Zwickau can be explored through a variety of themes: music history, automotive manufacturing, historic buildings and walking paths through parks. When choosing where to stay, you can first consider which aspect interests you most. The Robert Schumann House brings together a specific biographical site and an important collection of manuscripts; the August Horch Museum focuses on a different aspect: the history of automotive manufacturing.

Music, Automotive Manufacturing and City History

The Robert Schumann House is located in the house on Hauptmarkt where Robert Schumann was born on 8 June 1810. The collection includes more than 4,000 original manuscripts by Robert Schumann and Clara Wieck. Concerts are held in the house’s chamber music hall on the ground floor. This brings Schumann’s birthplace, original musical documents and a concert venue together in one building.

The August Horch Museum, at the historic birthplace of Audi, offers a technical perspective on Zwickau’s history. Its 6,500 square metres of exhibition space showcase more than 120 years of Zwickau’s automotive history. The Priesterhäuser offer another focus: the City and Cultural History Museum features permanent and special exhibitions. Restored parlours, chambers and smoke kitchens illustrate everyday life in the late Middle Ages. Visitors who choose museums by theme will find a range of perspectives, from music and automotive manufacturing to historical ways of life.

Churches, Castle and Architecture

In its present form, St. Catherine’s Church is a Late Gothic hall church, resulting from a renovation in the 15th century. One notable feature is the altar from 1518, created in the workshop of Lucas Cranach the Elder. Here, architectural history and a precisely dated work of art can be explored through two specific features.

Osterstein Castle is Zwickau’s former city castle. Between 1587 and 1590, it was converted into a Renaissance castle. At Johannisbad, Art Nouveau and Neo-Gothic styles meet bathing, sauna and wellness facilities. These examples illustrate the variety of Zwickau’s architectural heritage: from a former city castle and a Late Gothic church to a bathhouse with several architectural influences.

Park Paths and Green Spaces

Schwanenteich Park is Zwickau’s oldest landscaped park. An extensive network of paths makes it possible to enjoy walks with views across the waters of Schwanenteich pond. Melzerwiese meadow also has a gondola station and a play fort. Visitors who want to focus on paths and views during their stay will find a different kind of experience here than in the museums and historic buildings.

MuldeParadies lies between Zwickau city centre and the Zwickauer Mulde river and is intended for walks and relaxation. The grounds include children’s playgrounds, benches and a barbecue area; they have been designed to be accessible and family-friendly. Compared with the network of paths around Schwanenteich, the focus here is on these amenities. Both green spaces offer different ways to enjoy a break outdoors.

Historic Centre and Cultural Programme

The historic city centre around St. Mary’s Cathedral offers restaurants, cafés and shops to visit while strolling around. Two historical walking trails are marked with information panels. There are also theatre, music, ballet, concerts and a puppet theatre. If you would like to include a performance in your plans, check the dates before your trip. The combination of walking trails and stage performances adds more ways to explore Zwickau alongside its museums and architecture.

Discover more destinations: Mülsen, Wildenfels, Remse, Lichtentanne, Reinsdorf, Neukirchen/Pleiße, Glauchau

For the overview of the wider region: Zwickauer Land.