A church that was moved to Martin Luther Square in 2007 and a protected area on a recultivated open-cast mining site reveal two different sides of Borna. Architectural history, Luther’s legacy, mining and nature conservation sit side by side here. If you’re looking for a hotel in Borna, one simple question can help you plan: should your trip focus mainly on historical sites, the landscape, or a leisure or events theme?
Churches with Different Stories
Construction of the late Gothic hall church of St. Mary began in 1411; it was consecrated in 1456. The church is associated with Martin Luther: he preached there and wrote his famous Ash Wednesday letter there. Architectural history and the history of the Reformation thus meet in one place.
St. Emmaus Church was completed in 1258 and is considered one of the oldest churches in Saxony. Its history, however, extends beyond the medieval building: in 2007, it was moved intact from Heuersdorf to Borna and erected at Martin Luther Square. At St. Kunigunde’s Church, the focus is on the Romanesque brick building. The three-aisled basilica was built around 1170 and has neither a tower nor bells. Wall paintings depicting saints from the mid-15th century were uncovered beneath the plaster. A late Gothic winged altarpiece from Görnitz has stood on the altar since 1999.
Reichstor, Town Trails and Events
The Museum of the City of Borna is housed in the Reichstor and adjacent buildings. The Reichstor was rebuilt in the Baroque style in 1723; the complex includes a mining hall and permanent exhibition areas. Two historical trails explore Borna’s historic town centre. They are marked by seven large information boards and four historic coats of arms, each highlighting historically significant buildings or nearby places.
Volksplatz offers a different setting for a visit: this open-air venue hosts concerts, comedy, summer cinema and family festivals. It has around 5,000 seats and a permanent 28-by-18-metre movie screen. If you’re travelling to Borna for an event, check the Volksplatz calendar in advance, as the programme changes.
Lake Bockwitz and Leisure Activities
Lake Bockwitz and its surroundings form one of Saxony’s largest nature reserves. The former open-cast mining area around the lake was renatured after mining ended, allowing unique biotopes to develop. The Bockwitz educational trail focuses on grazing as a way to preserve open habitats for protected species. As the information along the trail may change, it’s advisable to check the latest updates from the relevant authorities before your visit.
Jahnbad Borna combines several water and wellness facilities, including a 25-metre sports pool, a non-swimmer pool and a ship-shaped paddling pool for children. The sauna and wellness area includes a sanarium, a Finnish sauna, an outdoor Kelo sauna and relaxation areas. Check the latest information about facilities and access before travelling.
Geschichtenhof Wyhra: Rural Life and Getting There
Through interactive permanent exhibitions in a regionally typical farmstead, Geschichtenhof Wyhra presents rural life around 1900. Families can take part in baking in the farm oven and playing traditional children’s games. The programme may vary by season, so check what’s scheduled during your travel dates before visiting.
Take the S6 to Neukirchen-Wyhra, then bus 255 to the Wyhra (Wyhratal) stop. Public transport services may change, so check the timetable and connection before setting off. This makes it possible to plan a specific journey to Geschichtenhof without assuming that seasonal activities are available year-round.
Discover more destinations: Narsdorf, Regis-Breitingen, Otterwisch, Kitzscher, Grimma, Bad Lausick, Leipzig, Rötha
For the regional travel overview: Leipzig District.
