of the Saxon Wine Route, celebrating its 25^th anniversary in 2017:

Covering 55 km, the Saxon Wine Route between Pirna and Diesbar Seusslitz runs through the most stunning parts of the Saxon Elbe Valley and takes in Dresden and Meissen. Visit vineyards, sample wines in traditional taverns and enjoy the almost Mediterranean lifestyle along the way. Tip for cycling holidays: a section of the Elbe Cycle Route runs almost parallel. Plus, paddle steamers and historic train rides provide scenic ways of getting to destinations on the Saxon Wine Route.

Head to Leipzig for ….

… a new stunning 360° panorama in the city’s Panometer, opening on 28 Januar:

Artist Yadegar Asisi’s latest panorama project “Titanic” focuses less on the actual disaster and more on the sinking of the luxury liner as an example for man’s hubris, with the intention of portraying the grandiose engineering achievement while also highlighting how humanity tries and fails to dominate nature. Visitors will have a viewpoint that is set some 3,800 metres below the surface of the water at the level of the shipwreck. www.asisi.de/en

... the ever popular Spinnerei Gallery Tours in January, May & September:

The Spinnerei, formerly a cotton mill, is now home to some of Leipzig’s top galleries and more than 100 artist studios. In January, May and September, all galleries and exhibition spaces launch new shows and art lovers love to explore the Spinnerei on these occasions. In addition, there are guided tours throughout the year, providing fascinating insights into this unique cultural hub.www.spinnerei.de

… the wonderful Bach Festival Leipzig: “A Beautiful New Song – Music and the Reformation“, 9 to 18 June:

Bachfest Leipzig is one of the world’s major classical music festivals. Performances at authentic Bach sites and the involvement of the Gewandhaus Orchestra and St. Thomas Boys Choir make it a unique occasion for Bach fans from all over the world. In the year of the 500^th anniversary of the Reformation, the 2017 edition will focus on Luther’s influence on Bach and highlight the crucial role Saxony played in the process of the Reformation. www.bach-leipzig.de

… the city’s glorious Festival of Lights on 9 October:

Every year, Leipzig commemorates the first large Monday demonstration in 1989 leading to the Peaceful Revolution and Fall of the Wall with a light festival and numerous events. Expect stunning light, audio and video performances and international artists. www.lichtfest.leipziger-freiheit.de

… some cool designs at Grassimesse and Designers’ Open, 20 to 22 October:

The yearly Grassimesse fair is an international forum of contemporary applied art and experimental design and was founded in 1920 as a “Meeting Place of Modernity”. Designers’ Open (DO) as a younger spin-off features work of up-and-coming artists as well as fashion shows, readings and parties with so-called DO spots all over town in galleries, shops and creative studios. www.grassimesse.de, www.designersopen.com

… the ultimate Christmas experience at Leipzig Christmas Market, 28 Nov to 23 Dec

Dating back all the way to 1458, the market features six areas that blend in harmonically with the fascinating historical scenery of the city’s centre. With more than 250 twinkling stalls. Leipzig Christmas Market is one of the largest in German, offering visitors a multitude of festive delights from culinary treat to a traditional medieval market. www.leipzig.travel/christmas

In 2015 the Free State of Saxony is in the mood to celebrate, so it is no coincidence that at ITB the slogan of this federal State, whose stand can be found in its usual location in Hall 11.2, is  ’Saxony – Celebrate with us!’. Tourismus Marketing Gesellschaft Sachsen and some 50 other exhibitors from Saxony will be inviting exhibitors to celebrate together with them. Certainly, there are enough anniversaries worth celebrating.

They include 1,000 years of Leipzig, 850 years of the Nikolai Church and Leipziger Messen, 500 years of printing and publishing in Leipzig, 30 years of the renovation of the Semper opera house and the 10th anniversary of the service held to bless the Frauenkirche in Dresden as well as the 800th anniversary of the Dresdner Kreuzchor in 2016. Saxony’s Fürst Pückler Park in Bad Muskau, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, will be celebrating its 200th anniversary and the Bergakademie Freiberg its 250th. Other highlights include a national exhibition, ’Luther und die Fürsten’, organised by Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden, the newly refurbished collections of Industriemuseum Chemnitz, as well as the August Horch Museum Zwickau and the numismatic museum (Münzkabinett) of Residenzschloss Dresden. Concerts and festivals highlighting traditional customs will also be taking place.  On an area covering 900 square metres interactive theme islands, an entertaining programme of stage performances ranging from classical music to hot dance rhythms, images, films, handicrafts, culinary offerings as well as disco music await visitors to ITB Berlin.

Dresden, February 2015. Saxony’s agenda for this year and 2016 is packed full of highlights
and classy events. Take a look at our selection, rest assured there’s more and pick and choose to your liking.

London, December 2014 – 2015 will see the 25th anniversary of Germany’s reunification, and the regions of Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia have come a long way since the fall of the Wall. Now a prime travel destination featuring a unique combination of cultural and natural attractions, the Cultural Heart of Germany also offers a fascinating glimpse into the country’s most recent history.

London, October 2014. From Christmas baubles to the tradition of public Christmas trees and never forgetting the Stollen Christmas cake – the Cultural Heart of Germany, comprising the regions of Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia, is where many festive customs originated. From the oldest Christmas market to hidden gems in small towns, take your pick and pencil in a Christmas market break, taking you to places where Christmas truly is at home.

London, August 2014. Let’s face it, summer is coming to an end. Slowly, but surely. Not to worry, though, autumn is the perfect time for European city breaks, and the Cultural Heart of Germany has some top options from tracing contemporary history in Leipzig to checking out a delicious chocolate festival in the Harz mountains.

London, June 2014. A bit of cycling, a bit of pampering, some (sparkling) wine. How does that sound to you? If there is one thing the neighbouring regions of Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia do really well, it is combining the good things in life and come up with a nice package. Here are a few ideas how to venture off the beaten track this summer and discover highlights of the Cultural Heart of Germany.

London, April 2014. The sound of music is alluring as ever in the Cultural Heart of Germany with 2014 yet again showcasing the unique heritage visitors can enjoy in Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia. From Bach to Strauss via Handel, take a look at all things concerts, festivals and musical events.

London, February 2014. 25 years ago the whole world had their eyes on Berlinwhen the Wall came down on 9 November 1989. The anniversary is being celebrated this year and if you really want to uncover the story of the Peaceful Revolution, you need to cast your eyes further than the German capital and delve into the Cultural Heart of Germany.