Neustadt in Sachsen lies between Dresden, Saxon Switzerland National Park and the Upper Lusatian Highlands. The Neustadt Valley ranges from 300 to 585 meters above sea level and is bordered by the Hohwald and Ungerberg ridges. There are two ways to explore the area: historical sites in the town and trails and leisure activities. This lets you plan your stay around your interests in local history, outdoor activities or seasonal nature.
Traces of the historic market
The first documented mention dates to 1333, when Neustadt was described as a gold-mining town founded by miners from Freiberg. Several historical landmarks stand in the market square: the town hall is around 300 years old, and a post-distance column dating from 1729 stands nearby. A bronze fountain in the market commemorates the livestock markets held there for centuries.
Church, castle and mills
The Protestant St. Jacobi Church preserves a fully intact Late Gothic choir from the 15th century. The historic parsonage, Neustadt’s oldest building, stands near the church. It was the workplace of Pastor and local historian Wilhelm Leberecht Götzinger. Langburkersdorf Castle adds restored, painted ceiling elements from the 17th century to this selection, which visitors can admire. The castle also has a room for events, concerts and cultural highlights. Langburkersdorf Court Mill is a former watermill; the historic building has been opened to the public.
The dates mark different historical periods: 1333 is the first documented mention of Neustadt, the choir dates from the 15th century, the painted ceiling elements from the 17th century, and the post-distance column from 1729. Comparing them helps place the market, church and castle in their distinct historical contexts.
Valley, park and outdoor activities
The centrally located Arthur Richter Park offers a walk among rare trees, a pond, a fountain and waterfowl. In the district of Polenz, meadows of spring snowflakes come into bloom seasonally; valley walks are especially appealing in spring. Neustadt in Sachsen has more than 160 kilometers of developed and signposted cycling routes. Local hiking and cycling trails also lead directly to the outdoor swimming lake and Polenz Forest Pool; parking is available nearby.
Guided tours and leisure activities
A guided walking tour introduces Neustadt’s history, anecdotes and local stories. For another leisure option, Mariba Freizeitwelt offers a wave pool, a large waterslide, whirlpools, water attractions, a spa and sauna facilities. In the district of Polenz, the former servants’ house is used for events.
When planning your visit, take two different factors into account: the spring snowflake bloom varies from year to year, and you should check the walking tour’s schedule and availability before you travel. The free tour lasts about 1.5 hours and starts in front of the town hall at Markt 1. The events program at the former servants’ house may change.
A regional connection
In the wider destination of the Sächsische Schweiz-Osterzgebirge district, Saxon Switzerland National Park is the only national park in Saxony and the only rocky national park in Germany.
Discover more destinations: Bannewitz, Wilsdruff, Dohna, Sebnitz, Stolpen, Kreischa, Tharandt, Reinhardtsdorf-Schöna
Back to the main travel overview: Saxon Switzerland.
