© Greg Snell

Freiberg

Welcome to a UNESCO World Heritage site

Discover the treasures of an old silver mining town

Legend has it that, 850 years ago, a shiny lump of ore at the roadside paved the way for Freiberg to becoming a “Silberstadt®” (silver town). Today, the town – now part of the UNESCO-listed Ore Mountains mining region – still displays the sparkle and shine of its former wealth, with more than 550 listed buildings in the late medieval town centre bearing witness to the "silver age".

These include the Freiberg Mining Academy, founded in 1765 and the oldest of its kind in the world, and St. Mary's Cathedral with its world-famous Silbermann organ and the noted Goldene Pforte (Golden Portal). There’s also the magnificent Freudenstein Castle housing the treasures of "terra mineralia", Germany's largest mineral exhibition with over 3500 minerals, gemstones and meteorites. And if you want to delve even deeper into Freiberg’s mining tradition, venture 150 metres underground and visit Freiberg's traditional silver mine.

850 years

Age of Freiberg

3500 gems

and minerals are on display in the "terra mineralia" exhibition

48 hrs in Freiberg

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 Freiberg. Don’t miss the “terra mineralia” museum and try the local Eierschecke cake!

terra mineralia

© Katja Fouad Vollmer

Housed in Freudenstein Castle, “terra mineralia” displays thousands of beautiful items which originated in all layers of the earth and the vast depths of space. The collection was created and lovingly cared for over a period of more than 50 years. A special highlight awaits visitors on the ground floor where, underneath a Renaissance vault, beautiful gemstones, rare meteorites and the largest and most beautiful mineral specimens of the collection are showcased. Many of the finds are extremely rare or even unique and give the viewer a stunning insight into the diverse spectrum of colours and shapes of the world’s crystals. You won’t find this anywhere else!

Eine Gruppe macht einen Bergmannsschmaus im Silberbergwerk Reiche Zeche in Freiberg. Sie haben eine Platte auf dem Tisch und stoßen miteinander an.
Freiberg's mining heritage

Our insider tips

  • "Reiche Zeche" silver mine shaft -  Going back 800 years, Freiberg's visitor mine is one of the oldest and largest mines in Saxony, with 1,000 ore veins.

  • Freiberg´s historic town centre is listed - and a wonderful ensemble to explore! Be sure to visit the Obermarkt and Untermarkt squares.

  • Freiberger Eierschecke: Don’t miss this delicious cake, consisting of lots of eggs, flour and sugar.

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