© Philipp Herfort

Bautzen

A medieval dream

Bautzen, of cobbled streets and medieval towers

Welcome to Bautzen in Upper Lusatia! Or, as the town is the cultural centre of the Sorbian community in Germany: "Wutrobnje witajće“. Bautzen looks back on a long history and was first mentioned in 1002 as Budusin, or Budyšin in Sorbian.

Today, it is one of Germany’s best preserved medieval towns with a beautiful skyline of 14 medieval towers. Climb up and enjoy fabulous views of the surrounding countryside and explore the old town on romantic alleys and past proud town houses with intricately carved portals.

1000 years old

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1 famous specialty

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14 towers

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Bautzen highlights

48 hours in Bautzen

Unique architectural monuments, exciting museums, and culinary delights. Take a look at the most beautiful sights, things to do and insider tips for a long weekend in Bautzen. And don’t miss trying the famous Bautzen mustard and Sorbian culinary specialities!

Eine Kellnerin im sorbischen Restaurant hat Brotstücke und einen Aufstrich auf einem Brettchen stehen. Eine Frau kostet gerade etwas davon. © Tobias Ritz
Culinary specialities at “Wjelbik”, a Sorbian restaurant in Bautzen
Sorbian restaurant in Bautzen
Eier in verschiedenen Farben und mit liebevoll gezeichneten Mustern liegen auf Schalen. In Bautzen haben Sorbische Osterbräuche eine lange Tradition. © Philipp Herfort Photography
Bautzen: Sorbian Easter customs

Our insider tips

  • Museum Bautzen : With a collection of around 400,000 exhibits, the Museum Bautzen is one of the largest and most modern museums in Saxony.

  • Bautzen Memorial : First a Soviet camp, then a Stasi prison – the prisons “Bautzen I” and “Bautzen II” commemorate the victims. Admission is free.

  • Sorbian traditions: Beautiful hand painted Easter eggs look like small works of art and can be bought at Easter egg markets and at any time at the tourist information office.

„The clock can stop, time goes on.”
- Sorbian saying -

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